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Fingers General

Nerve Damage in the Finger: What You Should Know

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Injury, cuts or trauma may lead to nerve damage in the finger. Finger nerve damage can lead to severe complications if left untreated. This is a closeup image of hands with a sore finger.

Your fingers are essential for completing daily chores and living a complete life. However, due to injury, cuts or trauma, it is possible that you might injure it. Frequently, such events lead to nerve damage in the finger. It is important that you get your hands and fingers checked at a reputable facility such as Arora Hand Surgery in Macomb, Michigan. Nerve damage in the finger can lead to severe complications if left untreated.

What Are The Common Causes?

Generally, nerve damage occurs in any part of the body due to trauma or injury. If you have been in an accident, then chances of nerve damage in your fingers increase greatly. You can also acquire an injury by overstretching your fingers.

Many times individuals crush their fingers between door jambs or while closing a drawer. Such trauma can also lead to massive nerve damage in the finger.

Additionally, burn accidents (even minor cooking burns) can lead to severe nerve damage. It is important that you get in touch with a knowledgeable surgeon in order to ensure that all parts of your fingers are in working order.

What Are The Symptoms Of Nerve Damage In the Finger?

The nerves present in fingers, wrists, and hands serve both motor and sensory purpose. If your nerves are damaged, then chances are that these functions shall be highly affected. Nerve damage can render you unable to use your fingers to the maximum. You might also experience minor symptoms such as twitching, tingling, burning, pain, and numbness. Other symptoms indicating damage of nerve in the finger can include weakness, increased sensitivity, and paralysis among others.

How to Test For Damage

There are many techniques and exercises that you can perform at home in order to recognize nerve damage in the finger. The first thing you should look for are signs of trauma or injury. It is possible to get injured without realizing while leading busy lives. For instance, you might have banged your hand on the car door in your hurry to get to work and not realized because the pain was minor. However, it is possible for an unassuming injury to escalate quickly into nerve damage. Hence, it is important that you carefully scrutinize your fingers for cuts, burns, and bruises.

Next, you should look for sensations. Check whether there is any tingling, numbness, pain, swelling or any other similar sensation. Notice if your fingers are not opening completely or are drooping slightly. You should go to a doctor immediately if there is discoloration or any deformity.

Lastly, there are exercises that can be performed to understand whether you have nerve damage the in finger. Check the strength of your fingers by holding a pencil in each finger and squeezing it.  Any finger that is unable to hold long might be injured.

There are many medications and treatment available to treat damage of nerve in the finger. However, it is important that you get in touch with a specialist.

Schedule An Appointment

If you think you might be experiencing nerve damage in your finger, give Arora Hand Surgery in Macomb Township a call to make a consultation with an experienced specialist.

Schedule an Appointment

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Fingers General

5 Signs You Should Seek Broken Knuckle Treatment

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See Dr. Arora in Howell, West Bloomfield, Warren, or Macomb for broken knuckle treatment.

Most people depend on healthy hands to complete tasks in everyday life. When knuckles break, the ability to perform these tasks becomes almost impossible. At times, knuckle injuries can be treated at home. However, we can explain when it is critical that you seek broken knuckle treatment services, such as those provided by Arora Hand Surgery.
 
 

Symptoms of a Broken Knuckle

Have you ever engaged in a rigorous physical activity and left wondering if you have injured yourself? Many of us avoid going to the doctor until we know an injury needs professional attention. Below you will learn the symptoms of broken knuckles. If you find yourself with a knuckle injury now or in the future, you will be equipped with information on what to do about it.

Popping Sensation

If you hear a popping sound or feel a popping sensation when your knuckles make contact with a hard object, then chances are that your knuckles are broken. Needless to say, call our broken knuckle treatment provider as soon as possible.

Pain

Whether you hear a popping sound or not, intense pain always occurs in the event of broken knuckles. The level of the pain is determined by the degree of the injury that has occurred in the knuckles. If you experience pain after your knuckles come in blunt contact with an object, it is appropriate to seek professional knuckle treatment services.

Swelling

As you begin to experience pain in your hand after the impact, you may also notice swelling. The area around the injury will swell as well and become stiff and hard to move.

Numbness

When the swelling occurs, you may also experience tingling and numbness that may spread throughout the entire arm. Numbness is a critical signal that you should seek broken knuckle treatment immediately.

