Hand Pain

Kirkland, WA Hand Pain Specialist

Dr. Galle specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm. Hand pain can have various causes, and Dr. Galle is specially trained to identify and treat the many different underlying problems. Some common causes of hand pain that an orthopedic hand surgeon might encounter include:

1. Arthritis: Osteoarthritis can affect many joints in the hand, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.
2. Trigger fingers: Inflammation at the base of the finger can result in a “catching” sensation with pain and discomfort, particularly with movement.
3. Fractures and Dislocations: Injuries such as fractures or dislocations of the hand or fingers can cause severe pain and loss of function if not treated correctly in a timely fashion.
4. Ganglion Cysts: These noncancerous lumps can develop along the tendons or joints of the hand, causing pain or discomfort.
5. Dupuytren’s Contracture: This condition involves the thickening and tightening of the tissue beneath the skin of the hand, leading to the fingers being pulled into a bent position.
6. Nerve Pain: many patients describe a painful or tingling feeling.
7. Arthroscopy: a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a small camera to look inside of a joint.

Dr. Galle uses a variety of techniques, including physical examination, imaging studies (such as X-rays or MRI), and sometimes nerve conduction studies, to diagnose the cause of hand pain. Treatment may involve medication, splinting, physical therapy, injections, or surgery, depending on the underlying condition and its severity.