Blog Category

Category: General

Blog // General
Categories
General Hands

Protecting Your Hands While Gardening: Tips that May Help Keep You Safer

Read Blog
It's important to protect your hands while gardening in order to prevent injury, insect bites, and irritation.

May is perhaps the most invigorating month of the entire year. With beautiful gardens, the fragrant scent of freshly tilled dirt, greenery bursting into life all around, and Mother’s Day flowers to color the scene, this month makes you want to get outside to be one with nature. Gardening can be a thrilling and fulfilling hobby, one that we hope you continue to enjoy for many years. For some people, gardening may even bring in the salary.

That’s why we want to remind you about all the ways you should protect your hands while gardening. Oversights or missteps can put a damper on that flowery spirit of yours, but we want to make sure you keep that green thumb up.

Common Gardening-Related Hand Injuries

Some of the most common hand and wrist conditions related to gardening include trigger thumb, wrist tendonitis, hand infections, gamekeeper’s thumb, and minor or traumatic injuries.

  • Trigger Thumb: Trigger thumb occurs when the pulley at the base of the finger becomes too thick, making it hard for the tendon to move freely.
  • Tendonitis: There are several types of tendonitis, which is essentially a torn, pulled, or swollen tendon.
  • Infections: Infections related to gardening include rose thorn disease and Legionnaires’ disease. Other gardening-related concerns are poison oak, poison ivy, and irritation from chemicals.
  • Gamekeeper’s Thumb: Gamekeeper’s thumb occurs when the inner ligament at the base of the thumb is injured due to overuse.
  • Gardening Injuries: Common injuries include cuts, scrapes, and lawnmower or gardening tool accidents. Another is body strain, aches, and pains due to improper posture while gardening.

How to Protect Your Hands While Gardening

Skilled gardeners are familiar with methods of protecting the hands while gardening, as well as how to protect their knees and backs. If you are new to the hobby, however, you should keep the following tips in mind as you head out this May.

  • Wear your gardening gloves, and make sure you choose a high-quality brand. The gloves should be thick and have latex or rubber on the palm side to help prevent splinters and also protect you from the chemicals in soil, Legionnaires’ disease, insect bites, and skin irritants like poison ivy or poison oak. You may even come across rodents underground that might want to take a bite at you. The latex or rubber will also provide support as you grip tools or when you need to use those arm and back muscle to really dig in.
  • Apply sunscreen on your hands, face, ears, neck and other areas of exposed skin before you head out. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 protection or higher. You may also wish to wear thin, light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent sunburn.
  • Take frequent breaks. If you get too tired or too hot, step away from the task at hand. Repetitive motion can lead to issues such as cubital tunnel syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, and back pain.
  • Take all the necessary precautions when using manual hand tools and electric tools. Read the manuals and use the tools according to manufacturers’ directions. Protect your hands, body, and face when using them, and unplug the tools when you are done. Keep your tools clean, sharp, rust-free, and in proper working condition, which will help prevent strain or accidental injury due to malfunction.
  • Whenever possible, rely on your tools, not your fingers. You may be tempted to shovel or pull weeds with your fingers, but buried objects such as tree roots, glass, and metal can cause injury. Overusing your hands could also damage your fingernails, irritate your skin, and strain your back and arms.
  • Watch your posture. In order to ensure a tighter grip, keep your hands and wrists as straight as possible when you use the gardening tools. Without this sturdy grip, you will find yourself overusing your hand, wrist, and arm muscles unnecessarily.
  • In addition to protecting your hands while gardening, it’s important to follow general safety tips.
    • Sip water throughout the day to prevent hydration.
    • Keep children and pets away from dangerous tools.
    • Do not leave dangerous gardening tools in harm’s way.
    • Watch your surroundings before making abrupt movements.
    • Use knee pads if you will be kneeling.

