Wrist & Hand Pain
Get back to typing, gripping, and using your hands without burning, stiffness, or numbness. Targeted, non-surgical treatment for the conditions that come with desk work, repetitive use, and aging hands.
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Understanding Wrist and Hand Pain
The hands are the most-used joints in your body. When something fails, daily life narrows quickly.
Approximately 3 to 6% of adults experience carpal tunnel syndrome at some point in their lives, with significantly higher rates in occupations involving repetitive wrist and hand motion. Add trigger finger, thumb arthritis, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, and the chronic conditions that come with aging hands, and wrist and hand pain becomes one of the most common reasons adults reduce activity, change jobs, or stop doing what they love.
Hand pain is rarely just about the hand. The forearm muscles, the elbow, the cervical spine, and even posture and breathing all influence how much load the wrist absorbs and how quickly it recovers.
At Joint Freedom, we treat wrist and hand pain across the full spectrum. From acute tendinopathy to chronic carpal tunnel, from thumb arthritis to repetitive strain. Every patient gets a personalized plan built around the specific structure that is driving their pain.
Source: CDC National Health Interview Survey, prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and other upper extremity conditions.
Who Gets Wrist and Hand Pain?
Wrist and hand pain affects people across age and occupation, but certain factors increase your risk. What matters is identifying your specific combination of factors so we can address them directly.
Common Risk Factors
- Repetitive hand and wrist motion (typing, manual trades, sports, music)
- Prolonged keyboard or mouse use with poor ergonomics
- Pregnancy and post-pregnancy fluid changes (carpal tunnel risk)
- Age (tendon and joint changes are progressive)
- Female biology (carpal tunnel and thumb arthritis more common in women)
- Diabetes and thyroid conditions (associated with carpal tunnel)
- Underlying conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, gout)
- Previous wrist injuries or fractures
- Occupations involving vibration (construction, manufacturing)
CARPAL TUNNEL LIFETIME RISK
3-6%
Higher in repetitive-motion occupations
Symptoms and When to Seek Treatment
Different wrist and hand problems present differently. Here is how to know when it is time to get help.
Common Symptoms
- Pain in the wrist, thumb, fingers, or palm
- Numbness or tingling in the hand or specific fingers
- Burning or electric sensations, often worse at night
- Weakness or difficulty gripping
- Catching or locking of a finger when bending
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Swelling at the base of the thumb or wrist
- Pain with specific motions (twisting, pinching, lifting)
See a Specialist If...
- Pain has lasted more than two weeks
- Pain interferes with sleep, work, or daily activity
- Numbness or tingling wakes you up at night
- Grip strength is decreasing
- A finger catches or locks
- You are dropping objects or having difficulty with fine motor tasks
- You see visible deformity or progressive joint changes
- Over-the-counter measures are not working
If you are unsure, schedule a free consultation. We will tell you honestly whether treatment is right for you.
Common Causes of Wrist and Hand Pain
Understanding what is causing your pain is the first step toward fixing it.
NERVE COMPRESSION
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist. Often presents as numbness, tingling, or burning in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger. Frequently worse at night and on waking.
TENDON CATCHING
Trigger Finger
Inflammation of the tendon sheath that causes a finger to catch, lock, or trigger when bending. Often presents as a popping or catching sensation, sometimes with a palpable nodule at the base of the affected finger.
JOINT WEAR
Thumb Arthritis (CMC)
Cartilage wear in the joint at the base of the thumb. One of the most common forms of hand arthritis, particularly in women over 40. Often presents as pain at the base of the thumb that worsens with pinching, gripping, or turning a doorknob.
TENOSYNOVITIS
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
Inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Often presents as pain at the wrist on the thumb side that worsens with grasping, pinching, or wringing motions. Common in new parents from the lifting motion of holding an infant.
OVERUSE
Wrist Tendinopathy
Chronic irritation of the tendons crossing the wrist, often from repetitive use or sudden activity changes. Often presents as pain along the back, palm, or sides of the wrist that worsens with specific motions.
ARTHRITIS
Wrist Osteoarthritis
Cartilage wear in the wrist joint, typically following previous injury or in the context of broader inflammatory arthritis. Presents as deep aching, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
SOFT TISSUE
Ganglion Cyst
Fluid-filled cyst on the wrist or hand. Often painless, but can cause discomfort or limit motion when located near tendons or nerves. Many resolve on their own; targeted treatment is appropriate when persistent or symptomatic.
How We Diagnose Your Wrist and Hand Pain
Finding the right treatment starts with understanding what is actually causing your pain.
Clinical Evaluation
We start with a thorough history and physical examination. Where it hurts, when it started, what activities trigger or relieve it. Specific provocative tests isolate the median and ulnar nerves, the tendons, the ligaments, and the joints.
Movement and Function Assessment
We assess your wrist and hand range of motion, grip and pinch strength, and how the wrist works in coordination with the forearm, elbow, and shoulder. Hand pain is often a problem of mechanics upstream from the hand itself.
