HAND, WRIST & ELBOW PAIN DOCTORS IN CHICAGOLAND
PROVIDING PAIN RELIEF FOR HANDS AND ELBOWS
Compassionate, Double-Board Certified Pain Management Specialists
Trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, and Tennis elbow are three incredibly common ailments that impact most people at some point in their lives. This is because they are often the result of repetitive use and strain.
At MAPS Centers For Pain Control, our team of double-board certified physicians is uniquely qualified to handle all forms of pain in these regions, whether they are the result of age, disease, injury, or any other underlying condition.
If you experience pain in your wrists, hands, or elbows, contact the team at MAPS Centers For Pain Control to schedule your appointment:
Achieve Long-Term Hand, Wrist and Elbow Pain Relief at MAPS Centers for Pain Control
Are you experiencing pain around your hands, wrists or elbows? While these body parts are connected, they all present pain in different ways. Let’s take a closer look at these pain areas and how they differ from one other.
Hand pain refers to discomfort in any part of the hand, including the fingers and palms. You may experience hand pain due to overuse, fractures, sprains or arthritis. Over time, this pain can impede grip strength and mobility, making it difficult to perform regular activities.
Wrist pain, meanwhile, is discomfort experienced in the wrist joint. Like hand pain, it can be caused by fractures, sprains and general overuse. It’s also linked to arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Wrist pain and hand pain are often connected; if your wrist aches, you may find it harder to use your hands.
Finally, elbow pain is discomfort that targets the elbow joint. Two of the most common causes are tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, which are caused by repetitive, strenuous motions. Elbow pain is also connected to arthritis, fractures and nerve compression. While some people may notice a minor, dull ache, others might experience limited arm mobility and decreased strength.
Common Causes and Symptoms of Pain in the Hands, Wrists, and Elbows
As mentioned above, hand, wrist and elbow pain can be caused by anything from injuries to medical conditions to general wear and tear. Here are some common causes:
- Sprained arm muscles: Sprains occur when the muscles in the arm are overstretched or torn.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: Caused by the compression of the median nerve in the wrist, this condition results in numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand and fingers.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Characterized as an autoimmune disorder, this condition causes the immune system to attack the joints.
- Tennis elbow: A common condition in athletes, tennis elbow is caused by repetitive motions that strain the tendons.
We work with patients who experience a number of reported symptoms, including the following:
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or hands: Weakness and numbness is usually linked to nerve compression, injuries and/or carpal tunnel system.
- Intermittent pain that subsides then returns: Some patients experience persistent pain; others, however, have intermittent pain that comes and goes.
- Trigger finger: This condition is when a finger becomes stuck in a bent position due to inflammation in the tendon.
- Inflammation and swelling: Inflammation and swelling occur when tissues become irritated and fluid builds up.
- Inability to grip: Conditions such as arthritis and muscle weakness can make it difficult to grasp objects.
- Pain or discomfort moving the hands or fingers: In many cases, hand, wrist and elbow pain is linked to limited mobility.
- Muscle cramping or tension: Characterized by a sudden tightening of the muscles, cramps can cause pain and soreness.
- Inability to move the elbow without pain: Conditions such as tennis elbow, fractures and strains can cause inflammation and restrict elbow movement.
A Spectrum of Medical Solutions for Treating Pain
MAPS is Chicago’s leader in conservative treatment for chronic and acute pain, including pain in the wrists, hands, and elbows. We provide a comprehensive, holistic plan that addresses your pain from many facets.
Some of our recommended treatments for pain include:
Every patient’s situation is unique; therefore our physician examines the patient closely to identify the underlying cause before determining an appropriate treatment plan.
Injection-Based Therapy
Many patients respond positively to our injection-based treatments which offer the benefit of rapid pain relief as well as the benefits of being non-surgical. Many of them also help to lubricate the intricate ligaments and tissues surrounding and within the joints. This may include:
- Intra-articular Joint Injections: Delivered directly into the elbow joint, these injections use anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Cortisone (Steroidal) Injections: This injection delivers a strong, anti-inflammatory steroid directly into the elbow, resulting in quick pain relief.
