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Fingers General

How Do I Treat A Broken Knuckle?

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How broken knuckles are treated will depend on a variety of factors, including the nature of the break, the age and occupation of the patient, and the level of function that is needed in the hand.

The most common type of treatment is known as “neighbor strapping.” As you might suspect, this treatment involves strapping, or taping, the finger with the broken knuckle to the one next to it. Once trapped, the strapping is kept in place for approximately three weeks. If strapping is impractical, then often a splint or plaster cast will be used, and again, it is left in place for usually about three weeks. If these treatments fail, or if the break is complex, surgery may be needed.

Types of Surgery

Various types of surgery can be considered for broken knuckles. One of the most common types of surgery involves the installation of thin metal rods, known as Kirschner wires, or K-wires. They are placed across the broken bones, in order to hold them in place until they heal (usually within three weeks). A bit of wire is left exposed outside the skin, and when the healing is complete, the wires are simply removed using a special type of pliers.

Interosseous wires are another way of holding the broken bones together. This type of wire is often permanently left in place.

Plate fixation involves the use of small plates made of metal, attached to the broken bones by means of small screws. They are also left permanently in the hand. This type of treatment is usually for metacarpal breaks in the palm area, rather than in the knuckles themselves.

Complex breaks may need external fixation. With this type of surgery, a thick pin is inserted through the skin and into the bone on both sides of the break. Then, a metal bar is placed between the pins in order to keep the bones still and any bone fragments in place while healing takes place.

Complications

Complications can occur with broken knuckles. The most common complication is stiffness. The break, along with the splinting needed to correct it, can often result in the affected finger not having the same flexibility of movement as it did before the break. Often, physiotherapy can help with stiffness, but in many cases a return to full functionality is not possible.

Pain can also be a complication. Usually it will not be severe, but patients often notice that the affected area aches during cold weather, or when heavy work is being performed.

Occasionally, there are problems with the healing process. Delayed union occurs when the break does not heal as quickly as it should. This is an inconvenience, but the bone will heal properly eventually. More problematic is non-union, which is when the bones fail to heal even after several weeks. When this happens, further procedures will be required. Mal-union is a condition where the bones heal in a bad position. This could be a non-issue, but if the function of the hand is affected, it may be necessary to perform further treatments on the knuckle.

Finally, as is the case with any type of surgery, there is a slight possibility of infection. When bone is infected, this is known as osteomyelitis. Sometimes a course of antibiotics, or additional surgery, can cure the infection. Sometimes, though, it will not clear. The worst case scenario is that the finger may need to be amputated.

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Fingers General

Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment of a Sprained Thumb

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Your thumb is an essential part of your hand. If you have a thumb injury, it means that grabbing things, holding items, and performing many normal daily tasks will be next to impossible. One of the most common types of injuries to the thumb is a sprain. Even though it might not sound serious, it can be. In fact, in some cases, it might even require surgery to repair.

What Is a Sprain?

A sprained thumb happens when you damage the ligament, which connects the thumb to the rest of the hand. The ligament is responsible for pinching and holding, and a sprain will weaken your ability to do these types of actions.

Sprains are often the result of falling. Most people will instinctively put their arms out in front of them when they fall, and they land on their outstretched and open hands. The impact can tear the ligament.

When the injury occurs, you might not realize that it is a sprain right away. Sometimes the pain comes quickly, but other times, it can take some time to set in. At that point, not only will you feel pain, but you will also find that your ability to move the thumb is greatly diminished. Often, you will notice swelling and bruising. The area around the thumb will also be tender when you touch it.

Should You See a Doctor?

For mild sprains, some people forego the doctor, but this could be a bad idea. Its often difficult for someone to determine just how bad a sprain might be. If you have more than a small tear in the ligament, it could cause instability and pain in the area for a long time. Its best to visit a doctor, who can then determine the extent of the injury and come up with a course of treatment.

When you visit the doctor, they will want to manipulate the thumb to see whether the ligament tear is complete or partial. They can move the thumb and test the stability, which will let them know how to proceed. Sometimes, they will also want to take an x-ray to determine if you have a fracture to any of the bones in the area.