Bruising

Depending on the degree of the impact, you will notice a bruised knuckle quite rapidly. This is yet another sign that you require broken knuckle treatment.

Getting Broken Knuckle Treatment

For expert broken knuckle treatment services, get in touch with our staff at Arora Hand Surgery, with offices in Howell, West Bloomfield, Macomb Township, and Warren. Contact us today and book your appointment!

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Fingers General

Broken Knuckle vs. Fractured Knuckle

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See Dr. Avery Arora in Macomb, Warren, Howell, or West Bloomfield for fractured knuckle treatment.

Knuckles are joints essential to the function of our fingers and hands.  They are the point where the phalanx bone of a finger meets with the metacarpal bone of the hand.  Each hand has five knuckle joints and twice as many knuckle bones.  It is rare that knuckles break or fracture, but not impossible.  They become vulnerable when the hand is clenched, and the fist is used to hit a hard surface.  If you are concerned, you may be dealing with a broken or fractured knuckle.

What Can Cause a Broken or Fractured Knuckle?

Impact on a hard surface is the main reason a knuckle may be fractured or broken.  With fractures, it is most common that the knuckle closest to the little finger is injured.  Breaks and fractures rarely happen in multiples.  However, the greater the trauma, the greater the chance of multiple injuries.  Examples of situations that can lead to broken or fractured knuckles are:

  • Fighting
  • Work accidents
  • Auto accidents
  • Sport injuries

What are Symptoms of a Fractured or Broken Knuckle?

If you have broken or fractured your knuckle, there will be a great deal of discomfort.  Your ability to perform daily activities will be affected.  If you have the following symptoms, it is likely you have a fractured or broken a knuckle:

  • Numbness
  • Pain following trauma
  • Trouble forming a fist
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling that affects the use of your hand
  • Bruising

Diagnosing a Broken or Fractured Knuckle

Broken knuckles are easily identified because of the excruciating pain you will immediately feel following the injury.  When we diagnose broken or fractured knuckles, we check for visual signs consistent with trauma.  Pressure touch will result in severe pain if the injury is present.  We may also use an X-ray or CT scan to pinpoint the exact location and severity of a fracture.

How are These Injuries Treated?

The treatment of a fracture or break of the knuckle depends on whether the knuckle has been displaced.  A non-displaced injury can sometimes be treated conservatively.  However, a displaced injury that has separated or fractured a segment of the bone will require surgery.

It is always best to try to avoid injury to the knuckles.  Avoid striking objects with your closed fist or breaking your fall with outstretched arms.  If you feel you may have broken or fractured your knuckle, make an appointment at Arora Hand Surgery in Warren, Macomb, West Bloomfield, or Howell. Contact us today to book your consultation.

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Fingers General Hands

Common Sprained Thumb Symptoms

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See Dr. Avery Arora in Macomb, Warren, Howell, or West Bloomfield for sprained thumb treatment. Contact us to learn more about sprained thumb symptoms.

When the connective tissues of the thumb are damaged, the result is a sprain.  Typically, it is the ulnar collateral ligament that is injured.  Damage to the thumb can be a serious injury because the functionality of the hand is heavily dependent on its use. When the thumb is sprained, essential activities such as pinching or grasping we usually take for granted cannot be performed.  Recognizing sprained thumb symptoms can help you identify an injury so you can promptly seek treatment.  At Arora Hand Surgery, we diagnose and repair injuries to the thumbs, hands and other areas.

Causes of a Sprained Thumb

Your thumbs are made up of two bones called phalanges and two joints.  The joints are visible when you bend your thumbs.  Connective tissues, including ligaments, help keep the bones stable and prevent friction between them.  The ulnar collateral ligament, the main ligament in your thumb, connects your thumb’s base to the lower bone.  When the ligament is stretched too far or is torn, the result is a sprain. Most often, this occurs when the thumb is bent backward.  That said, sprains can occur gradually when the thumb is repeatedly strained over time.

Sprained Thumb Symptoms

The sprained thumb symptoms you may experience depend on the severity of your sprain.  You may not always have symptoms right away. As with most injuries, the most common symptom is pain.  You may find the pain is more severe during certain activities.  You may experience bruising or swelling.  Also, the base of your thumb may be tender.

