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Month: January 2017

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Fingers General Treatments

Treatments for Finger Nerve Injuries

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Ranging from minor cuts and small wounds to broken bones and nerve damage, hand and finger nerve injuries are a relatively common occurrence. When a nerve in the hand or fingers is injured, symptoms can include loss of strength, sensation and muscle control.

Four nerves, two on each side, support the movement and sensation of your fingers. These nerves can be bruised and stop working properly for a short period. With this type of injury, the nerves usually heal and fully recover over time with little or no lingering side effects. These finger nerve injuries may not require advanced treatment.

A severe injury can cause more complex nerve damage that will require medical intervention to correct. Nerve damage can result in pain and weakness. If left untreated, your hand or fingers may weaken to the point where they become non-functional. As a result, early diagnosis and careful treatment will enable a faster and more complete recovery.

When an injury to the hand or fingers shows the signs of nerve damage, an assessment will be made to show the extent of the harm. You will undergo diagnostic testing to evaluate the level and speed of nerve activity. The results will enable our medical professional to determine the level of damage and customize a proper treatment protocol.

Damaged nerves that cannot heal on their own usually require surgery to reconnect the ends. Surgically repaired nerves as well as those not requiring an operation will undergo rehabilitation that focuses on preventing further damage, promoting movement and sensory reeducation.

The injured area will be immobilized initially in a safe position to prevent further damage and allow the healing process to begin. Some movement may be allowed to keep the nerve from atrophying. Once the nerve is healed, you will undergo physical therapy to learn how to compensate for any residual loss of feeling or muscle control. This therapy will enable you to use your hand and fingers in a more normal manner while learning how to avoid future complications.

Severe nerve damage will require extensive therapy to reeducate a patient in this circumstance on how to compensate for the loss of sensation in the affected area. The brain will have to be reprogrammed to process the new signals and produce the required level of dexterity.

If you have suffered a hand or finger injury, schedule a consultation at Arora Hand Surgery for a full examination to determine the extent of the damage. The results of the evaluation will enable us to determine the best course of treatment to produce optimal results. The sooner that you address hand and finger nerve injuries, the quicker your quality of life will improve. We have offices in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, and Macomb Township. Contact us today to book an appointment to learn more.

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Fingers General

Fingertip Injuries

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We use our fingers all of the time all throughout the day. As a result, they are always at risk of fingertip injuries, and there are many of them.

Your fingertips are packed with nerve endings, more than almost anywhere else in the body. That’s because you need all of those nerves to fine-tune your ability to feel and use your fingers. Of course, with all of those nerve endings hanging out in your fingertips, an injury to this area can be very painful.

Fingertips can be damaged in a number of different ways, ranging from very minor to extremely serious. Because the fingertip skin is so unique, if it becomes destroyed, it usually cannot be replaced.

Some common examples of fingertip injuries include:

  • Crushing damage if the finger is closed in a door, hit with a hammer, or has something heavy dropped on it
  • Cuts from knives, power tools, etc.
  • Bent and broken from being caught in equipment, ropes, or nets.

If you have a fingertip injury, the first thing your doctor will do is examine the area, check for mobility in the finger and then get X-rays. It will need to be determined if any of the bones in the finger have been broken.

Treatment of Fingertip Injuries

How the injury will be treated depends solely on the type of injury itself. Here are some examples:

  • Severe crush injuries may mean that some tissue needs to be removed or the whole finger has to be removed.
  • If bone has been exposed, then skin grafts may be used to cover the injury.
  • If soft tissue has been lost, then this may be replaced along with skin grafts to cover the area.
  • At times, a flap of skin is lifted from the adjacent finger and used to cover the injury and provide blood flow while the finger heals. Once the wound is healing, the flap can be stitched back down to its original finger site.
  • If the finger has been fractured, then a splint will be used to stabilize the area.
  • If the fracture is severe, then pins may be placed within the finger bone to help it set in the proper manner.

If damage to the fingertip is extremely severe, then likely, amputation will be needed. That’s because it is very hard to replace tissues in the finger when most of the existing tissue has been destroyed.

Injuries to the fingertip can mean loss of sensation for a long time. In fact, some people report it taking several months to get full feeling back in the finger. Scarring to the nailbed may mean the fingernail grows back deformed or does not grow back at all.

