Hand and wrist injuries can happen in the blink of an eye, or they can develop after years of repetitive motions and trauma. Some people are more at risk than others, but everyone is susceptible to sudden or chronic injuries. If you do suffer a sudden injury or are dealing with lingering hand or wrist pain, Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance can help!
Finding an experienced, qualified wrist and hand specialist in Kansas City plays a critical role in achieving successful outcomes. With KCOA, our providers can ensure both an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan tailored to your symptoms and goals. Read on below to learn more about some of the common hand and wrist injuries we treat!
Acute Hand & Wrist Injuries
An acute injury occurs when someone has sudden trauma to the area, generally as a result of some sort of physical activity. In these instances, people tend to notice a strong and immediate pain in the area. This may lead them to seek treatment from a wrist or hand specialist in Kansas City. Some of the most common acute injuries include:
- Fractures
- Sprians, Strains, & Tears
- Dislocations
- Bruises
- Nail bed injuries
- Jammed fingers
- And more
Because of their sudden nature, there’s more randomness associated with acute injuries. It’s hard to predict events like falling, twisting, or forcible trauma—which comprise some of the most common causes of acute injuries. This makes preventing acute injuries much more challenging.
One of the primary factors that affects your risk of acute hand and wrist injuries is your activity level. There’s no question that regular physical activity is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you have a very active lifestyle or participate in a labor-intensive career, it puts you at higher risk for an acute hand and wrist injury.
Chronic Hand & Wrist Injuries
Chronic injuries fall on the other end of the spectrum from acute ones. Chronic hand and wrist conditions don’t usually stem from a single, specific incident. Rather, they develop gradually and can become more painful and severe over time.
Chronic hand and wrist injuries develop from repetitive trauma to bones, tendons, and joints. How that trauma occurs can vary, however. Some people may have previously suffered an injury in the area that failed to properly heal. In cases like these, the tissues continue to degenerate and lead to more serious conditions, such as osteoarthritis.
In other instances, people can develop a chronic condition due to years of repeated motions and overuse of a specific body part. Certain careers and hobbies can exacerbate these problems and cause issues like inflammation or stress fractures.
For instance, someone who writes for their career or plays tennis every day has a particularly high risk of developing chronic hand and wrist injuries. The repeated motions put stress on particular areas of the extremities, which can create a muscle imbalance. Additionally, poor technique with these motions can add even more stress and increase the injury’s severity.
Some common chronic hand and wrist injuries include:
- Tendonitis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Trigger Finger
- Joint pain & stiffness
- And more
Searching for a Wrist or Hand Specialist in Kansas City? Contact KCOA Today!
At Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance, we’re dedicated to creating a superior patient experience for all. Regardless of the location or severity of your injury, our team will work with you to ensure the best possible outcome.
Request an appointment with one of our providers to find the best treatment option for your needs. You can also receive a thorough evaluation, by calling (913) 319-7600 or by using our symptom tracker tool. If you have any additional questions or comments, feel free to fill out our contact form to get a prompt response from a KCOA representative.