When the sprain is severe, your thumb will immediately swell and bruise.  Your ability to grasp with your thumb and index finger will be impaired.  If you find that your thumb is unstable or lax, it is possible you have fully ruptured the ligament.  A ruptured ligament will require surgery.

Seeking Treatment

If you are experiencing any of the sprained thumb symptoms listed above, we urge you to seek medical attention.  Should diagnosis and treatment be needed, the experts at Arora Hand Surgery, specializing in exceptional treatment and restoration of damage to the hands, fingers, and thumbs, can help.  Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our office in Macomb Township, Warren, Howell, or West Bloomfield.

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Conditions Fingers General Hands

Is Dupuytren’s Contracture The Same As Trigger Finger?

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Is Dupuytren Contracture The Same As Trigger Finger

Is Dupuytren Contracture the same as Trigger Finger?

Are Dupuytren contracture and trigger finger the same thing?
The answer to that question is no.

Upon first glance, these two things might seem very similar, but they are actually very different medical conditions. In fact, the only similarity is that they both affect finger flexion.

Trigger finger involves the tendons, and Dupuytren contractor involves the tissue. Trigger finger is usually brought about by finger injuries, but Dupuytren comes about a little more mysteriously. Medical professionals aren’t entirely sure what causes Dupuytren.

So let’s spend a bit of time breaking these two conditions down.

Take a look at this guide to find the differences between trigger finger and Dupuytren and to learn how each condition can be treated.

What Is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, and it causes one or more of your fingers to get stuck in a bent position.

But doesn’t make them completely stuck. People with trigger finger can usually still straighten their fingers, though it may take more work than normal and will make a snapping or clicking sound, similar to the trigger of a gun being pulled.

When your finger tendons pass from your arm through the palm of your hand, they are surrounded by a protective fibrous sheath.

Trigger finger occurs when inflammation narrows the sheath around the tendons and a nodule forms, usually from injury. Flexing your fingers forces the nodule to slide through the narrow sheath with a snap.

This is most common in the index and middle finger and the thumb (then called trigger thumb).

What is Dupuytren Contracture?

Dupuytren also causes one or more of your fingers to be stuck in a bent position, but that’s where the similarities stop.

Dupuytren can take years to develop completely, and it’s a hand deformity that affects the tissue in the palm of your hand.

This condition starts when that tissue starts to form knots under the skin of your palm. As these knots continue to form, they will create a cord that pulls one or two fingers into a bent position.

Unlike trigger finger, these bent fingers can’t be fully straightened again when this happens. Because of this, everyday activities, even ones as simple as shaking someone’s hand, become difficult.

This condition is most common in the pink and ring finger.

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

Though trigger finger is most common in the first two fingers and thumb, it can also develop in other fingers. More than one finger and even both hands can be affected at the same time.

Most people experience trigger finger in the dominant hand. Here are some of the symptoms that come along with trigger finger.

  • Your finger clicks when you move it
  • Stiffness, especially when you first wake up
  • A bump at the base of the finger
  • Tenderness
  • Finger sticking in a bent position then popping out of it
  • Bent finger you can’t straighten

You will most likely notice trigger finger symptoms when you’re grasping objects or flexing your fingers in the morning.

Symptoms of Dupuytren Contracture

These symptoms might be harder to notice because they can form over multiple years. Because the onset is slow, you might not realize you have these symptoms until they are more pronounced.

Here are some of the things you should look out for.

  • Thickening skin on the palm
  • Dimpled or puckered skin on the palm
  • A sensitive lump of tissue forms on the palm (usually isn’t painful)
  • A noticeable cord forms under the skin that reaches your fingers
  • Fingers that are pulled toward the palm

This can also affect any finger on either hand, though it is much rarer in your index finger and thumb. If someone has it in both hands, one hand is normally worse than the other.

What Causes Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger is usually caused by overuse and injury.

In some cases, all it takes is one large injury to bring about trigger finger, but sometimes it forms from small or repeated injuries.

What Causes Dupuytren Contracture?

There is no clear cause for Dupuytren. This condition doesn’t seem to be connected with any injuries.

Who’s More Likely to Get Trigger Finger?

Anyone can suffer from trigger finger, but it’s more likely to occur in females and people with diabetes. People with jobs that require gripping repetitively are more likely to get trigger finger than people who don’t make those same hand movements as often.

