Animal BitesBites are extremely common and can cause significant pain and other problems, especially when associated with an infection. Early recognition of warning signs and appropriate treatment are key in minimizing potential problems from the bite.
Arthritis: Base of the ThumbThe most common symptom of thumb basal joint arthritis is a deep, aching pain at the base of the thumb. The pain is often worsened with activities that involve pinch, including opening jars, turning door knobs or keys, and writing. Arthritis: MP JointThe large joints in the hand at the base of each finger are known as the metacarpophalangeal (MP, or MCP) joints. They act as complex hinge joints and are important for both power grip and pinch activities. Arthritis: OsteoarthritisOsteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the cushioning cartilage that covers the bone surfaces at the joints begins to wear out. Arthritis: Rheumatoid ArthritisRheumatoid arthritis affects the cells that line and normally lubricate the joints (synovial tissue). This is a systemic condition (can affect the whole body), which means that it may affect multiple joints, usually on both sides of the body. Brachial PlexusThe brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originate near the neck and shoulder. These nerves begin at the spinal cord in the neck and control the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Broken ArmMost broken arms are caused by trauma to that extremity. This can be a low-energy mechanism like a fall or a high-energy injury like a motor vehicle crash. Sporting injuries are also common causes for a broken arm. BurnsWhen the skin comes in contact with something hot, it may be damaged, with death of cells in the skin. The depth of the injury depends on the intensity of the heat and the length of time that it is applied. Carpal Tunnel SyndromeCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition brought on by increased pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. In effect, it is a pinched nerve at the wrist. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that is believed to be the result of dysfunction in the central or peripheral nervous systems. Congenital Hand DifferencesCongenital abnormalities (also called congenital anomalies) of the upper extremity are differences from normal that are present at birth. Cubital Tunnel SyndromeCubital tunnel syndrome is a condition brought on by increased pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Sometimes incorrectly referred to as cubicle tunnel syndrome. Cumulative Trauma DisorderASSH feels that the diagnoses of CTD and RSI are not appropriate and may actually lead the patient to believe that he or she has a condition that is something more than the ordinary aches and pains of life. Dedo en Gatillo en EspanolTenosinovitis estenosante, comúnmente conocido como dedo en gatillo o pulgar en gatillo, afecta a las poleas y tendones en la mano que flexionan los dedos. Dupuytren's DiseaseDupuytren’s disease is an abnormal thickening of the fascia (the tissue just beneath the skin of the palm). It often starts with firm lumps in the palm. Extensor Tendon InjuriesExtensor tendons, located on the back of the hand and fingers, allow you to straighten your fingers and thumb. Fingertip InjuriesFingertip injuries are one of the more common injuries in the hand. The fingertips are exposed in many of our activities. Flexor Tendon InjuriesThe muscles that bend or flex the fingers are called flexor muscles. These flexor muscles move the fingers through cord-like extensions called tendons, which connect the muscles to bone. Ganglion CystsGanglion cysts are very common lumps within the hand and wrist that occur adjacent to joints or tendons. Golf Injuries to the Hand, Wrist or ElbowFor most golfers, the hand and/or wrist is the third most common body region injured, after the back and elbow. The wrist is injured 3 times more frequently than the hand. Gout and PseudogoutGout and pseudogout—calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD)—are two types of crystalline arthropathies which are disease processes that cause sore joints because salt crystals have formed in the joint. Hand and Wrist TumorsAny abnormal lump or bump is considered a tumor. A tumor can also be referred to as a “mass." The term “tumor” does not necessarily mean it is malignant or it is a cancer. Hand FracturesA fracture occurs when enough force is applied to a bone to break it. When this happens, there is pain, swelling, and decreased use of the injured part. Many people think that a fracture is different from a break, but they are the same. Hand InfectionsHand infections can cause severe problems that persist even after the infection has resolved, such as stiffness, loss of strength, and even loss of tissues such as skin, nerve and even bone. Hand TherapyHand Therapy is a type of rehabilitation performed by an occupational or physical therapist on patients with conditions affecting the hands and upper extremities. Joint ReplacementThe abnormal bone and lining structures of the involved joint are removed surgically, and new parts are inserted in their places. Mallet Finger (Baseball Finger)A mallet finger is a deformity of the finger caused when the tendon that straightens your finger (extensor tendon) is damaged. Nail Bed InjuriesInjuries to the nail are often associated with damage to other structures that are in the same location. Nerve InjuriesNerves are fragile and can be damaged by pressure, stretching, or cutting. Pressure or stretching injuries can cause the fibers carrying the information to break and stop the nerve from working, without disrupting the insulating cover. NumbnessAlthough carpal tunnel syndrome is common, it is not the only cause of numbness, tingling, and pain in the forearm and hand. Power Saw InjuriesPower saws are extremely useful tools, enabling all types of materials to be cut and shaped. However, they also have the potential to cause serious hand injuries. The hands are used to guide pieces into the saw, and thus they can be vulnerable.
Psoriatic ArthritisPsoriasis is a skin disease in which patients have dry, red and scaly skin rashes that can occur on any part of the body. Between 5-20% of patients with psoriasis may develop an associated arthritis. Replantation“Replantation” refers to the surgical reattachment of a finger, hand, or arm that has been completely cut from a person’s body. The goal of replantation surgery is to give the patient back as much use of the injured area as possible. Ski and Snowboard InjuriesSkiing and snowboarding are among the most popular winter sports. Injuries to the upper extremity occur in a relatively predictable pattern. Fortunately, there are some ways to help decrease the chance for injury.
Steroid InjectionsSteroid injections are commonly used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions of the upper extremity. Examples of these include trigger fingers, De Quervain’s tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff tendonitis Stiffness in the HandNormal joints have considerable motion, enabling us to perform many different activities with our hands. A variety of problems can cause stiffness in the hand, limiting the use and function that we often take for granted. Systemic DiseasesBecause the hand contains structures from the skin, muscular, skeletal, circulatory, and nervous systems, it often provides clues to diseases which are yet to be diagnosed in other parts of the body. Tendon Transfer SurgeryTendon transfer surgery is a type of hand surgery that is performed in order to improve lost hand function. The Cold HandMost cold hand diseases occur because of blood flow to your hands. In any of these cases the most important step you can take toward better hand health is to be examined by a hand specialist.
Thumb SprainsA sprain is an injury to a ligament. Ligaments are the connective tissues that connect bones to bones across a joint. Trigger FingerStenosing tenosynovitis, commonly known as “trigger finger” or “trigger thumb”, involves the pulleys and tendons in the hand that bend the fingers. Vascular DisordersVascular disorders of the upper-extremity are uncommon, but ones that may have lasting implications.
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