Imaging When Needed
If imaging is indicated, we coordinate ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI. Ultrasound is particularly useful for visualizing the median nerve, tendons, and tenosynovitis in real time. X-ray is appropriate for evaluating joint changes and arthritis.
Clinical Evaluation
We start with a thorough history and physical examination. Where it hurts, when it started, what activities trigger or relieve it. Specific provocative tests isolate the median and ulnar nerves, the tendons, the ligaments, and the joints.
Movement and Function Assessment
We assess your wrist and hand range of motion, grip and pinch strength, and how the wrist works in coordination with the forearm, elbow, and shoulder. Hand pain is often a problem of mechanics upstream from the hand itself.
Imaging When Needed
If imaging is indicated, we coordinate ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI. Ultrasound is particularly useful for visualizing the median nerve, tendons, and tenosynovitis in real time. X-ray is appropriate for evaluating joint changes and arthritis.
What You Can Do at Home
Before your first visit, or while waiting for your consultation, these steps can help manage your pain and prevent it from getting worse.
What Helps
- Improving workstation ergonomics (keyboard height, neutral wrist position)
- Frequent breaks during repetitive tasks (every 30 to 45 minutes)
- Gentle wrist and finger mobility work
- Strengthening the forearm and grip in pain-free ranges
- Wrist splinting at night (particularly for carpal tunnel)
- Ice for acute inflammation, heat for chronic stiffness
- Modifying activities that reproduce the pain
What to Avoid
- Sleeping with the wrist bent (compresses the median nerve)
- Sustained gripping or pinching through pain
- Repetitive motions that reproduce the symptoms
- Heavy lifting with poor wrist mechanics
- Ignoring numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand
- Repeated cortisone injections (can weaken tendons and surrounding tissue)
- Relying solely on anti-inflammatory medication
These steps help, but they are not a substitute for professional evaluation. If pain or numbness persists beyond two weeks, it is time to get help.
How We Treat Wrist and Hand Pain
Two evidence-based options. Often combined. Always personalized.
LIGHTFORCE XLi
Laser Therapy
Non-invasive deep tissue laser therapy that reduces inflammation and accelerates healing in the affected tendons, joints, and surrounding soft tissue. Particularly effective for tenosynovitis, trigger finger, acute tendon irritation, and inflammation around compressed nerves.
REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
PRP Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma uses your body's own growth factors to regenerate damaged tissue. Particularly effective for chronic tendinopathy, thumb arthritis, partial ligament tears, and conditions that have not responded to conservative care.
Which Treatment Is Right for Your Wrist and Hand Pain?
Different causes call for different approaches. Here is how we typically build a plan.
01
INFLAMMATION-DRIVEN
Start with Laser
For trigger finger, De Quervain's, and acute tenosynovitis, we typically start with laser therapy paired with activity modification and bracing where appropriate. Many cases resolve within a few weeks when the underlying load pattern is addressed.
02
NERVE COMPRESSION
Reduce Compression
For carpal tunnel and other nerve-driven hand symptoms, treatment focuses on reducing compression and inflammation around the affected nerve. Laser, ergonomic changes, night splinting, and targeted movement work. Many mild to moderate cases resolve without injection.
03
ARTHRITIS
Add PRP
For thumb CMC arthritis or wrist osteoarthritis, we layer in PRP. Combined with laser to reduce inflammation and bracing for support during flares, this is where most of our hand arthritis patients see significant change.
04
CHRONIC TENDINOPATHY
Regenerate Tissue
For chronic tendon problems that have not responded to conservative care, we layer in PRP. Tissue regeneration is what these injuries need, and PRP delivers it.
Your plan is built around your specific case. We will walk you through exactly why we recommend what we recommend.
How Joint Freedom Compares
What you are really weighing when you consider your options for wrist and hand pain.
 | Cortisone Injections | Hand Surgery | Pain Medication | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it does | Regenerates tissue, reduces inflammation, restores function | Masks inflammation | Surgically alters anatomy | Masks pain |
| Recovery time | None to minimal | 1 to 2 days | Weeks to months | None |
| Addresses root cause | Yes | No | Sometimes | No |
| Long-term results | Durable, compounding | Temporary (3 to 6 months) | Permanent, with risk | Ongoing use required |
| Risk of side effects | Minimal | Moderate (tendon weakening) | High | High |
| Cortisone Injections | Hand Surgery | Pain Medication | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it does | Regenerates tissue, reduces inflammation, restores function | Masks inflammation | Surgically alters anatomy | Masks pain |
| Recovery time | None to minimal | 1 to 2 days | Weeks to months | None |
| Addresses root cause | Yes | No | Sometimes | No |
| Long-term results | Durable, compounding | Temporary (3 to 6 months) | Permanent, with risk | Ongoing use required |
| Risk of side effects | Minimal | Moderate (tendon weakening) | High | High |
Real Wrist and Hand Patients. Real Results.
