Hand & Wrist Pain: Non-Surgical Treatment Options

    Your hands and wrists are essential for almost everything you do - from writing and cooking to exercising and working. When pain, stiffness or numbness strikes this area, even the simplest daily tasks become challenging and exhausting.

    At CellOrtho Marbella, patients with hand and wrist pain receive a specialist orthopaedic assessment, and the options, both surgical and non-surgical, are explained individually. Some patients come for a second opinion after surgery has been suggested. PRP is not a proven way to prevent surgery and is not a substitute for surgery when surgery is indicated.

    Dr. Arvin Yarollahi examining a patient's hand and wrist at CellOrtho Marbella

    Thumb Arthritis

    CMC Joint Osteoarthritis

    Thumb arthritis (carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis) involves degeneration of the basal joint at the base of the thumb, causing pain, swelling and weakness when gripping, pinching or turning objects. It is one of the most common sites of hand arthritis and can significantly impact daily function - from opening jars to using a phone. Management may include splints, hand therapy, activity modification, medication, injections or surgery. Evidence for PRP in thumb arthritis is limited; suitability is decided after assessment.

    De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

    Wrist Tendinitis

    De Quervain's tenosynovitis involves inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain and swelling when making a fist, gripping or turning the wrist. It is common in new parents, musicians and those who perform repetitive hand movements. Management may include splinting, activity modification, medication, corticosteroid injections or surgery. Evidence for PRP is limited and still developing; suitability is decided after assessment.

    Wrist Arthritis

    Radiocarpal Osteoarthritis

    Wrist osteoarthritis involves progressive cartilage loss in the wrist joint, causing pain, stiffness and reduced grip strength. It commonly develops following previous wrist fractures, dislocations or ligament injuries - particularly scaphoid fractures and distal radius fractures. Management depends on symptoms and joint damage and may include splints, hand therapy, medication, injections or surgery. Evidence for PRP in wrist osteoarthritis is limited; options are explained after assessment.

    Trigger Finger

    Finger Tendon Inflammation

    Trigger finger occurs when inflammation narrows the space within the tendon sheath surrounding the finger flexor tendon, causing the finger to catch, lock or snap when bent. It causes pain at the base of the affected finger and may progress to the finger becoming locked in a bent position. Management may include activity modification, splinting, corticosteroid injections or surgical release when indicated. Evidence for PRP in trigger finger is limited and still developing; suitability requires assessment.

    Wrist Tendinitis

    Chronic Wrist Tendon Degeneration

    Wrist tendinitis involves inflammation or chronic degeneration of the extensor or flexor tendons of the wrist, causing pain, tenderness and weakness with wrist movement or gripping. It is common in office workers, musicians, athletes and those who perform repetitive hand and wrist tasks. Management may include activity modification, splinting, physiotherapy, medication or injections. Evidence for PRP in wrist tendinopathy is limited; suitability is decided after assessment.

    Finger Joint Arthritis

    PIP & DIP Joint Degeneration

    Arthritis of the small finger joints - including the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints - causes pain, swelling, stiffness and visible joint enlargement. It significantly impacts fine motor tasks such as writing, typing and handling small objects. Management may include hand therapy, activity modification, medication, splints or injections, with surgery considered where indicated. Evidence for PRP in finger joint arthritis is limited; suitability requires assessment.

    Hand & Wrist Pain Treatment at CellOrtho Marbella

    CellOrtho treats hand and wrist conditions in Nueva Andalucía, Marbella. We see patients from the UK, Scandinavia, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands who want a specialist assessment and second opinion. The consultation reviews symptoms, previous investigations and treatments, and the options appropriate to the diagnosis.

    All treatments are performed by Dr. Arvin Yarollahi, a specialist in orthopaedic surgery and traumatology, with additional training in sports medicine and a clinical interest in regenerative medicine, licensed in Sweden, the United Kingdom and Spain. Each patient is assessed individually, and the doctor explains the treatment options. For some conditions, these may include platelet-rich plasma therapy.

    We offer a free video consultation so you can discuss your hand or wrist condition with our medical team before committing to travel or treatment.

    Options That May Be Discussed

    After assessment, the doctor explains the options considered appropriate for your situation. Depending on the diagnosis, these may include:

    Physiotherapy and exercise-based rehabilitation

    Exercises and rehabilitation tailored to the diagnosis and individual assessment, with partner providers where appropriate.

    Pain medication and anti-inflammatory medication

    Medication options and their risks are discussed in relation to your medical history.

    Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

    A preparation made from a small sample of your own blood. It may be considered for some conditions after assessment; the evidence differs between conditions.

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    Referral for a surgical opinion where surgery is indicated.

    Surgical options may be discussed according to symptoms, examination and imaging findings.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about this treatment

    Options depend on the diagnosis and severity and may include activity modification, physiotherapy, splints or supports, medication and injections. PRP may be discussed for some conditions, but evidence is limited or mixed and suitability is decided after assessment.

    PRP has been studied for thumb arthritis. The evidence is limited and still developing, results vary and some patients do not benefit. Suitability is decided after assessment, taking account of symptoms, previous management and other options.

    Options depend on the diagnosis and severity and may include activity modification, physiotherapy, splints or supports, medication and injections. PRP may be discussed for some conditions, but evidence is limited or mixed and suitability is decided after assessment.

    PRP has been studied for trigger finger. The evidence is limited and still developing, results vary and some patients do not benefit. Suitability is decided after assessment, taking account of symptoms, previous management and other options.

    If a treatment is considered, the number of sessions is agreed individually after assessment.

    Response and timing vary by diagnosis and individual, and some patients do not benefit. Your clinician will discuss the limitations of the evidence, possible risks, aftercare and follow-up after assessment.

    Yes. CellOrtho sees patients from across Europe for hand and wrist pain. We offer a free video consultation so you can discuss your case with our medical team before travelling to Marbella.

    Other conditions we treat: Back Pain · Neck Pain · Shoulder Pain · Elbow Pain · Hip Pain · Knee Pain · Foot & Ankle Pain

    Ready to Explore Your Options?

    Book a free video consultation with our specialist team to discuss your condition and find the right treatment plan for you.

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    Medically reviewed by Dr. Arvin Yarollahi, Specialist in Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology. Last reviewed .