Our specialty-trained wrist doctors at North Louisiana Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic are experts in providing experienced care for patients’ wrist injuries and conditions.

When a wrist doctor diagnoses a patient, that medical professional uses their specialized skills to determine the source of the wrist pain and how it is uniquely affecting that patient. Next, the wrist doctor draws on their depth and breadth of knowledge to map out a treatment plan that is best suited for the individual in their care. Since the wrist is comprised of many structures, including eight small bones and surrounding tissues, people with wrist issues should seek out a doctor who has expertise in the wrist.

An example of a common issue that wrist doctors treat is a repetitive stress injury known as carpal tunnel syndrome. Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include tingling or numbness in the fingers. People with arthritis also commonly experience wrist pain, and wrist doctors work with them to find relief from their symptoms

A person can have a perfectly healthy wrist one day and fall and catch their fall with their hand and wrist the next day, which often results in hyperextension, or a wrist sprain or fracture. Wrist doctors can expertly treat injuries like this as well.

When It’s Time to Seek Wrist Care

Take note of the symptoms you are experiencing and communicate those to your doctor so they will have a better understanding of what may be happening. Here are just some of the symptoms that people with wrist problems typically have:

• Impaired thumb and finger dexterity
• Instant pain when injured
• Numbness
• Pain that radiates from the wrist to the elbow
• Swelling
• Symptoms are worse at night
• Thumb pain that extends into the wrist area
• Tingling
• Unable to move the fingers without pain
• Unable to rotate the wrist
• Wrist appears unstable
• You can feel a lump on your wrist

If any of these symptoms describe your issue, it’s possible that you may have one of these wrist conditions or injuries:

• Carpal hyperextension injury
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• De Quervain’s syndrome
• Ganglion cyst
• Gout
• Kienbock’s disease
• Nerve or tendon damage
• Osteoarthritis
• Tendonitis
• Wrist fracture

Wrist pain can have a negative effect on your life, leaving you unable to complete everyday tasks. If the pain and underlying condition remain untreated, there is a risk of further injury or damage occurring, which is why it’s imperative to contact one of our wrist specialists and set up a consultation. Call us today at (318) 362-4411 to schedule an appointment or request an appointment online. We have clinics in Monroe, Ruston, and West Monroe, and we also offer rehabilitation services at our Monroe Rehab and West Monroe Rehab facilities.

Our doctors understand that some injuries require immediate attention. If your wrist injury can’t wait, visit our Orthopaedic After Hours Clinic at our main location in Monroe. Walk-ins are welcome, and no appointment is necessary.

Expert Wrist Care You Can Trust

Since 1951, our doctors have remained dedicated to providing specialized bone, joint, and muscle care to the communities of northeast Louisiana. They are backed by a knowledgeable and professional staff and are equipped with the latest resources, technology, and tools they need to deliver the very best orthopaedic care to all patients.

At North Louisiana Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic, our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons, Dr. Grant Dona, Dr. Martin deGravelle Jr., and Dr. Timothy “Daven” Spires Jr. are experts at understanding the multitude of wrist issues that exist and the most appropriate ways to treat them. Our wrist surgeons believe in exhausting all conservative treatments first before considering a medical procedure or surgery. However, if our surgeons diagnose your damage as severe, they may recommend surgery and will educate you about the process, which includes what you need to consider, how you can prepare for surgery, and what you can expect during recovery.

Our specialty-trained physical therapists and occupational therapists work closely with our wrist surgeons to provide each patient with a personalized treatment plan. Our expert therapists are dedicated to helping all patients return to their daily activities quickly and safely, combining specific activities and exercises in ensuring that patients can restore joint and muscular function, strength, and range of motion.

If you have concerns about your wrist, schedule an appointment to talk through your options with one of our expertly trained wrist surgeons by calling us at (318) 362-4411 or requesting an appointment online.