Chronic Hand Pain Management in Singapore: Advanced Treatment Options

Chronic hand pain can significantly impact your quality of life, hindering daily activities and causing emotional distress. If you’re in Singapore and struggling with this persistent pain, there’s hope! This guide explores advanced treatment options available to manage your hand pain and regain function.

Understanding the Cause of Your Hand Pain:

Before delving into advanced treatments, it’s crucial to understand the underlying cause of your pain. This involves consulting a qualified hand surgeon or orthopaedic specialist in Singapore. Common culprits include:

Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can damage joints in your hands and wrists, leading to pain and stiffness.
Carpal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in your wrist causes numbness, tingling, and weakness.
Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons in your hands and wrists can cause pain and difficulty moving.
Trigger finger: This condition causes a finger to lock or jerk due to inflammation in the tendon sheath.
Fractures or dislocations: Injuries can cause pain and long-term issues if not properly treated.
Advanced Treatment Options in Singapore
Once the cause is identified, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Here are some advanced options available in Singapore:

Minimally Invasive Procedures:

• Arthroscopy: Using a tiny camera and instruments inserted through small incisions, surgeons can diagnose and repair joint damage, like cartilage tears, with minimal scarring.
• Radiofrequency ablation: This technique uses heat to target pain-generating nerves, offering long-term pain relief without surgery.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and pain in joints and around nerves, providing temporary relief.

Surgery:

• Joint replacement: In advanced arthritis cases, damaged joints can be replaced with artificial ones to improve function and reduce pain.
• Ligament repair or reconstruction: Torn ligaments can be repaired or reconstructed arthroscopically or with open surgery to stabilize joints and improve function.
• Nerve decompression: For carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery releases pressure on the median nerve, alleviating pain and numbness.

Emerging Therapies

Stem cell therapy: Stem cell therapy is a promising field of research that aims to use stem cells to regenerate damaged tissues and cartilage in the hand. Stem cells are special cells that have the ability to develop into many different types of cells in the body. Scientists believe that stem cells could be used to repair damaged tissues in the hand by directing them to develop into the specific types of cells needed to rebuild the damaged tissue. This could potentially offer new treatment options for conditions such as arthritis and injuries to the hand. While research is still ongoing, the potential benefits of stem cell therapy are exciting and hold promise for the future of hand treatment.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections involve using a concentrated solution of platelets derived from a patient’s own blood to promote healing and reduce pain. The platelets contain growth factors that can stimulate tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation. PRP injections can be used to treat various conditions, including arthritis, tendonitis, and sports injuries. While the evidence for the effectiveness of this treatment is still limited, some people have reported significant pain relief and improved function after PRP injections. It’s important to note that PRP injections are not suitable for everyone, and you should consult with your doctor to determine if this treatment is right for you.

Choosing the Right Treatment:

The best treatment option for you depends on several factors, including the cause and severity of your pain, your age and overall health, and your activity level. Discussing all options thoroughly with your doctor and understanding the potential risks and benefits is crucial before making a decision.

Additional Tips for Managing Hand Pain:

• Physical therapy: Exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist can strengthen muscles, improve joint mobility, and reduce pain.
• Splinting and bracing: Wearing splints or braces can immobilize joints, reduce inflammation, and provide support during activities.
• Pain management medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications can help manage pain and improve quality of life.
• Lifestyle modifications: Avoiding repetitive hand motions, maintaining good posture, and taking regular breaks can help prevent pain flare-ups.

Finding the Right Specialist in Singapore

Don’t let chronic hand pain control your life. At Singapore Sports and Orthopaedic Clinic (SSOC), a team of experienced and dedicated hand surgeons, orthopedic specialists, and physiotherapists is here to help you regain function, reduce pain, and get back to doing the things you love.

Contact SSOC today to schedule a consultation and explore the advanced treatment options available for your chronic hand pain. Take the first step towards a pain-free future!

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of hand pain.