If you do find that you overworked your hands or if you experienced a gardening injury, make an appointment to see our hand specialist in Warren, West Bloomfield, Macomb Township, or Howell. In the event of life-threatening injuries or other emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

We want you to enjoy your hobby for years to come, so stay safe out there!

Categories
Elbows General

5 Common Conditions that May Require Elbow Surgery

Read Blog
A doctor examines a patient's elbow in this image. Common conditions that may require elbow surgery are tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, cubital tunnel syndrome, fractures, and olecranon bursitis.

Most elbow pain is temporary, but persistent pain or discomfort that affects your quality of life may require elbow surgery.

We treat several common conditions that may require elbow surgery at our southeast Michigan offices. Make an appointment to see our elbow surgeon in Macomb Township, Warren, Howell, or West Bloomfield for the following treatments or a diagnosis of your condition.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Surgery

Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when there is too much pressure on the ulnar nerve, which runs along the ulna bone in the forearm and enters the hand near the pinky and ring fingers.

Causes of cubital tunnel syndrome include leaning on hand surfaces or bending the elbow for an extended period of time, or you may develop cubital tunnel syndrome due to an anomaly in the anatomy of your elbow. If you have this condition, you may experience severe pain and numbness in the elbow, as well as tingling or weakness in your ring and pinky fingers. It may become difficult to close your hand.

The first line of treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome is to avoid the action that is causing the pain. Using pain relief medications and wearing a splint at night may help as well.

When self-treatment does not help, cubital tunnel syndrome surgery may be recommended. The goal is to relieve the pressure by releasing and moving the ulnar nerve to the front of the elbow or increasing the size of the cubital tunnel.

Tennis Elbow Surgery & Other Treatment Options

Known as tennis elbow, lateral epicondylitis is a painful condition involving the tendons that attach to the bone on the outside (lateral) part of the elbow. The tendon’s attachment to the bone degenerates, which places increased stress on the area.

People who repeatedly use their elbow and arm muscles may be susceptible to tennis elbow, such as painters, plumbers, and butchers.

Tennis elbow can usually be treated with rest, pain medication, Botox injections, or the use of a brace. Tennis elbow surgery may be recommended in more extreme cases.

Elbow Fracture Examination & Treatment

Elbow fractures may occur due to a fall or direct impact. Pain, swelling, bruising, and stiffness in and around the elbow suggest a possible fracture. A snap or pop at the time of injury may be felt or heard as well.

Types of elbow fractures include:

  • Olecranon fractures
  • Fractures of the distal humerus
  • Radial head and neck fractures of the elbow

Depending on the type of injury and its severity, treatment options for elbow fractures include splint immobilization, casting the elbow, physical therapy, surgery to realign the bone fragments, and external fixation to stabilize the fractures.

Olecranon Bursitis Surgery & Assessment

The olecranon is the pointy bone at the tip of the elbow. A small sac of fluid called a “bursa” covers the tip of this bone. Sometimes this area gets irritated and the body makes extra fluid inside the sac, causing a big “balloon” that looks like a golf ball to form at the tip of the elbow.

Causes of olecranon bursitis include hitting the elbow on an object, overuse of the elbow, systemic diseases, and medical procedures.

It’s usually not painful, but it sometimes becomes infected. Remedies include using a splint and compression to rest the bursa, using elbow pads, using antibiotics to clear the infection, having cortisone injections, or drawing fluid out of the bursa with a needle in a procedure known as aspiration.

Olecranon bursitis surgery may be required if other remedies are not successful.

Golfer’s Elbow Treatment

Golfer’s elbow causes and treatments are similar to that of tennis elbow, but there are some differences between the two conditions.

The primary difference is the source of the inflammation. With tennis elbow, the outside of the elbow and forearm areas are inflamed, but with golfer’s elbow, inflammation is on the inner side of the arm and elbow.

Likewise, tennis elbow stems from damage to an outside tendon, and golfer’s elbow is associated with damage to an inner tendon.