For those who have partial tears, surgery will not be necessary. The doctor will usually recommend icing the sprain regularly, and may provide you with a splint or cast to keep the thumb in the proper position until it heals. They will likely want you to wear the cast for several weeks without removing it. After that point, you can remove the cast and do exercises to regain your strength and flexibility. When you are not exercising the thumb, you will still want to wear the splint for at least two to three weeks. Follow the doctors orders.

If the ligament is torn all the way, the doctor might recommend surgery to reconnect it to the bone. After the surgery, you will need to be in a cast for six to eight weeks as it heals.

If you have a sprain, or believe that you do, make sure you contact our hand surgeon’s office in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, or Macomb to get in touch with a medical professional as soon as possible. Its the best way to minimize the risk of permanent injury.

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General Wrists

Wrist and Arm Fractures in Toddlers

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You have probably heard it said, and maybe even said it yourself, that when a child is hurt, it hurts the parent twice as much. Of course that is debatable, but indisputably it can be very hard on a parent seeing a toddler fall down and sustain a fracture.

That said, you are never going to prevent a toddler from ever falling down, and at some point it is very possible that a fracture will occur. Toddlers hardly ever incur a sprain – it is almost invariably a fracture. The good news is that even when a fracture does occur in a young child, it will usually heal quickly.

Identifying a Wrist or Arm Fracture in a Toddler

Toddlers are like the rest of us – when forward movement goes wrong, the natural reaction is to extend the hand in order to break the fall. Unfortunately, sometimes breaking the fall means breaking the wrist or the arm. Your first tip-off that a fracture may have occurred is obvious – the child will begin to cry. Do not assume, though, that just because the child can move the wrist or the arm, nothing is broken. You may not even be aware that a fracture has occurred unless the bone is obviously out of position. Generally speaking, if the child is in pain, and the pain does not ease quickly, a fracture is possible.

Types of Wrist and Arm Fractures in Toddlers

One of the most common fractures in toddlers occurs above the wrist, in the radius, which is the large bone in the forearm. In fact, nearly half of the broken bones in toddlers occur close to the end of the radius.

Another type of fracture is a “torus” fracture, where the bone collapses but does not break completely. This type of fracture usually heals well.

A greenstick fracture is another type of partial fracture that usually heals well. With a greenstick fracture, you may not notice symptoms – there could be very little bruising or swelling, but the child will be reluctant to use the arm, and the area may be tender. The joints will all still move.

See a Doctor

You probably know that doctors are required by law to report suspected cases of child abuse. Unfortunately, that knowledge sometimes makes good parents reluctant to seek medical assistance. Keep in mind that if the incident is isolated, and the child does not appear to have any other injuries, the doctor is very likely to accept your explanation that it was an accident. You should never be afraid to take your child to the doctor if you suspect a fracture.

Feel free to contact our hand surgeon’s office in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, or Macomb to get in touch with a medical professional.

Most Toddler Fractures Heal Easily

Most of the time, when a toddler has had a fracture of the arm or wrist, he or she will want to begin using the arm right away. Frequently, this is not a problem, as toddlers heal very quickly and effectively. Sometimes, though, the doctor may recommend the use of a sling. Obviously, the arm or wrist should be handled more gently than usual as healing progresses.

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General Treatments

Arthritis Surgery: What You Should Know

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Arthritis can be a debilitating condition that can cause chronic pain and stiffness, and will generally get worse over time. Fortunately, you and your doctor can discuss different treatment options to deal with your arthritis to help control the pain and other issues it presents. With rest and medication, it can help to deal with the pain. However, it doesnt actually do anything to remove the pain – it merely masks it. In some cases, the doctor may recommend arthritis surgery to help you. Joint surgery on the hands, elbow, and wrist could help to reduce your pain and to return more of your mobility.

Is Surgery Right for You?

Not all patients are good candidates for surgery, so this is something you will need to talk with your doctor about. They want to make sure you are healthy enough for surgery, and that the surgery will actually be able to help you. You and your doctor will also want to discuss other treatment options that are available.

If both of you decide that surgery is the best choice, the doctor will explain the procedure. There are different types of surgery for arthritis. In some cases, the doctors will use fusion techniques, which will fuse the joint, which can relieve the pain, although it may limit some of the mobility. They may also use arthroscopic surgery to remove some of the debris around the joints, which can reduce pain. In severe cases, they may consider replacing all or part of a joint.

