Blog Category

Month: November 2017

Categories
Conditions General Treatments

Finding Treatment for a Ganglion Cyst in Macomb

Read Blog

A ganglion cyst is a small lump that is found above a tendon or joint on your body. These cysts can occur on nearly any joint in the body, but they are primarily found on the hands and wrists. While it can be very scary to see a round lump on your body, ganglion cysts are never cancerous. They will start out as completely painless, but they may start to cause problems down the road. If your ganglion cyst is disrupting your movement or causing pain, then it is probably time to seek treatment at our office in Macomb Township.

The exact cause of a ganglion cyst is not known at the moment. They seem to develop after an injury causes the joint or tendon to shift out of its normal location. People with osteoarthritis are also far more likely to develop a ganglion cyst at some point in their life. Once the cyst develops, it will quickly start to fill up with the same thick fluid that is used by the body to lubricate the joints and tendons.

If you think you have a bothersome ganglion cyst, then you should come get it checked out by our professional in Macomb. Our doctor can perform a physical exam of the hand and wrist. He will also likely put some pressure on the cyst and take some X-rays to get an accurate diagnosis. Once it is determined that you have this kind of cyst, it is time to start your treatment in Macomb.

The first form of treatment used to eliminate your cyst may be immobilization. Moving your joints and tendons can cause your cyst to get larger over time, so you may be given a splint or brace. The hope is that the lack of movement in your joints and tendons will cause the cyst to decrease in size. If this does not happen after a short period of time, then another form of treatment will need to be used.

If immobilization is not successful, then the doctor may attempt to remove the ganglion cyst. This form of treatment involves draining the fluid inside the cyst. While this will decrease the size of the cyst, it may come back in the future.

If the problematic ganglion cyst continues to come back after this form of treatment, then it must be removed using surgery. The entire cyst will be removed from your body during the procedure. The ganglion cyst will have a stalk that is attached to a tendon or joint. This stalk is also removed This is a very simple procedure with almost no risks.

If you suspect you may have a ganglion cyst, make an appointment at Arora Hand Surgery in Macomb, West Bloomfield, Howell, or Warren to learn about your treatment options. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation!

Categories
Conditions General Hands

What are Dupuytren’s Contracture Syndrome Risk Factors?

Read Blog

Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that causes deformity of the hand over time. With this syndrome, a layer of tissue grows under the skin of the palm, eventually creating a thick, knotted cord that pulls the fingers and causes them to bend. While there’s no cure for this condition, treatment can slow its progression and minimize its interference with everyday activities.

What Causes Dupuytren’s Contracture Syndrome?

While doctors aren’t exactly sure what causes this condition, certain groups of people are at a higher risk for developing Dupuytren’s contracture. It most commonly occurs in men older than age 50; while women can also develop this syndrome, their symptoms are typically less severe than those experienced by men. It’s also more common among individuals of European descent, as well as among those who have family members with this condition. Diabetes, smoking, and alcohol intake are also risk factors for this syndrome.

What are the Characteristic Symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture?

People with this condition first notice that the skin of their palm seems thicker. Over time, this evolves into knobs of tissue and puckering and dimpling of the skin. The condition is not usually painful, although the affected area may be more sensitive to touch. Over time, the fingers (most often the pinky and ring fingers) are pulled toward the palm.

How is Dupuytren’s Contracture Treated?

For many people with this condition, progression is so slow that treatment is not required at first. If the changes to your fingers make it challenging to perform your daily tasks, however, certain treatments can help alleviate its effects by breaking up the hardened tissue under the palm. Of course, we can go over the details of these treatments with you during a consultation at our office.

Learn More Information at Our Office

If you’re experiencing the symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture syndrome, schedule an evaluation at Arora Hand Surgery. We’ll be happy to recommend treatment options that can restore normal movement to your hand.

For your convenience, Arora Hand Surgery has locations in West Bloomfield, Warren, Macomb, and Howell. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more information about your treatment options!

Categories
General Hands Treatments

What is Dupuytren’s Contracture Surgery?

Read Blog

Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition in which small nodules develop in the connective tissue in the palm. The nodules can eventually form cords of tissue that extend from the palm up one or more fingers, and the resulting structure pulls (contracts) the affected finger towards the palm. It can affect one or both hands, and one or multiple fingers per hand. It is not a life-threatening or painful condition, but it can cause serious disability, especially if it affects the thumbs. This is where Dupuytren’s contracture surgery can help.

What Causes Dupuytren’s Contracture?

The cause appears to be primarily genetic. It mostly affects people of Northern European descent who are in their 50s and 60s, although some cases have been reported in children and the elderly. Men are more likely to be affected than women. It is possible that smoking, diabetes, and certain medications may trigger the condition in susceptible people, but this hasn’t been proven for sure.

What are the Treatment Options?

For mild cases, injections into the cords or insertion of a needle to slice through the cords can correct the condition. For severe cases, however, a minor surgical procedure known as Dupuytren’s contracture surgery is necessary to restore normal function to the hand.

Any individual experiencing difficulty in using a hand due to this condition should consider surgical treatment. Dupuytren’s contracture surgery isn’t typically recommended for individuals who are not experiencing impairment. Removal of the nodules and cords prior to impairment will not prevent the condition from progressing to impairment because new nodules and cords will simply recur. Even after surgical treatment, new nodules and cords can form and it may be necessary to perform additional procedures.

After the surgical site has healed, most patients require a regimen of physical therapy to restore full use of the hand, particularly if more than one finger or the thumb had been affected. Some patients with severe cases may require months of physical and occupational therapy before regaining full hand function.

You can get all the facts about your treatment options, including Dupuytren’s contracture surgery, during an initial consultation with Dr. Arora at Arora Hand Surgery. We have offices in Warren, Howell, Macomb, and West Bloomfield. Contact us today to book your appointment!

Bill Payment Made Easy

Pay on the Go!

Get on the List

Subscribe

Patient

Stories

Read All

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.