Who’s More Likely to Get Dupuytren Contracture?

Although medical professionals still don’t know what exactly causes Dupuytren, they do have some ideas of who is at more risk to experience this condition.

It is most commonly found in European men who are older than 50. It also seems to run in a family line. In other words, people with family members that have had Dupuytren are more likely to get it themselves.

Like trigger finger, people with diabetes are also more likely to get Dupuytren.

Can You Have Trigger Finger and Dupuytren Contracture at the Same Time?

These two conditions are not the same thing, but a person can experience both trigger finger and Dupuytren contracture at the same time.

How Is Trigger Finger Diagnosed?

In most cases, doctors don’t have to perform any serious tests. They can diagnose your hand after a simple physical exam.

This exam might include you opening your hands and closing your hands, and the doctor will check for things like smooth motion, locking fingers, and places of pain.

The doctor will probably look for a lump in your palm near the base of the afflicted finger.

After the doctor looks for these symptoms, they will be able to diagnose you with trigger finger.

How Is Dupuytren Contracture Diagnosed?

The diagnoses for Dupuytren is also fairly simple and doesn’t require anything elaborate. Again, all the doctor has to do is perform a physical exam on your hand.

Your doctor will look for common symptoms of Dupuytren, such as dimpled or puckered skin on your palm, tissue knots in your palm, and fingers that are locked in a bent position.

If you’re in the early stages of Dupuytren, the doctor may have you flatten your hand against a tabletop to see how far your fingers can straighten. Inability to straighten your fingers completely is a sure sign you have Dupuytren.

Finger Trigger Treatments

The treatments for trigger finger depend on the severity of your particular case. If the trigger finger hasn’t progressed to a serious stage, the doctor might suggest some finger and hand therapy.

This could include things like:

  • A finger splint to wear at night to help your tendons relax
  • Stretching exercises to keep the mobility of your fingers
  • Rest to avoid overusing or injuring your fingers

If the trigger finger is more severe, your doctor might try a steroid injection. They will inject this medication into the constricted sheath, which will help it relax and provide smoother movement. An injection like this can fix the problem for over a year.

In some cases, your doctor might also try a percutaneous release. This means the doctor will, after numbing your finger, insert a needle into the tissue and break the nodule that’s preventing free movement.

Lastly, there is also an option for surgery. During this surgery, the doctor will create a tiny incision on your finger and cut open the damaged sheath.

Dupuytren Contracture Treatments

If you don’t have a serious case of Dupuytren, you may not need any treatment at all. As long as your condition isn’t making it difficult to perform daily tasks and has no pain, your hand may do better on its own.

However, more serious cases require treatments that break apart the knotted tissue and the cord that’s pulling the fingers into a bent position. There are several different ways to do this.

Needling

A doctor will insert a needle into your palm and use it to break apart the knotted tissue at the base of your afflicted fingers. This is not a permanent fix because the cord will often reform. However, the treatment can be repeated many times.

Doctors may recommend this treatment because it doesn’t take a lot of time to heal or recuperate the hand. It can also be done on several fingers at the same time, so if you have a lot of fingers affected by Dupuytren, this may be a good option.

Enzyme Treatments

These enzymes can be injected into the cord of tissue in your palm. They will then weaken the cord, which makes it easier for your doctor to move your fingers and break the cord.

Surgery

Doctors use this treatment for people with advanced forms of Dupuytren. During the surgery, they will remove the knotted tissue in your hand. This treatment lasts longer than both needling and enzyme injections.

This surgery does require physical therapy and a longer recovery time than other methods.

If You Notice Any Symptoms, Go See a Doctor

Whether you experience symptoms of trigger finger or Dupuytren contracture, you should make an appointment with a doctor right away. They will be able to give you a proper diagnosis and a medical plan for the future.

Experience finger problems that don’t seem to match either of these conditions? Check out this guide to make sure you don’t have nerve damage.

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Conditions Fingers General Hands

What are the Causes of Dupuytren’s Contracture?

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What is Dupuytren's contracture and what causes it? How is Dupuytren's contracture treated? These are some of the questions our hand doctor can answer. This is a closeup image of hand affected by the disease.

Do you think you’re one of the approximately seven percent of Americans dealing with Dupuytren’s contracture? Do you even know what this surprisingly common condition is?

