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Elbow, Wrist & Hand Injuries

Specialist diagnosis and evidence-based treatment for tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, wrist injuries, TFCC tears, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, and finger and thumb injuries. All ages and activity levels welcome.

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Dr Kimberley Wells is a FACSEP-qualified Sport & Exercise Medicine Physician treating elbow, wrist and hand injuries on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. She provides expert diagnosis and treatment for tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis), wrist sprains, TFCC injuries, finger dislocations and sprains, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, ulnar collateral ligament injuries, and carpal tunnel syndrome assessment. Treatments include load management, exercise prescription, shockwave therapy, ultrasound-guided injections, PRP therapy, splinting, and surgical referral when appropriate. Dr Wells works collaboratively with physiotherapists, hand therapists, and orthopaedic surgeons at SportsMed Sunshine Coast, Kawana.

Understanding Elbow, Wrist & Hand Injuries

Elbow, wrist, and hand injuries are common across sports and activities on the Sunshine Coast - from tennis and golf to surfing, climbing, and contact sports. Upper limb injuries encompass a broad range of conditions - from chronic overuse tendon injuries of the elbow to acute fractures and ligament injuries of the wrist and hand - and can significantly affect work, sport, and daily activities.

Elbow Conditions

  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) - Pain on the outside of the elbow, common in racquet sports but also workplace activities. Responds well to progressive loading, and shockwave therapy or PRP injections may be considered for persistent cases.
  • Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) - Pain on the inside of the elbow, common in gripping and throwing sports.
  • Elbow dislocations & instability - Acute injury requiring assessment, imaging, and structured rehabilitation. Assessment for associated fractures is essential.
  • Olecranon bursitis - Swelling at the point of the elbow from direct trauma or overuse.

Wrist Conditions

  • Scaphoid fractures - A commonly missed fracture requiring a high index of suspicion. Tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox after a fall should prompt investigation.
  • TFCC injuries - Triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries causing ulnar-sided wrist pain, common in weight-bearing through the hands (gymnastics, yoga, pushing up from surfboard).
  • Distal radius fractures - Common fractures from falls onto an outstretched hand.
  • Wrist ligament sprains - Including scapholunate ligament injuries.

Hand & Finger Conditions

  • De Quervain's tenosynovitis - Pain at the thumb side of the wrist, common in new parents and those with repetitive gripping activities.
  • Trigger finger - Catching or locking of a finger during bending.
  • Finger dislocations & ligament injuries - Common in ball-handling sports.
  • Thumb UCL injury (skier's thumb) - Ligament injury at the base of the thumb.
  • Base of thumb osteoarthritis - CMC joint arthritis causing pain with gripping and pinching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a GP referral to see Dr Wells?

A GP referral is not required but is recommended. Dr Wells has access to top-tier Medicare rebate rates (MBS A4), so with a referral your rebate is maximised, with approximately $150 rebate back to you on an initial consultation. Without a referral, the full specialist fee applies with no Medicare rebate. See the FAQ page for more detail.

Does private health insurance cover the consultation?

Private health insurance does not cover specialist medical consultations. However, Dr Wells has access to top-tier Medicare rebate rates (MBS A4), so with a valid GP referral your rebate is maximised, with approximately $150 rebate back to you on an initial consultation. Dr Wells can also refer for Medicare-rebateable MRI scans. See the FAQ page for more detail.

How long will I wait for an appointment?

Routine appointments are typically available within 1-2 weeks. Urgent referrals - such as acute knee injuries or concussion - are prioritised and can often be seen sooner. Contact the clinic on (07) 5415 0428 for urgent bookings.

Ready to Fix Your Elbow, Wrist or Hand?

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