Hand, Wrist & Shoulder Injuries & Conditions

As the most mobile joint, the shoulder can turn in several directions. But that mobility can put it at a higher risk of a partial or complete dislocation. A dislocated shoulder means that the top of the upper arm bone (humerus) has been forced partially or completely out of the shoulder socket.

Shoulder dislocation can result from sports injuries, traffic accidents or falls, especially if you land on your shoulder or outstretched arm. 

The rotator cuff contains four muscles that work together as tendons (tissues that connect muscles to bones) to cover the head of the humerus, connecting it to the shoulder blade. The rotator cuff helps lift and rotate your arm.

Injuries and repetitive movements are the most common causes of a rotator cuff tear, which is a tear in one of the rotator cuff tendons. You may have a partial or complete rotator cuff tear.

Injuries, conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or overuse due to repetitive movement can cause hand and wrist pain.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects a major nerve that controls feeling and movement in the hand. The condition occurs when the nerve is compressed as it passes through the wrist.

Repetitive hand and wrist motions can increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. If left untreated, the condition can cause permanent nerve damage, so see your doctor if you have pain, numbness or tingling in the hand.

Also known as medial epicondylitis, baseball or golfer’s elbow is pain near the elbow on the inside of the forearm. Golfer’s elbow causes inflammation in the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the inside of the elbow joint. It can result from repetitive movements such as bending, throwing or swinging motions.

Tennis elbow is pain near the elbow on the outside of the forearm. Also known as lateral epicondylitis, the condition affects the tendons that connect the forearm to the outside of the elbow.

Tennis elbow typically results from repetitive movements such as swinging a tennis racket.

The biceps muscle is at the front of the upper arm and is connected to the shoulder and elbow with tendons called biceps tendons. These tendons can tear, either partially or completely, at the shoulder or the elbow as a result of a sudden injury or gradual overuse.

Bones throughout the arm and shoulder – from the collarbone to the fingers – can break as a result of sports injuries, traffic accidents, falls and other causes. You may need casting or surgery, depending on the severity of the fracture.

A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament, and a strain is a stretched or torn muscle or tendon. Sprains and strains can result from overuse, falls, sudden twists or forceful impacts such as tackles or other contact during sports.