If shoulder, wrist or hand pain is affecting your work, sport or daily activities, a balanced assessment can help you understand the cause and discuss appropriate options. Sunshine Coast Orthopaedic Group provides assessment and management for a wide range of upper limb problems. This article is general information about common conditions and treatments we see at an Orthopaedic clinic for joint pain Sunshine Coast, with a focus on the shoulder, wrist and hand.
Important information
The information below is general and does not replace a consultation with a qualified health professional who can assess your individual circumstances.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Individual results vary. Not every treatment is suitable for every patient.
Common causes of shoulder, wrist and hand pain
Shoulder
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy or tears: pain lifting the arm, discomfort with overhead activity or lying on the affected side, possible weakness.
- Bursitis and impingement: pain reaching overhead, throwing or swimming.
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis): progressive stiffness and night pain over months.
- Acromioclavicular (AC) joint problems: pain on the top of the shoulder with pushing or pressing.
- Instability or labral injury: a sense of slipping, or dislocation after trauma.
Wrist
- Ligament injuries (e.g., TFCC, scapholunate): pain with weight-bearing through the hand, clicking or weakness.
- De Quervain’s tendinopathy: pain on the thumb side of the wrist with lifting or gripping.
- Ganglion cysts: a lump that may ache or fluctuate in size.
- Arthritis: stiffness, swelling and a deep ache, especially after activity.
Hand and thumb
- Thumb base (CMC) arthritis: pain when pinching, opening jars or typing.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: numbness, tingling or night pain in the thumb, index and middle fingers; possible clumsiness or weakness.
- Trigger finger: catching, clicking or locking of a finger or thumb.
- Finger sprains or joint arthritis: swelling, stiffness and reduced function.
When to consider a specialist review
- Pain persisting beyond 2–3 weeks despite rest and simple measures.
- Night pain, weakness, loss of movement or difficulty with work duties and daily tasks.
- Recurrent swelling, clicking, catching, instability or a painful lump.
- Numbness, tingling or burning in the hand or fingers, especially if it interrupts sleep or function.
- Recent injury with deformity, severe pain, inability to move, or a “pop” at the time of injury.
What to expect at Sunshine Coast Orthopaedic Group
At our Orthopaedic clinic for joint pain, an initial consultation typically involves:
- History: a discussion of your symptoms, activities, work requirements and goals.
- Examination: assessment of movement, strength, joint stability, tendon function and nerve health.
- Imaging if indicated: X‑rays/CT scans for bone and joint spaces; ultrasound for tendons and bursae; MRI for soft tissues such as rotator cuff or TFCC. Imaging is arranged based on clinical need.
Please bring previous scans and reports if you have them, a list of current medications and relevant medical history. A valid GP referral is required to see our orthopaedic surgeons.
Non-surgical care options
Many shoulder, wrist and hand conditions improve with structured, non-operative treatment. Depending on your diagnosis, a plan may include:
- Education and activity modification: adjusting loads and positions that aggravate symptoms while maintaining general fitness.
- Physiotherapy or hand therapy: targeted exercises to restore mobility, strength and control; advice on workplace or sporting technique and ergonomics.
- Splints or braces: short-term support for thumb CMC arthritis, wrist sprains, De Quervain’s tendinopathy or carpal tunnel symptoms when appropriate.
- Medicines: short courses of anti-inflammatory medication or topical treatments where suitable and after considering your medical history.
- Injections: for selected conditions (e.g., shoulder bursitis, frozen shoulder, De Quervain’s, thumb CMC arthritis) an image‑guided corticosteroid or other injection may reduce inflammation and pain to facilitate rehabilitation.
Potential risks and considerations with injections
- Temporary increase in pain, facial flushing or changes in blood sugar (particularly in people with diabetes).
- Skin or fat thinning or pigment change at the injection site, tendon weakening or rupture (rare), infection (rare), and incomplete or short‑term relief.
- The number and timing of injections are considered carefully to balance potential benefits and risks.
Surgical options for selected patients
Surgery may be considered when symptoms persist despite appropriate non-surgical care, or when imaging and examination indicate structural problems unlikely to improve otherwise.
Common procedures discussed for upper limb joint pain include:
- Shoulder arthroscopy: procedures for bursitis/impingement, rotator cuff repair, biceps or labral pathology, and some instability cases.
- AC joint procedures: for persistent arthritis or symptomatic prominence after injury.
- Carpal tunnel release: to relieve pressure on the median nerve when non-surgical measures have not helped and symptoms are significant.
- Trigger finger release: to allow smoother tendon gliding when splinting/injections are unsuccessful or unsuitable.
- De Quervain’s release: for persistent tendon sheath constriction not responding to conservative care.
- Thumb CMC arthritis surgery: options range from joint‑preserving techniques to ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition, chosen according to disease stage, function and goals.
- Wrist arthroscopy or ligament reconstruction: for selected TFCC or scapholunate injuries based on symptoms, examination and imaging.
Potential risks and considerations with surgery
- Anaesthetic risks, bleeding, infection, nerve or vessel injury, stiffness, scar sensitivity, incomplete symptom relief, complex regional pain syndrome (rare), and the possibility of further procedures.
- Recovery timelines vary depending on the procedure and individual factors. Post‑operative rehabilitation with physiotherapists or hand therapists is often important to optimise outcomes.
Living well with upper limb pain on the Sunshine Coast
Small, consistent strategies can make daily life more manageable:
- Gradual loading: shorter, frequent bouts with rest breaks are generally better tolerated than long sessions.
- Technique and ergonomics: adjustments at work, in the pool, on the board or at the gym can reduce strain on the shoulder, wrist and hand.
- Warm‑up and cool‑down: gentle mobility and activation can prepare joints and tendons for activity.
- Sleep positions: avoiding prolonged pressure on a sore shoulder and using supportive pillows may reduce night pain.
- Use of supports: wear recommended splints or braces as instructed to settle irritation while strength and control improve.
Urgent symptoms
Seek urgent medical care or attend your local emergency department if you have a severe injury with deformity, an open wound, sudden inability to move the limb, fever with a hot swollen joint, or rapidly progressive numbness or weakness.
Why consider Sunshine Coast Orthopaedic Group
- Scope of care: assessment and management for shoulder, wrist and hand conditions, from recent injuries to overuse and arthritic problems.
- Coordinated approach: collaboration with local physiotherapists, hand therapists and imaging providers to streamline care pathways.
- Clear communication: discussion of diagnosis, options, potential benefits and risks, expected recovery and costs to support informed decisions.
Your first appointment
- Bring any previous imaging and reports, your doctor’s referral, medication list and relevant medical history.
- Wear clothing that allows examination (e.g., a singlet for shoulder assessment).
- You will receive a clear plan, which may include therapy, activity modification, additional imaging, injections or, in selected cases, discussion of surgical options.
Take the next step
If you have been looking for an Orthopaedic clinic for joint pain on the Sunshine Coast and your symptoms involve the shoulder, wrist or hand. Sunshine Coast Orthopaedic Group can provide an individualised assessment and discuss appropriate treatment options. To make an appointment, please obtain a referral from your doctor to Dr Joe Coory. Once your referral has been received Dr Coory will review your referral to advise if you require any further imaging prior to your initial appointment. Our friendly team will then call you to offer an appointment, and send a referral for any further imaging if required. For any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact our rooms on 07 5493 8038.
Disclaimer: This information is general and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your situation.