Have the doctor explain the surgery, along with the pros, cons, and the risks. Make sure you also understand the recovery time and what types of therapy you will have to do. You can then decide whether you want to proceed and have the surgery.

Getting Ready for the Surgery

As mentioned, you need to be healthy enough to have surgery. Make sure that you and your doctor consider all of your other health issues first. The doctor may want you to change your dietary habits, quit smoking, and to eliminate unhealthy behavior before the surgery to ensure a better healing rate. They will also want to know what medications you are on so that you arent taking anything that could interfere with the procedure, and so you arent taking any conflicting medications after the surgery.

Ask About Follow-Ups

The surgeon will want to see you several times after the surgery to make sure you are healing properly and that the surgery was successful. Make sure you understand the follow-up schedule. Also, make sure you have a way to contact the doctor in case you have any complications after the surgery.

Choosing to have arthritis surgery is a big step, and it is not something that you can take lightly. Make sure you ask your hand surgeon as many questions as you have, and be sure that you really are ready to have this type of surgery. It can be beneficial, as it can relieve a lot of your pain and stiffness, but you still have to make the decision on your own of whether you want to go through with the surgery.

Contact us at one of our hand and wrist surgery offices in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, or Macomb to get in touch with a medical professional.

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Conditions General

A Look at Gamer’s Thumb – Arora Hand Surgery

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Video games are designed for human beings, but human beings are not designed to play video games. Our hands are simply not constructed to manipulate game controllers for hours on end. Most video game controllers require the thumbs to take the brunt of the activity, and that often leads to a condition known, appropriately enough, as Gamers Thumb. This is a type of repetitive stress injury affecting not only the thumb, but the wrist as well.

Symptoms

People afflicted with Gamers thumb will often notice that they dont have the strength in their hands that they once did, or the range of motion. They may also notice a popping sound, or a feeling of snapping, on the outer part of the thumb where it joins the wrist.

The Mechanics

The thumb is designed to move inward toward the wrist, and its overall anatomy makes this possible. This action, the movement of opposable thumbs, is what distinguishes us from animals, enabling us to pick up objects and use tools. The thumb is made to grip, but not to complete complex motions that can put stress on the joint as wells as the tendons and muscles that are attached to it. When non-gripping movements are performed over and over, inflammation in the tendons and in the tenosynovium (a membrane that helps the tendons to slide through the wrist) can occur. The ability to grip is then reduced, and swelling can occur in the thumb, the wrist, and even the forearm. This, at its essence, is Gamers Thumb.

The Pain

Usually, Gamers Thumb pain occurs when the wrist is flexed, or when the sufferer grabs something or makes a fist. It occurs in gamers who play for long periods of time, usually every day. If left untreated, the inflammation can worsen, and the synovial sheaths that protect the tendons can thicken and even deteriorate. In the long term, this can lead to a loss of range of motion, loss of strength, and even permanent damage accompanied by constant pain. Not only will you have trouble performing ordinary activities, your gaming career is going to be over.

Treatment

If Gamers Thumb has not progressed significantly, it can be treated. Treatment is much the same as for other injuries to the hand and wrist. Most importantly, you need to rest, so whether your passion is Minecraft, Call of Duty, vintage games like Super Mario and Tetris, or maybe just Facebook games like Candy Crush or Bejeweled Blitz, you need to take a bit of time out. Watch a movie, read a book, go for a walk – whatever gets you away from your games.

You can get relief from the pain by applying cold packs to your hand and wrist, and taking over-the-counter pain remedies. Keeping your hand elevated can also ease the discomfort.

Keep in mind that if you have noticeable symptoms, you cant “scale back.” You have to stop for a while. But if you do, youll be back at your gaming console soon, none the worse for the wear.

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General Wrists

How do I treat a sprained wrist?

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Spraining your wrist is one of the most common injuries, and it can happen more easily than you might think. You could be playing sports and have a collision, you could slip and fall walking down the stairs, and receive the injury in countless other ways. A sprained wrist occurs when your outstretch palm hits the floor or another surface and bends backwards momentarily. This causes the ligaments in the wrist to stretch further than they were meant to stretch. Small tears can occur, and in some cases, it is possible to snap the ligament entirely.

Most Common Symptoms

When a person sprains their wrist, there is a substantial amount of pain. In addition, the area tends to swell. The site of the injury will be warm to the touch as it swells. The area will also be extremely tender to the touch – even a light touch can send swells of pain through the body. Bruising tends to occur as well.

