Hand and Wrist Pain

Specialized Wrist & Hand Care with Dr. Burke Orthopedics


Expert Care for Wrist and Hand Pain – Regain Mobility and Function

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we understand how vital your wrists and hands are for your everyday life — from writing, typing, and gripping to lifting and carrying. When pain or injury limits your ability to perform these tasks, it can impact your work, independence, and quality of life.

Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, provides advanced, evidence-based treatment options to restore hand and wrist function and relieve pain.
Serving Houston, Pearland, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, Dr. Burke and his team deliver compassionate, patient-centered care tailored to your needs — helping you return to a pain-free and active lifestyle.

  • Revolutionary Cartilage Restoration
  • Long-Lasting Results
  • Minimally Invasive Procedure

Common Causes of Wrist and Hand Pain

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  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common wrist conditions, caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. It often affects individuals who perform repetitive tasks such as typing, assembly work, or using tools.

Symptoms:


  • Numbness, tingling, or burning in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
  • Weakness or difficulty gripping objects
  • Pain that worsens at night or during repetitive motion


How Dr. Burke Treats It:


  • Dr. Burke may recommend wrist splinting, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy to relieve nerve pressure and reduce inflammation.


Surgical Options:


  • In severe or chronic cases, carpal tunnel release surgery may be performed to decompress the nerve and restore normal hand function.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Non-surgical recovery: 4–6 weeks with therapy.
    Post-surgical recovery: 6–8 weeks, supported by hand rehabilitation to restore grip strength and mobility.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

2. Tendonitis

Tendonitis occurs when tendons in the wrist or hand become inflamed from repetitive motion or overuse. This condition often affects athletes, workers, and musicians who perform frequent gripping or twisting motions.

Symptoms:


  • Pain and tenderness in the wrist or hand
  • Swelling and stiffness near the affected tendon
  • Pain that increases with activity


How Dr. Burke Treats It:


  • Treatment usually involves rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and targeted physical rehabilitation to strengthen and stabilize the joint.


Surgical Options:


  • In rare cases where the tendon is torn or severely inflamed, tendon repair surgery may be required to restore function.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Non-surgical: 4–6 weeks.
    Surgical: 3–6 months, depending on tendon healing and physical therapy progress.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

3. Wrist Fractures

Wrist fractures are among the most frequent upper-extremity injuries, especially involving the distal radius. They often result from falls, sports trauma, or vehicle accidents.

Symptoms:


  • Severe pain and swelling around the wrist
  • Visible deformity or misalignment
  • Bruising and difficulty gripping or rotating the hand


How Dr. Burke Treats It:


  • Dr. Burke uses X-rays and imaging to evaluate the fracture and determine whether immobilization or surgical repair is needed.


Surgical Options:


  • For displaced or complex fractures, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plates, pins, or screws may be performed to ensure proper bone alignment and healing.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Casting recovery: 6–8 weeks.
    Surgical recovery: 8–12 weeks, with structured physical therapy to rebuild motion and strength.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

4. Trigger Finger

Trigger finger occurs when inflammation narrows the tendon sheath in the finger, causing pain and “locking” during movement. It’s common in individuals who frequently grip or grasp tools.

Symptoms:


  • Finger stiffness, especially in the morning
  • Popping or clicking sensation during finger movement
  • Difficulty straightening or bending the affected finger


How Dr. Burke Treats It:


  • Initial treatment may include rest, splinting, anti-inflammatory therapy, and steroid injections to reduce swelling and improve flexibility.


Surgical Options:


  • If symptoms persist, Dr. Burke can perform a trigger finger release to restore smooth tendon motion.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Non-surgical: 4–6 weeks.
    Post-surgery: 6–8 weeks, with hand exercises to regain full range of motion.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

5. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis causes inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, often from repetitive lifting, twisting, or gripping activities.

Symptoms:


  • Pain or swelling at the base of the thumb
  • Difficulty gripping, lifting, or rotating objects
  • Pain that radiates up the forearm during motion


How Dr. Burke Treats It:


  • Treatment includes rest, splinting, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy to reduce inflammation and improve wrist and thumb movement.


Surgical Options:


  • In resistant cases, Dr. Burke may perform a tendon sheath release to restore normal motion and alleviate pain.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Non-surgical: 4–6 weeks.
    Surgical: 2–3 months, depending on tissue healing and therapy response.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

6. Nerve Compression (e.g., Ulnar Nerve)

Nerve compression in the wrist or hand — such as ulnar nerve entrapment — occurs when nerves become pinched due to repetitive motion or swelling, leading to pain and numbness.

Symptoms:


  • Tingling or numbness in the ring and pinky fingers
  • Weakness in grip strength or dexterity
  • Pain that worsens with wrist or elbow motion


How Dr. Burke Treats It:


  • Dr. Burke focuses on reducing nerve compression through splinting, anti-inflammatory therapy, and rehabilitation exercises.


Surgical Options:


  • In severe or chronic cases, Dr. Burke may perform ulnar nerve decompression or transposition surgery to relieve pressure and restore normal sensation.


Recovery Timeline:


  • Non-surgical: 4–6 weeks.
    Post-surgery: 2–4 months, with progressive hand therapy to restore strength and coordination.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

Why Patients Across Houston & Pearland Trust Dr. Burke Orthopedics

  • Board-certified orthopedic surgeon with extensive expertise in hand and wrist reconstruction
  • Comprehensive, patient-centered care — diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation in one location
  • Evidence-based orthopedic solutions that focus on lasting results
  • Trusted by patients across Houston, Pearland, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

Get Same-Day Diagnosis and
Treatment for Wrist and Hand Pain

Don’t let wrist or hand pain limit your independence or ability to work. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer same-day appointments for diagnosis and treatment — helping you return to comfort and functionality quickly. Whether you’re facing carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, fractures, or nerve compression, Dr. Burke and his team are here to guide you toward lasting relief.

Disclaimer:


The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional care based on information you have read here. Click For The Full Declaimer

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA-Cleared Procedure

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How do I know if my wrist or hand pain requires medical attention?
    If your pain persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by swelling, numbness, or difficulty moving your fingers or wrist, it’s important to see Dr. Burke for an evaluation. Early diagnosis can prevent long-term complications.
  • Can wrist and hand conditions heal without surgery?
    Many wrist and hand conditions, such as tendonitis and mild fractures, can heal with non-surgical treatments like rest, physical therapy, and medications. Dr. Burke will evaluate your condition and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
  • How long does it take to recover from carpal tunnel surgery?
    Recovery from carpal tunnel surgery typically takes 6-8 weeks, with physical therapy playing an essential role in regaining strength and mobility. Dr. Burke will guide you through the recovery process to ensure optimal results.
  • What are the signs of nerve compression in the wrist?
    Symptoms of nerve compression include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand, especially in the fingers. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention to prevent long-term nerve damage.

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