Hand and Upper Extremity
Acute and chronic disorders of the hand, wrist, elbow and arm include degenerative, congenital, traumatic and tumor problems. Examples include endoscopic carpal tunnel release, trigger finger, ganglion cysts, arthritis, tendon or nerve injury and complex trauma or fractures.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition caused by pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. Symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling and/or weakness of the thumb, middle finger and the thumb side of the ring finger. It is more common in women than men and most frequently occurs between the ages of 30 – 60. Conditions associated with the disorder are diabetes, hypothyroidism, high blood pressure and pregnancy.
A member of Ortho Force may order a test called a nerve conduction study to evaluate the nerve function and locate the site of pressure on the nerve. Conservative management includes night splints, avoidance of repetitive wrist motion and anti-inflammatory medications.
If testing reveals significant median nerve compression, surgery may be advised. A carpal tunnel release is an outpatient surgery that can be performed either endoscopically or by open incision to release the transverse carpal ligament over the carpal tunnel to relieve the pressure.
What is hand arthritis?
Hand arthritis is a common problem affecting people over the age of 40. It occurs when the smooth joint cartilage covering the ends of the bones becomes worn or damaged over time. There are many joints in the hand, but arthritis most frequently affects the small joints of the fingers, knuckles and base of the thumb.
Symptoms include joint swelling, excessive warmth, sensation of grating or grinding, and pain increased by use or grasping movements, such as opening a jar or turning a key. To diagnose these symptoms, a member of Ortho Force will take x-rays to evaluate the severity of joint damage.
Conservative care involves anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, joint injections and splinting for support. If these methods fail, a surgeon may advise surgical options such as joint reconstruction, fusion or joint replacement. Treatment is determined by the joint involved and the functional needs of the patient.
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