Hand & Wrist Pain| Orthopedic Treatment in Philly

Anatomy Of The Wrist

Understanding wrist pain requires knowledge of wrist anatomy. The wrist consists of carpal bones forming two rows, connected by ligaments, with tendons attaching muscles to bones. Disruption to these structures can cause wrist pain. Ligaments, like the radial collateral and ulnar collateral ligaments, stabilize the joint, while tendons, including flexor and extensor tendons, enable wrist movement such as flexion, extension, and rotation. Damage to or inflammation of any of these components may result in discomfort and pain.

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Common Causes of Wrist Pain

Wrist pain can arise from various factors, ranging from repetitive strain injuries to trauma. Understanding the common causes of wrist pain can help in identifying and managing the underlying condition. Here are some of the most prevalent causes:

Arthritis

Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the wrist joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs due to wear and tear of the cartilage, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints.

Fractures

A fracture in any of the carpal bones or the radius or ulna bones can result in acute wrist pain. Fractures can occur due to falls, sports injuries, or direct trauma to the wrist.

Tendonitis

Inflammation of the tendons in the wrist, often due to repetitive motion or overuse, can cause discomfort and restricted movement. Tendonitis commonly affects individuals who engage in activities that involve repetitive wrist movements, such as typing, playing musical instruments, or participating in sports like tennis or golf.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other Nerve Entrapment

Compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel can cause wrist pain, tingling, and numbness. Carpal tunnel syndrome is often associated with repetitive hand and wrist movements, such as typing or using a computer mouse for extended periods.

Sprains and Strains

Overstretching or tearing of ligaments and tendons in the wrist can result in pain, swelling, and instability. Sprains and strains commonly occur due to sudden twisting or bending of the wrist, such as during a fall or while playing sports.

These are just a few examples of the common causes of wrist pain. Other underlying causes include, such as ganglion cysts, ligament tears, or nerve entrapment. If you are experiencing persistent or severe wrist pain, it is important to find a provider that will help you to get to the root cause of the pain and treat it.

Diagnosing Wrist Pain

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for devising an appropriate treatment plan for wrist pain. Medical professionals follow a comprehensive approach to determine the underlying cause and severity of the condition. This is precisely where Dr. Stephen Matta’s expertise shines. With his vast experience and knowledge in ultrasound diagnostics, orthopedics, functional movement and anatomy, he can accurately diagnose your condition and guide you through your treatment options. He will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and help you decide on the best course of action for your situation.

Medical History & Physical Examination

During the initial assessment, we will inquire about the duration, intensity, and location of the pain. A physical examination will involve evaluating the strength, range of motion, and stability of the wrist joint. Additionally, we may ask about any recent injuries or activities that could contribute to the pain. Dr. Matta will also evaluate using ultrasound imaging and a full orthopedic assessment to determine if the pain is the result of compensation from other areas of the body.

Imaging Tests

In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans may be necessary to identify fractures, dislocations, or other structural abnormalities. These diagnostic tools provide a detailed view of the bones, joints, and soft tissues in the wrist, aiding in the accurate diagnosis of the underlying condition.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Wrist Pain

Dr. Matta’s goal is to help our patients avoid unnecessary surgical procedures and avoid the use of steroids and pain medication. Through the use of regenerative treatments and injections, Dr. Matta is able to help the body to heal and reverse the damage that causes wrist pain. These may include:

Acupuncture with Electrical Stimulation

Targets pain relief and improves circulation and reduces inflammation.

Osteopathic Manipulation

Focuses on restoring joint and tissue mobility.

Peptide Therapy

Use of peptides to aid in tissue repair and reduce inflammation.

Platelet Rich Plasma Injections

Harnesses the body’s healing potential with concentrated platelets that are injected under ultrasound into specific points.

Stem Cell Therapy

A cutting edge therapy, still in investigational stages, where undifferentiated stem cells are used in joint/muscle injections and also intravenously to promote tissue healing and regeneration.

Nerve Hydrodissection

Involves injecting fluid and peptides to free up compressed nerves.

Prolotherapy and Prolozone Injections

Stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Targets underlying systemic causes of inflammation and pain

FAQs

Does Meeting Point Health accept insurance?

No, we do not accept insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid; however, we do take HSA/FSA, cash and credit cards. We also work with CareCredit if you choose to finance.

Our practitioners and staff fully understand and empathize with the challenges that patients face as they make financial decisions for proper health care. Our practice is very different from a conventional medical practice in many ways, and the time spent with each patient is usually 30-90 minutes. Visits with a physician covered by insurance generally allow for less than 10 minutes total! Conventional medical practices that take insurance maintain brief office visits and high patient loads for this reason. We cannot provide the expert care that every one of our patients deserves under those circumstances.

Insurance also dictates the types of treatments and order of treatments patients can receive for a particular condition. For example, if you visit your physician for chronic knee pain, they will likely start with a steroid injection because insurance requires that you exhaust steroid injection efforts before discussing other options, which may possibly impair your overall chances of recovery. Not good!

Opting out of insurance allows the patient and the doctor to maintain their medical autonomy, which is imperative to ensure you get the right treatment at the right time and the right dose.

Can I get an insurance reimbursement?

Good news! If you have out-of-network insurance benefits, you can submit your receipts for potential reimbursement. Depending on your plan, you may receive a percentage of the cost of your visit back either as a reimbursement check in the mail from the insurance company (or an equivalent amount applied to your out-of-network deductible, if applicable). Some plans reimburse up to 80%! All you have to do is ask the front desk for an insurance receipt after your visit.

How do I get started with Meeting Point Health?

Getting started at Meeting Point Health is simple. Schedule an initial discovery call online or call our office to connect with a New Patient Onboarding Specialist. During your first visit, we’ll take a deep dive into your health history, symptoms, and goals, and may recommend advanced testing or imaging to uncover the root causes of your concerns. From there, our team will design a personalized treatment plan tailored to your body’s unique needs—whether that includes regenerative therapies, functional medicine, IV therapy, or longevity care. It all begins with a single step toward feeling your best—Click to schedule a free discovery call with one of our Patient Onboarding Specialists today!

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Hand and Wrist Pain Treatment