At the moment of the sprain, it is common for the injured party to feel the tear as it occurs. This can actually be the most frightening part for many people, as they know that something bad happened … they just do not know the extent of the injuries.

The Diagnosis

While you might suspect that you have a sprained wrist, the only way to know for sure is to speak with a doctor. You do not want to believe that you have a sprained wrist when it is actually broken. The doctor will examine you, and they may require that you have an x-ray as well. This will give them a look “inside” to make sure that there are no fractured bones in the wrist. They may require other imaging tests as well, such as an MRI, to get the entire picture.

Types of Sprains

There are several “grades” of sprains – Grade I, II, and III. The mildest of these is Grade I, which is reserved for those sprains that have only minor ligament damage. The Grade II sprains have more damage, as well as more pain. Some patients might feel as though their wrist joint feels loose. They will also lose proper function of the wrist until it heals. A Grade III sprain is the most serious, as it means that ligament is torn and the patient will not have any use of their wrist.

Treatment Options

When you have a sprain, you will want to follow the acronym RICE – Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate. Keep the wrist resting and add ice to the area to keep the swelling down. Use a bandage to compress the area, which will also help with the swelling. Keep your wrist elevated so it is above heart level.

You can also take over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can help to keep the swelling down, and which can provide you with pain relief. Those who suffer from a Grade III sprain may need to have surgery to proper repair.

While most sprains aren’t serious and can heal on their own, you should still get a medical opinion. Contact our hand surgeon’s office in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, or Macomb to get in touch with a medical professional. You need to have a proper diagnosis if you are expected to heal.

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Conditions General Treatments

Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment for Arthritis Sufferers

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One of the most common afflictions among people in the United States is arthritis. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, and while many of them have the same types of signs and symptoms, there are some differences that are important to note.

Osteoarthritis

Symptoms can include pain in the joints. Sufferers can feel pain in the joint during movement as well as after movement. The affected area may also be tender to the touch, even if there is only a minimal amount of pressure applied to the joint. Many sufferers also complain that they feel stiff when they wake up in the morning. They also lose a substantial amount of flexibility in their hands (and other joints). The joint could also develop bone spurs. This occurs due to the wearing away of the cartilage at the end of the joints.

This type of arthritis can affect many people, and there are a variety of different risk factors that come into play. Those who are older are at risk, as the cartilage in the joints tends to wear down with age. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men. Those who have suffered from joint injuries in the past could be at a higher risk as well. In addition, workplace factors (jobs that have repetitive motions), genetics, and other diseases can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA is another common type of arthritis, and this can be more dangerous than other forms of arthritis as it can affect the organs in the body. It can be difficult to detect RA, but there are some symptoms to consider. Those who have RA tend to have injuries that will be difficult to heal. They may also feel a tingling or numb sensation in their hands. This can sound similar to carpal tunnel. RA can also cause eye problems, foot problems, and aching joints. If you go to the doctor, make sure you tell him or her about all of your symptoms so you receive a proper diagnosis.

What Treatments Are Available?

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to treat arthritis today. Doctors may recommend some lifestyle changes for a start. They may want you to stop smoking and to get more exercise, which can promote feeling better in general. They may also offer pain medications, or suggest over the counter medications to help with the pain. Physical therapy can help as well. However, you want to make sure that you receive your exercises from an actual physical therapist so you can be sure you arent doing anything that could aggravate your arthritis further.

In some cases, the doctor may feel that surgery is the best option for you. You can discuss the surgical choices available. They may want to fuse the joints, which can help to relieve pain, clear out some of the inflamed areas, or even replace the joints.

Whenever you are suffering from any type of injury to the hand, whether it is arthritis or something else entirely, please call or visit our hand doctor’s office in Howell, Warren, West Bloomfield, or Macomb to get in touch with a medical professional. You need to have a proper diagnosis if you are expected to heal.

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Elbows General

What Are Overuse Injuries of the Elbow? – Michigan Hand and Wrist Surgery

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The human body can only take so much. When you are constantly repeating an action that puts stress and pressure on a part of the body, such as the elbow, it will eventually break down. The body needs time to heal, and if you do not give it that time, the problems and the pain will only get worse down the line.