Every day, your fingers are exposed to injury. So, it should come as no surprise that fingertip injuries are common. Depending on the type of injury or trauma, there could be ways to treat the situation and return the finger to normal function, but in severe cases, the finger may be lost altogether.

For more information, contact Arora Hand Surgery today.

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Conditions General Treatments

XIAFLEX for Non-Surgical Dupuytren’s Contracture Treatment

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Dupuytren’s contracture is a disease that primarily affects men of North European descent. The primary symptom of the disease is a deformity of the hands that gets worse over the years. The condition damages the tissue that is right under the skin in the palm. The palm develops a knot of tissue that eventually becomes a thick cord. The thick cord eventually exerts pressure on a couple of fingers in the hand, leaving them in a permanently bent position.

Since the affected individual cannot straighten their hands, easy activities start to become a challenge to perform. For example, trying to put your hands in your pockets becomes impossible because you cannot straighten out all of your fingers. The same is true with wearing gloves or trying to shake another person’s hand.

While the disease can affect any of your fingers, it is more commonly seen in the ring finger and the pinky. While there is no cure for the disease, there are some treatments that are designed to slow down how quickly the disease progresses or relax some of the contractions in the hand. At Arora Hand Surgery, we may use XIAFLEX, an injectable enzyme, as part of a non-surgical Dupuytren’s contracture treatment regimen.

Causes and Symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture

Scientists are still mystified as to the exact cause of Dupuytren’s contracture. They have seen a link between individuals who have certain forms of diabetes, epilepsy, alcoholism and seizure disorders.

Dupuytren’s contracture is a hereditary disease. It is most often seen in men who are over the age of 50. The disease may affect both hands at the same time or just affect one hand. It is very rare that an individual suffering from this disease experiences pain. Most patients only report pain if they attempt to forcibly hyperextend their fingers.

While this disease primarily affects a person’s hands, researchers have seen it affect the soles of the feet as well. Doctors are able to diagnose the disease during a visual examination of the affected hand. Usually, other tests such as X-rays are not needed. At times, injuries to the hands, such as burns or other injuries that cause scar formation, might mimic Dupuytren’s contracture.

XIAFLEX: An Exciting Dupuytren’s Contracture Treatment Option

XIAFLEX is a relatively new treatment option for Dupuytren’s contracture. It works by breaking up the collagen-based scar tissue that forms in the hands, causing them to bend in an awkward position. As collagen formations break up, they become loose and the contracted tissue is able to return to normal mobility.

XIAFLEX is delivered via injection. Most patients are able to grasp objects, flex their fingers and have improved dexterity in their hands after a series of these injections.

This enzyme injection has been a lifesaver for many patients. This is because there is nothing that can be done to prevent Dupuytren’s contracture from developing. Since the disease develops slowly, treatment, especially treatment that begins early, generally works well.

With the proper Dupuytren’s contracture treatment, most patients are able to improve their quality of life drastically. During a consultation at Arora Hand Surgery in Macomb, Warren, Howell, or West Bloomfield, you can learn more about your treatment options for your condition. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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General

How Can a Hand Specialist Help Me?

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If you are having problems with your hands, a hand specialist is your best bet to find relief from the pain and restore the use of the hands. The anatomy of the hands is very complicated. It takes a lot of coordination to get the finger bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments to work together in ways that make things like gripping or writing possible. The hands require a certain amount of strength to grip, lift and carry items. Fine motor skills are also critical for the hands to carry out activities that require precision. It is obvious that when the hands are not working right, a person’s lifestyle is negatively impacted in a major way.

A hand injury that seems like no big deal at the time of occurrence can actually turn out to be quite serious as far as the use of the hand is concerned. Our hand specialist will be able to diagnose this problem quicker and more accurately. He will also make sure the procedure or treatment is done promptly and correctly. Even if the injury or condition is not severe enough to require surgery, our hand specialist will know which treatments are best for the situation.

Our hand specialist can help with cumulative trauma disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome also. This condition develops when the nerves that travel through the tunnel in the wrist become irritated because the tunnel through which the nerve passes begins to close off. This puts pressure on the nerve and can cause tingling, numbness or pain. It can also reach the point where it interferes with the use of the hand and fingers. Our doctor can develop a treatment plan that can help to alleviate these symptoms through a combination of medications, exercises and therapy. If these things do not bring relief, surgery may become necessary. Our hand specialist will understand when a case reaches that point so surgery is not scheduled unnecessarily.