Alternative Medicine
The team at MAPS offers an innovative injection therapy plan that contains growth elements that harness the body’s natural ability to heal. If appropriate, a physician may recommend this form of treatment depending on the nature and location of the injury.
Commonly referred to as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, this treatment uses a patient’s own blood to relieve pain. The growth factors in the plasma are injected directly into the affected area, where they then stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.
Responsible Medication Management
While the opioid crisis has made a negative impact on reducing the pain of Americans, there is still a place for responsible medication management that is closely monitored and observed if it provides a benefit to our patients. Our physicians may recommend:
- Ethical Pain Medicine Management: Ethical medication management involves personalizing medication to meet a patient’s needs and monitoring the results to reduce the risk of dependency or adverse effects.
- Over-The-Counter Medications and Supplements: When combined with other treatments, OTC medications can help relieve pain.
Physical Therapy
Getting out of pain means you can get back to a normal life more quickly. The physicians at MAPS work with some of the highest regarded physical therapists in the area and may recommend PT as a part of a comprehensive hand, wrist, or elbow pain treatment.
Through a combination of manual techniques, exercises and hot and cold therapy, PT helps address issues such as muscle strains and inflammation. Over time, physical therapy can improve strength, expand mobility and restore function in the hands, wrists and elbows.
Bracing & Supports
Bracing and rehabilitative support can help provide better outcomes in many scenarios, particularly for the hand, wrist, or elbow, because repeated actions can lead to trauma and injury. Bracing allows for a patient to give the needed rest and support so they can get better, faster.
By stabilizing and immobilizing the affected area, braces reduce movement that could otherwise worsen the injury or condition. They also improve alignment and encourage circulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I seek treatment for hand, wrist and elbow pain?
You should seek treatment if you experience any symptoms of hand, wrist and elbow pain that lasts past a few days. These include swelling, numbness, tingling and mobility problems.
What should I expect during my first consultation?
During your first consultation, the doctor will review your medical history and ask about your symptoms. They may also perform a physical examination to better understand your pain.
What is the recovery time for hand, wrist and elbow treatments?
Recovery time varies depending on the cause and extent of your condition. Mild injuries may heal in a few weeks, while things like fractures and carpal tunnel syndrome might take several months.
Can I manage my pain at home?
You can manage pain with at-home remedies such as heat and ice packs, OTC medication and stretching exercises. However, based on your condition, you may need professional intervention.
How can I prevent hand, wrist and elbow injuries?
You can minimize the risk of injuries by taking breaks from typing, being careful when playing sports and stretching regularly. However, some pain conditions (such as arthritis) are unavoidable.
What treatment is best for me?
The best treatment depends on your personal needs and preferences. At MAPS, we’ll carefully assess your condition before recommending treatment plans.
Why Choose the Specialists at MAPS Centers for Pain Control?
Looking for high-quality hand, wrist and elbow pain relief? Whether your pain is caused by a muscle strain, carpal tunnel syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis, our experts at MAPS can help. We offer a team of double-board certified, fellowship-trained physicians who are committed to your comfort and well-being. We take the time to understand your unique symptoms and needs, which allows us to deliver highly personalized, patient-centered care. Achieve the relief you deserve by scheduling a consultation today!
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WHAT SETS US APART
Our Level of Dedication And Excellent Patient Advocacy
At Centers for Pain Control,
Our Patients Are Our Priority
WHAT SETS US APART
Our Level of Dedication And Excellent Patient Advocacy That Our Patients Have Come to Know and Expect
A Leader in Treating Pain
At MAPS, every physician is double-board certified and fellowship-trained in anesthesiology and pain medicine. That means that every patient receives care from physicians who are trained with the highest level of medical certification. Our passion for patient care stems from our excellence and leadership in what we do – treat pain.
Contact Us Today
If you’re experiencing pain in the elbow, wrist, or hand, and it is causing you to miss out on things you love – you don’t have to suffer in pain any longer. Discover your nonsurgical options today with MAPS. With 7 convenient locations, our team is ready to help you take your first step towards a pain-free life.
773-917-8400
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