Hand and wrist

What causes hand, wrist and elbow pain?

We use our hands and arms for so many things, so it's not surprising that the muscles, tendons and joints in this area can become irritated or injured. Watch the videos below to learn about some of the most common hand, wrist and elbow conditions and their treatments.

Conditions and services

Ramsay Health Care hospitals offer orthopaedic treatment and support for a range of hand and wrist conditions. Here is a general guide to some of the most common services. Click on the plus sign (+) on the right-hand side of any heading to read more.

Fractures

Your hands and wrists are made up of many bones that come together to form a supporting framework. A fracture occurs when enough force is applied to a bone to break it. The most obvious signs of a fracture are pain, swelling, and not being able to use the injured part.

You might hear your injury referred to as a ‘fracture’ or a ‘break’. Both terms have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably.

There are a few different treatment options for fractures, and your surgeon will be able to recommend the best one for you. Many fractures can be treated without surgery. However, if any bones have moved out of place or broken off, or if the fracture extends into a neighbouring joint, surgery might be your best option for helping your bones to heal correctly. A variety of pins, wires, plates and screws can be used to stabilise fractures

Hand trauma

Our hands are vulnerable to many types of injury, from cuts and fractures to crush injuries. Because of their complexity, even relatively small injuries can sometimes affect movement or sensation, so it’s important to have them assessed by a medical professional.

In some cases, surgery may be recommended to explore the injury and repair any underlying damage, such as a fracture or tendon injury.

Rehabilitation is often an important part of recovery, helping to restore strength, flexibility and function. Ramsay Health Plus offers tailored programs to support your recovery.