Hand/Wrist Pain: Sprains & Ligament Injuries

Hand/Wrist Ligament Injuries Kirkland, WA

Dr. Galle treats various ligament problems in the hand, wrist and elbow. Ligaments are critical structures in the hand and wrist which guide joints so they can have smooth and stable motion. Some of the ligament problems that he frequently encounters include:

1. Skier’s Thumb (ulnar collateral ligament injury): This injury involves damage to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb which commonly tears during a fall while skiing. The pain is located about the inside of the thumb, particularly with heavy grip or pinch. 
2. Collateral Ligament Injuries: Ligaments on the sides of the fingers can be injured due to trauma or repetitive stress, leading to pain, swelling, and instability of the affected digit.
3. Finger dislocations: This is a global injury in the sense that every ligament around the joint tears during the dislocation event. Very common with basketball, cricket and football players due to the force involved from other players or contact with the ball. 
4. Carpometacarpal (CMC) Joint Ligament Injuries: Ligaments stabilizing the base of the thumb can be torn with car accidents or bicycle crashes. These injuries can be hard to diagnose correctly and may require surgery to correct the instability. 
5. Wrist Ligament Injuries: Ligaments stabilizing the wrist joint, such as the scapholunate ligament or lunotriquetral ligament, can be injured due to trauma such as a motorcycle crash. They can also be associated with fractures or in some cases of osteoarthritis if they were missed when they occurred. 
6. Distal Radioulnar Joint (DRUJ) Ligament Injuries: Ligaments stabilizing the DRUJ can be injured due to trauma or repetitive stress, leading to pain, instability, and weakness in the wrist and forearm.

Treatment for ligament problems in the hand may include conservative measures such as splinting, physical therapy, and medications, or surgical intervention, such as ligament repair or reconstruction, depending on the severity and chronicity of the injury.