How Do the Injuries Occur?

Whenever someone does the same motions repeatedly without enough rest, it causes the tendons and ligaments in the elbow to work harder than they are meant to work. Unless someone is able to give the elbow time to rest, they could suffer from an overuse injury. Athletes who are repeatedly using the same motions for throwing are susceptible to this type of injury. It can also affect those who have an occupation that requires repetitive motion of the elbow. Its important to note that children are at a high risk because their bodies are not able to handle the same amount of stress as an adult.

What Are the Symptoms?

Some of the most common symptoms of an overuse injury in the elbow include pain and tenderness in the affected area. In addition, the elbow could swell, which can limit mobility. Some patients also report a numb feeling or a tingling sensation in the elbow. The joint may also start to make popping sounds when it is moved.

Treatment Options

It is best to catch potential overuse injuries as early as possible, as they will be easier to treat. In the beginning, it is often possible to remedy the situation with plenty of rest for the affected area. The doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, and they may advise you to put cold compresses on the elbow to help with swelling. Physical therapy is another option to try. To help the elbow rest, the doctor may want you to use a splint or a brace on the elbow.

These methods can be effective in treatment. However, those who do not respond to these options may need to talk with their doctor about surgery. The same is true for those who have a severe condition. The surgery can help to remove some of the inflamed areas, which should alleviate the pain. The healing time for the surgery will vary by patient, so you will need to speak with your doctor about what to expect and your overall prognosis after the surgery. They will also let you know what types of therapy can help you get your strength and range of motion back.

Do Not Ignore the Problem

Your elbows are very important joints and if they have issues, it will affect your ability to do many of the things that you now take for granted. If you notice issues with your elbow, start by resting the area, but make sure you make an appointment with the doctor to get a proper diagnosis. The earlier you realize that you are suffering from an overuse injury the sooner you will be able to make changes and start to heal.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Michigan Hand and Wrist Surgeon, please contact us at either (248) 485-8300 or (734) 943-3838.

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General Hands

Need to Know Information About Hand Joint Replacement

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Patients who are suffering from debilitating cases of arthritis, and who are unable to find relief through other types of treatment, turn to surgery for help. One of the procedures that can help these sufferers is joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty. They actually replace the small joints in the hand, including the knuckles.

Why Do People Need Joint Replacement Surgery for the Hand?

The hands undergo a substantial amount of stress each day, and it can take a toll on the joints. For those who are typing all day, for example, the joints can start to swell and cause a lot of pain. The joints become stiff and achy, and it can limit the mobility of the hand and fingers. Ultimately, this becomes a quality of life issue. People are in near constant pain, and it is difficult for them to do normal daily tasks.

When resting and using medications no longer helps, the doctor will consider different types of surgery to find the procedure that will help the patient the best. They may consider fusing the joint as well as removing cartilage growth and bone spurs from the area. Those who are older and who have a lower level of activity will often be good candidates for the joint replacement surgery. It can relieve pain and improve mobility. However, older patients are not the only ones who can benefit. You can discuss with your surgeon which option could help you the most.

What Types of Joint Replacement Options Exist?

Your doctor will be able to replace nearly any of the joints in your hand. A DIP join, which is the joint that is the closest to the tip of your finger, can be a very difficult joint replacement, simply because the bones are so small. The most common joint replacement is a PIP replacement, which replaces the second joint from the tip of the finger. The most common fingers to receive these new joints are the little finger and the ring finger. The MCP joint is the third joint from the tip of the finger, and the thumb basal joint is where the thumb connects to the wrist.

When you have your consultation with the surgeon, you can discuss whether your hand condition makes you a good candidate for this type of surgery, or if you might benefit from a different procedure. All surgeries in the hand are complex, and they take a very skilled surgeon.

When you are choosing a hand surgeon, make sure that you vet them to ensure they are capable of providing you with the quality surgery and care that you need. You will also want to evaluate the team that works with them, so you can be sure you are getting the best overall treatment. Make sure that you discuss the pros and the cons, as well as what to expect during and after the procedure, including your recovery time. While joint replacement might not be the solution for all arthritis sufferers, it is something that you and the doctor can discuss.

If you have any questions about hand joint replacement surgery, please call or visit our hand surgeon’s office in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, or Macomb.

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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.