You might also want to see our hand specialist if you are suffering from arthritis in the hands and fingers. Trigger finger is another condition that can be better handled with the help of a specialist. If you are having trouble using your hands or are suffering from discomfort, you should make an appointment at Arora Hand Surgery. It is important to note that the hands are the most valuable tools we will ever have. It is, therefore, crucial to take care of them. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our office in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, or Macomb.

Categories
Fingers General

What is Nail Bed Repair?

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Nails are made of a tough protein called keratin that is also found in hair and skin. The phrase “nail plate” is the technical term for what most people call the nail. The nail bed is the skin immediately under the nail plate, and it is comprised of two tissue types: an epidermis and a dermis. The matrix is the part of the nail bed that produces more nail plate cells. The lunula or crescent, which can sometimes be seen at the base of the nail, is the visible part of the matrix. When injuries occur in or near the nail bed, nail bed repair is typically used to correct the situation.

What Causes an Injury to the Nail Bed?

Injuries to the nail bed are usually caused by injuries to the finger or toe. For example, a broken toe or finger may be accompanied by damage to the nail bed. The nail bed can also be damaged by cuts or lacerations. Pinching or crushing injuries, like that caused by getting a finger caught in a door, can cause injury to the nail bed.

What Does Nail Bed Repair Involve?

Our doctor will first want a description of how the injury occurred. He will also probably X-ray the patient in order to check for broken bones. The treatment will depend on the type of injury and its severity. The patient will probably be given a local anesthetic before nail bed repair is performed.

What is a Subungual Hematoma?

A subungual hematoma is bleeding under the nail. It is usually caused by a crushing injury like hitting one’s thumb with a hammer or dropping a heavy object on one’s toe. The patient’s blood collects under the nail and causes intense, throbbing pain and discoloration of the nail.

During a consultation, our doctor will check for broken bones and other serious injuries. If he doesn’t find any, he will likely decompress the hematoma to relieve the pressure caused by the accumulation of blood. After numbing the treatment site, either a needle, heated wire (electrocautery device) or carbon laser may be used to perforate the nail and let the blood drain.

In a complicated subungual hematoma, the blood has accumulated under the whole nail and caused it to separate from the nail bed. In these cases, our doctor may have to remove the nail. However, it all depends on the unique situation.

What is a Nail Bed Laceration?

A nail bed laceration is a cut involving both the nail and the nail bed beneath it. Our doctor may remove the damaged part of the nail and then stitch the wound to the nail bed. He may replace the damaged nail to have it serve as a splint. Over time, a healthy, new nail will grow in to replace it.

Learn More About Nail Bed Repair

Injuries to the nail bed can be painful. Fortunately, nail bed repair can be used to fix the problem, leading to a better quality of life for the patient. You can learn more about the details of nail bed repair during a consultation at Arora Hand Surgery in Macomb Township, Warren, Howell, or West Bloomfield.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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Stories

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Dr. Aroras office from my first call to schedule my appointment was friendly. Walking in the first day, I felt like I was in a nice atmosphere. Dr. Arora was EXCELLENT in taking great care of my hand injury. He was gentle and very understanding to the concerns I had about my hand. His expertise was admirable and I would recommend anyone with an injury to their hand to his office to be under his care. Because of him, I have healed faster than expected and will make an 100% recovery! Thank you Dr.

Jackie S.

I first thought I was going to have to have painful injections or surgery, but Dr. Arora suggested physical therapy may do the trick. I was doubtful, but I agreed to do it. Now, my pain is gone, and with the help of an ergonomic keyboard at work to keep my hands in the correct position, I am virtually pain free. The therapy strengthened my wrists and shoulders, and built more flexibility into my wrists.

Jerry T.

My experience with this doctor was positive from the outset. Dr. Arora was kind and spent a great deal of time with me. Staff was friendly. The office was nice and bright.

Ariel G.

Very friendly and helpful Great staff!!! Doctor Arora was very professional and did great work. I was very happy with everything!

L B.