Preventing hand and wrist injuries with Coastal Orthopedics' expert Dr. Melissa Boyette

Everyone is at risk of hand and wrist injuries, Dr. Melissa Boyette says, but for wrist fracture, age is the biggest risk, with postmenopausal women over age 50 being particularly vulnerable.

Dr. Boyette, a hand and wrist specialist at Coastal Orthopedics, treats patients with carpal tunnel, trigger finger and wrist fractures every day. And while aging may not be preventable until the discovery of the Fountain of Youth, she says there are several things people can do to avoid problems.

“Get an annual checkup with your primary physician,” Dr. Boyette says. “It’s important to know if you’re on track with your bone mineral density.”

Another element that can contribute to potential hand and wrist issues is diet.

“Make sure you’re getting whatever the recommended amount is for your gender and age group in terms of calcium and vitamin D,” Dr. Boyette says. “But be careful with adding vitamins until you check with your doctor first.”

What else factors into the hand and wrist health equation? Not surprisingly, exercise.

“Exercise is a good preventative for post-menopausal women,” Dr. Boyette says. “And strength training can maintain and improve bone strength.”

But if you’re experiencing an existing hand or wrist issue, Dr. Boyette might be able to help, and many treatments are just a simple office procedure.