Read on to learn more about what Dupuytren’s contracture is and for some useful information on how to treat it and improve your quality of life.

What is Dupuytren’s Contracture?

Let’s start by clearing up what Dupuytren’s contracture actually is.

Dupuytren’s contracture, which is also known as Dupuytren’s disease, is a condition that involves the tightening and thickening of the fascia (connective tissue) of the fingers and palm of the hand.

Normally, fascia is very elastic. But, for people suffering from this condition, the fascia is tight, to the point where it can cause the fingers to curl inward. It can even cause severe deformities that limit overall hand function.

Common Causes

Dupuytren’s disease doesn’t have a single known cause. But researchers have found that it often runs in families, and people of certain heritages are more likely to develop it.

Those who are more susceptible to the condition include people of Northern European or Scandinavian descent.

Certain illnesses and lifestyle factors can influence a person’s likelihood of Dupuytren’s contracture, too. Common ones include:

  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Diabetes
  • Epilepsy and seizure disorders
  • Smoking

Men who are in their 40s or older are also more likely to develop Dupuytren’s disease than women. For both genders, the chances of being diagnosed increase with age.

Symptoms

How do you know if you have Dupuytren’s contracture?

Most people start by noticing small lumps, or nodules, under the skin on the palm of their hand. The nodules will usually be sore and tender at first, but the discomfort will subside with time.

After they first develop, these nodules will cause tough bands of connective tissue to appear under the skin. These bands will cause the fingers to curl inward and will hinder one’s ability to straighten their fingers.

The ring and pinkie fingers often are affected first.

Dupuytren’s contracture usually affects both hands, but one hand may present more serious symptoms than the other.

As the condition progresses, it can become difficult to perform everyday tasks like placing your hands in your pockets or picking up large objects. Even actions like shaking hands, wearing gloves, or placing your hand flat on a surface become challenging.

When Should You See a Hand Doctor?

The sooner you speak to a doctor about your condition, the sooner you can start treatment and avoid the debilitating symptoms that occur as the disease progresses.

If you notice lumps on your palm — even if they’re not painful — you should make an appointment with the doctor.

If you’re already experiencing more advanced symptoms, like difficulty straightening the fingers or grasping objects, it’s even more important for you to make an appointment.

Diagnosis

When you visit the doctor, he will examine your wrists, hands, and fingers. He will pay special attention to the palms to check for nodules and count how many are currently present.

The doctor will also most likely have you perform a series of tasks to see how far the disease has progressed. Common tests include:

  • Placing your hand flat on a table
  • Grasping and pinching items with the hands and fingers
  • Checking the amount of feeling you have in the fingers and thumbs
  • Measuring range of motion

The doctor will repeat these tests and exams regularly to see if your condition is improving or getting worse.

Nonsurgical Treatment Options

Dupuytren’s contracture doesn’t have a cure. However, there are also a number of nonsurgical treatment options that the doctor will suggest first to help you manage your condition and improve your quality of life.

Some common nonsurgical treatments that the doctor will likely start with include:

Stretching

When Dupuytren’s disease is in its earliest stages, many doctors start by recommending regular stretching exercises to improve range of motion and slow the disease’s progression.

Common exercises include flexion exercise, grip strengthening exercises, and isolation exercises.

Steroid Injections

An injection of corticosteroids, a type of anti-inflammatory medication, can help reduce the size of nodules when the disease is in its early stages. They also can help slow the progression of Dupuytren’s contracture.

But, if the thickened tissue has already formed, or the fingers are already starting to curl, steroid injections don’t seem to be particularly effective.

Enzyme Injections

Your doctor may also try injecting an enzyme mixture into the thickened tissue to try and loosen it up. After the injection, doctors sometimes try to stretch and straighten out the fingers.

Enzyme injections can be effective, but most people require two to three of them before they see improvement. They also come with some minor side effects like swelling, bruising, and bleeding.

Less Effective Treatment Options

Some doctors recommend treatments like low energy radiation, ultrasound, or Vitamin E cream to treat Dupuytren contracture. These treatments are not well researched and generally are not as effective as the options mentioned above.

It’s also important to avoid splinting your fingers. It might seem like a good idea to force the fingers to straighten. But, the force from the splint can actually backfire and cause the finger to curl inward faster.

