Hand & Elbow Injuries

Hand and elbow injuries encompass a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries affecting the nerves, bones, muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments in the elbow, hand, wrist or forearm. These injuries can be classified as either acute or resulting from overuse.

Most hand and elbow injuries occur during sports or recreational activities, work-related tasks, at-home projects or falls. Acute injuries are typically caused by a direct blow, penetrating injury or fall, and may be followed by sudden and severe pain. Bruising and swelling may develop shortly after the injury. Acute injuries include bruises, tears or ruptures of small blood vessels, injuries to tendons or joints, strains resulting from overstretching, muscle tears, broken bones or dislocations.

Overuse injuries occur when excessive stress is placed on a joint or other tissue by repeatedly performing an activity. These injuries include bursitis, swelling, tendonosis or tendonopathy, carpal tunnel syndrome and injuries related to sports such as tennis, swimming, golf and throwing events. Other overuse injuries may arise from specific jobs like carpentry or plumbing, as well as daily activities such as lifting objects or gardening.

The Montefiore Einstein Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation will create a customized recovery plan for your specific diagnosis. Recovery may include physical therapy, home exercise programs designed for your injury and non-opioid pain management regimens. Our experts specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of hand and elbow injuries, some of which are listed below. You can find more information about each by selecting its page from the menu on the left.

• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
• Hand arthritis
• Hand pain
• Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
• Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries
• Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
• Trigger finger
• Wrist pain