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Questions About Wrist and Hand Pain
Answers from our clinical team.
Classic carpal tunnel. The median nerve passes through a tight tunnel at the wrist. When the wrist bends during sleep, or when fluid accumulates around the nerve, the result is numbness, tingling, or burning that often wakes patients up. Night splinting, posture adjustments, and inflammation reduction are usually the first interventions.
For most patients, no. The vast majority of mild to moderate carpal tunnel responds to non-surgical care. Surgery is appropriate for severe cases with progressive nerve damage, significant weakness, or failure of comprehensive conservative treatment. Even in surgical candidates, conservative care is often the appropriate first step.
Thumb CMC arthritis. The joint at the base of the thumb does most of the work when you pinch or grip, and it is one of the most common joints to develop arthritis, particularly in women over 40. Bracing, joint protection strategies, and targeted treatment can substantially reduce the pain and slow progression.
Trigger finger. The tendon that bends the finger gets caught as it slides through its tendon sheath, often producing a click, catch, or full lock. Mild cases respond to laser therapy and modified use. More established cases often need PRP or, occasionally, surgical release.
Without intervention, generally yes. With targeted treatment, progression can be slowed substantially and pain can be reduced. Many patients with thumb CMC arthritis or wrist OA maintain function for years using combined PRP and joint-protection strategies.
Depends on the cause. Acute tenosynovitis often responds to laser within a few sessions. Carpal tunnel symptoms typically improve over four to eight weeks with combined treatment. PRP for chronic tendinopathy or arthritis usually shows meaningful change between weeks four and eight.
Often not. Most wrist and hand conditions are diagnosed by clinical examination plus ultrasound or X-ray. MRI is appropriate for complex cases, suspected ligament injury, or when the clinical picture is unclear. We do not order tests that will not change the plan.
Sometimes, yes. Cervical nerve root compression can produce hand symptoms that mimic carpal tunnel or other local conditions. If your evaluation suggests a cervical contributor, we evaluate the full picture.
Many of our patients have. Bracing and PT work for some hand conditions and plateau for others. We are often the next step when conservative care has not produced results. We coordinate with hand therapy providers when continued movement-based care makes sense alongside our treatment.
Cost depends on which therapies we use and the length of your plan. Laser therapy is the most accessible entry point. PRP represents a larger investment but often replaces the cost of surgery or repeated cortisone injections. Exact pricing is provided during your consultation.
Pricing
Wrist and hand treatment cost depends on which therapies we use and the length of your plan. Laser therapy is the most accessible entry point. PRP represents a larger investment, but one that often replaces the cost of surgery, ongoing medication, or repeated cortisone injections.
We build plans around what will actually work for your hands, not around what insurance happens to cover. Exact pricing is provided during your free consultation.
Payment Options
- HSA and FSA payments accepted for eligible treatments
- Joint Freedom does not bill insurance directly
- Regenerative therapies (PRP) typically not insurance-covered
- Transparent pricing provided during consultation
- Payment plans available for qualifying treatment plans
- All major credit cards accepted
Your First Visit
Your first visit is a free consultation. No commitment, no pressure. We review your history, evaluate your wrist and hand, and discuss which treatments make sense for your specific situation.
If we are not the right fit, we will tell you that honestly and recommend what is. The consultation takes about thirty minutes.
What to Bring
- Any prior imaging (ultrasound, X-rays, MRIs) if available
- A list of medications and supplements
- Notes on when and how your pain or numbness started
- Any night splints or braces you have tried
- Comfortable clothing that allows us to examine your wrist and forearm
Related Conditions We Treat
Wrist and hand pain often shows up alongside other issues. If any of these sound familiar, we can help.
FOREARM PATTERN
Elbow Pain
Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow share mechanical patterns with wrist tendinopathy. Treating both together often produces better outcomes.
REFERRED PAIN
Neck Pain
Cervical nerve root compression can produce hand symptoms that mimic carpal tunnel. Distinguishing them changes the treatment plan.
CHRONIC JOINT CONDITION
Arthritis
Hand arthritis is part of a broader joint pattern in many adults. Comprehensive arthritis care addresses the full picture.
LIFESTYLE DRIVER
Work and Lifestyle Pain
Repetitive strain, postural patterns, and ergonomic load drive most chronic hand pain. We treat the pattern, not just the tissue.
Ready to use your hands without pain?
Find out what is causing your wrist or hand pain and what it will take to resolve it. Free consultation. No pressure. No pitch.
Address
2301 N Parham Rd, Ste 1Henrico, VA 23229
Phone
Hours
Monday – Thursday: 9:30am – 4:30pm · Friday: 9:00am – 1:00pm · Saturday & Sunday: Closed
We proudly serve patients throughout the Richmond metropolitan area, including Richmond, Henrico, Glen Allen, Short Pump, Midlothian, Mechanicsville, and Chesterfield, and surrounding Virginia communities.