Expert Wrist & Hand Pain Doctor on the Upper West Side
Non-Surgical Solutions for Wrist and Hand Pain
My goal as a wrist and hand pain doctor is to help you overcome the pain and loss of function that can make simple tasks feel impossible. At our Upper West Side office, we offer advanced non-surgical care to restore mobility and strength.
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What is Wrist/Hand Pain?
I describe wrist and hand pain as discomfort, aching, or sharp sensations occurring in any part of the wrist, palm, fingers, or joints of the hand. This type of pain can range from mild irritation to severe impairment, affecting your ability to perform everyday tasks such as typing, lifting, gripping, or even holding objects.
Wrist and hand pain can be acute (sudden, often due to injury) or chronic (long-lasting, often from repetitive strain, arthritis, or underlying conditions). Because the wrist and hand are complex structures made up of bones, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and joints, identifying the exact cause is essential for proper treatment.
What Causes Hand/Wrist Pain?
When a patient comes to me with hand or wrist pain, I immediately go through a mental checklist of the most common causes. More often than not, it can be traced to one of the following:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Compression of the median nerve, often causing numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand.
Tendonitis
Inflammation of tendons, usually from repetitive movements or overuse.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Sprains or Fractures
Injuries from falls, sports, or accidents leading to acute pain
Nerve Compression or Injuries
Such as cubital tunnel syndrome affecting the elbow and hand
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Every case is unique. A thorough professional evaluation can pinpoint the underlying cause and help you find lasting relief.
Symptoms of Hand/Wrist Pain
Hand and wrist pain can present in many ways, depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:
- Pain or Tenderness Aching, sharp, or throbbing pain in the wrist, palm, or fingers.
- Swelling or Redness Inflammation around joints or tendons.
- Stiffness Difficulty bending or straightening the fingers or wrist.
- Numbness or Tingling Often associated with nerve compression, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Weak Grip Trouble holding objects, opening jars, or performing everyday tasks.
- Warmth or Sensitivity Joints may feel warm or sore to the touch, sometimes indicating arthritis or infection.
Why Seek Professional Help?
When you’re dealing with pain in your wrist or hand, it can be tempting to just hope it goes away on its own. But I always tell my patients that ignoring pain can have serious consequences. These are incredibly complex parts of your body, and a simple ache can be a sign of a more serious issue that needs professional attention.
My job is to find the real cause of your pain—not just mask the symptoms. We’ll do a thorough evaluation to pinpoint exactly what’s going on, whether it’s a pinched nerve, tendon damage, or a chronic condition like arthritis.
Without a proper diagnosis, you might be treating the wrong thing, which can lead to continued discomfort and even long-term damage. Seeking professional care is the first step toward a personalized plan that gets you back to living life without pain.
Meet Dr. Sonali Lal, M.D.
Your Local Hand And Wrist Pain Doctor In New York
I’m Dr. Sonali Lal, and I focus on one thing: helping patients overcome hand and wrist pain so they can get back to their daily lives without limitations. Your hands and wrists are essential for nearly everything you do—from typing and cooking to playing sports or simply holding a loved one’s hand, and even mild pain can disrupt your life. That’s why I take a personalized, precise approach to diagnosing and treating every patient.
I treat a wide range of hand and wrist conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve compression, fractures, and repetitive strain injuries. Using the latest non-surgical and regenerative therapies, such as PRP and stem cell treatments, I aim to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent further damage.
What sets my care apart is my dedication to understanding your unique symptoms and lifestyle. I don’t just treat the pain—I identify the root cause, educate you on your condition, and design a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
As an Attending Physician at NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital and Assistant Clinical Professor at Columbia University, I combine over 20 years of clinical experience with cutting-edge techniques in hand and wrist care. I’ve also contributed to the Atlas of Interventional Orthopedics and have been featured in The New York Times for my work in regenerative medicine.
When you come to me, you’ll receive hands-on, compassionate care designed to get you back to full strength, mobility, and pain-free function as quickly as possible.
Dr Sonali Lal, M.D.
Board-Certified Pain Management and
Regenerative Medicine Physician In New York City
NPI#: 1538189642
Non-Surgical Hand And Wrist Pain Treatment Options In Upper West Side, NY
I provide a full range of personalized treatments for hand and wrist pain, focusing on non-surgical solutions that restore function, reduce pain, and improve quality of life. Every treatment plan begins with a thorough evaluation to identify the root cause of your pain, ensuring that you receive care tailored specifically to your needs.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy
I use your body’s own healing factors to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation in tendons and joints.
Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine
Advanced cellular therapies to help damaged tissues in the hand and wrist heal naturally.
Joint Fluid Replacement
For patients with arthritis or cartilage damage, this treatment improves mobility and relieves stiffness.
Non-Surgical Orthopedic Care
Bracing, targeted exercises, and lifestyle guidance to reduce strain and prevent further injury.
Pain Management & Rehabilitation
I combine therapies and guided physical therapy to restore strength, dexterity, and range of motion.
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See What UWS Community Says About Dr. Sonali Lal, M.D.
Regain Comfort & Function: Your Hand & Wrist Recovery Journey
Every patient’s hand and wrist pain is unique, so I create a personalized recovery plan that addresses the root cause, reduces pain, and restores mobility. Here’s what you can expect when you come to me:
Thorough Evaluation
I start with a detailed assessment of your symptoms, medical history, and daily activities to identify the exact cause of your pain.
Customized Treatment Plan
Based on your diagnosis, I design a step-by-step plan using non-surgical therapies like PRP, regenerative medicine, or targeted exercises.
Hands-On Care & Monitoring
I track your progress closely, adjusting treatments as needed to maximize recovery and prevent future issues.
Guided Rehabilitation & Support
I provide exercises, ergonomic advice, and lifestyle guidance to restore strength, flexibility, and function in your hand and wrist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our Hip pain treatments and services.
Q: What causes hand and wrist pain?
A: Hand and wrist pain can result from a variety of factors, including tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, nerve compression, sprains, fractures, or repetitive strain injuries. Each case is unique, which is why a professional evaluation is essential.
Q: When should I see a doctor for hand or wrist pain?
A: You should seek care if pain is persistent, interferes with daily activities, causes swelling, numbness, tingling, or weakness, or if the pain started after an injury. Early intervention can prevent long-term damage.
Q: Can hand or wrist pain resolve on its own?
A: Mild or temporary pain may improve with rest, ice, or ergonomic adjustments. However, ongoing or worsening pain should be evaluated by a specialist to avoid complications.
Q: Is hand or wrist pain always caused by arthritis?
A: No. While arthritis is a common cause, pain can also stem from tendon or ligament injuries, nerve compression, fractures, or overuse. Accurate diagnosis is key to proper treatment.
Q: What non-surgical treatments do you offer for hand and wrist pain?
A: I provide a variety of non-surgical options including PRP therapy, stem cell/regenerative medicine, joint fluid replacement, bracing, targeted exercises, and guided rehabilitation to relieve pain and restore function.
Q: How does PRP therapy for hand and wrist pain work?
A: PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) uses your own blood’s healing components to reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and accelerate recovery in tendons, ligaments, or joints.
Q: Will I need surgery for my hand or wrist condition?
A: Most patients can achieve relief with non-surgical therapies. Surgery is only considered if conservative treatments are ineffective or if there is a severe injury requiring intervention.
Q: How long does it take to see improvement?
A: Recovery time varies depending on the cause and severity of your condition. Many patients notice reduced pain and improved mobility within a few weeks of starting targeted treatments.
Q: Do you accept insurance for hand and wrist treatments?
A: Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. Coverage may vary depending on the procedure or therapy, so I recommend contacting your provider to confirm benefits.
Q: Are regenerative treatments like PRP or stem cell therapy covered by insurance?
A: These advanced therapies are often considered elective and may not be covered. We provide clear guidance on costs and payment options to help you plan your care.
Q: How do I check if my treatment is covered?
A: You can call your insurance provider with the CPT codes we provide, or our staff can help verify your coverage before your appointment.
Q: Where is your office?
A: We're conveniently located at 240 West 73rd Street, right in the heart of the Upper West Side.
Q: Is it easy to get there by subway?
A: Yes, it’s very easy. The 72nd Street station for the 1, 2, and 3 trains is just a quick walk from our front door.
Q: What about buses?
A: The M72 crosstown bus is very close, and the M5, M7, and M11 routes are all just a few blocks away.
Q: Is there parking nearby?
A: There are several parking garages within a block or two of us. Street parking can be a bit of a challenge, so a garage is usually your best bet.
Q: How much time should I set aside for my visit?
A: I know your time is valuable. A typical appointment will last about 45 minutes to an hour. If we decide to do any imaging or a procedure on the same day, it might take a little longer, but we will always let you know what to expect.
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