Surgical Treatment Options

After trying nonsurgical treatment options, your doctor may suggest surgical intervention if your condition doesn’t seem to be improving.

There are three different types of surgery that doctors perform to treat Dupuytren contracture:

Needle Fasciotomy

Also known as a percutaneous needle fasciotomy or a needle aponeurotomy, this is an outpatient procedure that is performed with just a local anesthetic.

During this procedure, the doctor will insert a fine needle or very sharp blade into the connective tissue of the palm or fingers. They’ll then use the needle or blade to divide the bands and release the tension that causes the hands to curl.

Some of the benefits of this procedure include:

  • Fewer deformities of the hand
  • Faster recovery
  • Low risk of complication

A needle fasciotomy is also a good option for older patients for whom extensive surgery is not safe.

Open Fasciotomy

Another option is an open fasciotomy. This procedure is usually used for more severe cases. There is more long-term relief from an open fasciotomy compared to a needle fasciotomy, but it’s also more extensive.

An open fasciotomy is an outpatient procedure, like a needle fasciotomy, and it’s performed under local anesthetic.

During this procedure, the doctor will create an incision to access and divide the thickened connective tissue to improve your ability to straighten your fingers. They’ll then seal the wound with stitches and apply a dressing.

Since the wound is larger from this procedure, recovery time is a bit longer. You’ll also need to plan for a second appointment to have the stitches removed, and you’ll likely have a scar left over.

Fasciectomy

The most invasive surgical option for Dupuytren contracture involves removing the thickened bands of tissue altogether.

There are three different variations of a fasciectomy:

  • Regional: The doctor removes the affected connective tissue through one large incision
  • Segmental: The doctor removes small segments of tissue through one or more small cuts
  • Dermofasciectomy: The doctor removes affected connective tissue and overlying skin that may be damaged, then seals the wound with a skin graft

Unlike the other two options, a fasciectomy will most often be carried out under general anesthetic. You’ll be unconscious during the procedure and won’t feel any pain.

Because of the use of general anesthesia, there are more risks that come with a fasciectomy. But, complications are still unlikely, and the results of a fasciectomy usually last longer than the results of a needle or open fasciotomy.

Potential Complications

Complications are quite rare. But, the most frequently experienced ones include:

  • Infection
  • Potential nerve or blood vessel injury
  • Permanent stiffness in the fingers

In the months following your surgery, it’s common to experience some swelling and discomfort.

Recovering from Hand Surgery

Most people see significant improvement in the range of motion in their fingers following surgical intervention, especially with the help of physical and occupational therapy.

After surgery, you’ll probably be able to return to your daily activities, including driving, after about three weeks. Recovery can be a bit longer for people who have had skin grafts.

You should refrain from heavy manual labor and intense physical activity for about six weeks to ensure proper healing.

Chances of Recurrence

Surgery is highly beneficial, especially for people who are experiencing limitations in their daily activities as a result of Dupuytren’s contracture.

However, it’s important to note that there is a chance that the condition will return. People with a strong family history or those who had particularly severe contractures are more likely to experience a recurrence after surgery.

The chances of recurrence are also higher in needle fasciotomies than fasciectomies. Dermofasciectomy has the lowest risk of recurrent (less than one in ten).

Get Treatment for Dupuytren’s Contracture Today

Do you think you’re suffering from Dupuytren’s contracture? Are you looking for treatment and relief from your symptoms?

If so, contact us today at Arora Hand Surgery to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve people throughout the state of Michigan, and we’re eager to help you improve your symptoms and start feeling your best.

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Fingers General

How to Treat a Broken Knuckle

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broken knuckle

You use your hands all day long. It is likely that you will eventually injure your fingers. If that injury results in a broken knuckle, it’s good to know how to treat a broken knuckle. The treatment provided will vary depending on a number of factors. These include how the knuckle was broken, how old you are when the break occurs, what you do for work, and how functional you need your fingers to be.

The most common option for treating a broken knuckle is called knuckle strapping. As the name implies, this treatment involves connecting the damaged finger to a healthy finger using tape or a strap. The two fingers are strapped together for multiple weeks or more.

There are some instances where strapping is not a practical option. In these cases, splints or a cast may be used. But in some cases, the break is so serious that a more complicated remedy is needed. This is where surgery comes into the picture.

There are a number of options for fixing broken knuckles. Just as an example, metal bars may be placed between pins with the goal of keeping the bone and any bone fragments in a fixed position during the healing process.

Your knuckles are complicated. They are designed to provide flexibility, stability, and strength. Therefore, it is understandable that some complications may arise during and after the recovery process. The most common complication is stiffness. While your knuckle heels, your finger will be stiff.

The worst thing you could do is leave a broken knuckle untreated. If left to heal on its own, your knuckle will heal in an unnatural position that will further minimize flexibility, minimize strength, leave your finger looking deformed, and leave you with pain. If you have a broken knuckle, don’t delay. Make an appointment at Arora Hand Surgery, located in Howell, Macomb, West Bloomfield, and Warren, to learn about your treatment options. Contact us today to book your consultation.

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Fingers General

How to Treat a Nail Bed Injury

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Nail Bed Injury

A nail bed injury can have multiple causes. Anything that can crush, cut, tear or pinch the fingertip can also injure the nail bed. Consequently, nail bed injuries are often accompanied by other injuries to the finger or hand.

Crushing the fingertip may simply cause a lot of blood to pool under the nail, which is very painful. More severe injuries can cause the nail to break into pieces, or they may cause the nail and/or fingertip to be severed.

Our team will start by taking the patient’s medical history, during which they will ask about the cause of the injury. They will use imaging technology like an X-ray to both check the severity of the nail bed injury and look for any associated injuries like a broken bone. We will choose a treatment based on what we find. Regardless of the techniques used, the treatment’s goals will always be to restore the nail and surrounding area to its normal appearance and function.

If the patient has a hematoma or accumulation of blood under the nail, we can drill a small hole in the nail to release the blood and, thus, relieve the pressure and pain. Hematomas are among the more common nail bed injuries. In many cases, the patient ends up losing the nail, but a new one does grow in. The new nail will look perfectly normal unless the injury involved the germinal matrix or crescent. The nail grows from the germinal matrix, so an injury to it often results in a malformed nail. The nail, however, keeps growing throughout a person’s life. Thus, once the germinal matrix heals, it starts producing a normal nail that will eventually replace the misshapen nail over the following months.

In reconstruction of the nail bed, the surgeon may replace it with grafts taken from other digits. In many such cases, there will also be other injuries like fractures, and the surgeon will have to treat those first. It all depends on the unique situation.

Are you dealing with a nail bed injury? Make an appointment at Arora Hand Surgery right away. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our office in Howell, Warren, Macomb, or West Bloomfield!

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Fingers General

What Can Cause a Sunken Knuckle?

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Sunken Knuckle

An injury that was once known as a “boxer’s fracture” has steadily become a more prevalent injury – and not just among brawlers! Knuckle fractures are becoming more and more common, and it is important to be aware of treatment options should you ever experience one. One of the most common and often sure signs of a broken knuckle is the appearance of a sunken knuckle, which is exactly what it sounds like: with a closed fist, the broken knuckle has either completely disappeared or has literally sunken below the other knuckles of the hand.

The “sunken” appearance will often be accompanied by swelling and bruising, but the absence of any one or all of these other symptoms does not necessarily mean that the injury is less severe. It is always a good idea to have any persistent or severe discomfort examined by one of the hand specialists on our staff.

Despite the nickname, sunken knuckle metacarpal fractures can occur as a result of many things, not just outright punching or boxing. Any significant blunt force trauma may be enough to fracture such a complex and delicate joint, such as car accidents, sports trauma, and other injuries that may occur throughout your daily life. The knuckles on and closest to the pinky finger are the most likely to be fractured in accidents.

Leaving knuckle fractures untreated can lead to a host of problems down the road. Stiffness is one of the most common side effects associated with hand fractures and can often complicate everyday tasks including eating, writing, and driving. Without the proper treatment, you risk doing permanent damage to your bones and joints, which may require more invasive treatment in the future.

In treating a sunken or broken knuckle, patients may encounter many different options. In extreme cases, our surgeon may need to fully reconstruct the knuckle or install permanent metal plates. After initial treatment, we support patients through physical therapy and other rehabilitation services.

If you’re dealing with a sunken knuckle, don’t freak yourself out. There is hope available at Arora Hand Surgery, with offices in Howell, West Bloomfield, Warren, and Macomb Township. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn about your treatment options.

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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.