Golfer’s elbow is more formally called medial epicondylitis, and it is sometimes referred to as baseball elbow or suitcase elbow.

Categories
General Uncategorized

Occupational Therapy Rewards: Building Personal Connections that Make an Impact

Read Blog
Lodia is a certified occupational therapist at our hand surgery practice.

Occupational therapist Lodia’s first traumatic amputation experience taught her profound lessons that she carries with her decades later.

After an M-80 firecracker exploded in his hand, a 13-year-old patient’s index finger and thumb were amputated, but Lodia’s support helped him rebuild his strength.

And she found lifelong friends in the process.

Personal Connections

The boy’s rehabilitation spanned about three months, and today Lodia recalls that she learned so much from this experience.

“By discharge, he had regained full use of his hand despite the partial loss of his index finger and thumb,” Lodia recalls. “His mother came to every therapy session even while in her third trimester of pregnancy. The three of us got to know one another very well. A couple of months after his discharge I received a note that the mother had her baby girl.”

This news also came with what Lodia considers an incredible honor.

“She named her after me,” Lodia said. “I still have the notes with her name, birthdate, and weight. I took this as the highest compliment possible.

“In addition to honing my therapy skills, I realized that the personal connections made with patients/families are one of the biggest rewards of being an occupational therapist.”

Occupational Therapy as a Career

Lodia always knew she wanted to go into the medical field and had volunteered in the field in high school.

“I observed a variety of disciplines, but occupational therapy really impressed me,” she said. “The therapy was so purposeful and specific for getting the patient back to their highest level of function, and OTs are trained in the psychological as well as the physical impacts of injury/disease.”

She also was very inspired by the orthotist she met at the Detroit Medical Center.

“The specialty of hand therapy allows me to treat patients and fabricate splints — two things I really enjoy doing,” she said.

Fabricating splints allows her to be creative and inventive, which she describes as an “awesome adjunct to therapy.”

With 31 years of experience as an occupational therapist, Lodia says she loves the diversity of her caseload, as well as the close interaction with the physician.

Lodia has been the occupational therapist at Arora Hand Surgery for about a year, and she has enjoyed building relationships with her new patients.

“The best part of my job is the personal growth that I have gained through the years from interacting with patients of all ages and experiences,” she said. “I have had the pleasure of teaching and guiding them throughout their rehab process while learning so many lessons from them.”

Categories
Fingers General

Dupuytren’s Contracture vs. Trigger Finger: What is the Difference?

Read Blog
There are a number of differences in Dupuytren's contracture vs. trigger finger.

When it comes to Dupuytren’s contracture vs. trigger finger, the differences are not always clear. On the surface, they have similar effects on the fingers. When you look deeper, however, you will see that the reason why the fingers are functioning the way they do is different.

Facts about Dupuytren’s Contracture vs. Trigger Finger

It’s easy to see why people may confuse the two conditions. They are similar in some ways. First of all, both conditions can affect any finger. Another similarity is the appearance. The affected fingers are typically curved inward toward the palm, although in some cases they can be bent to the left or right.

Otherwise, they are very different conditions. Following is a breakdown of the differences in Dupuytren’s contracture vs. trigger finger.

What is Trigger Finger?

The technical name for trigger finger is stenosing tenosynovitis. Trigger finger is caused when an injury causes a finger to get stuck in a bent position. This occurs when inflammation narrows the sheath around the tendons, leading to the formation of a nodule. When you flex this finger, the nodule must slide through the narrow sheath, causing a snapping sensation.

Treatment for trigger finger may include:

  • The use of medications to relieve pain
  • Therapy that includes rest, stretching exercises, and the use of a splint
  • Steroid injections
  • A percutaneous release procedure, where the hand surgeon uses a needle to break apart the constriction that is blocking proper movement
  • Surgery to loosen the constricted area
Trigger finger is usually caused by an injury and is most common in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger.
Trigger finger is usually caused by an injury and is most common in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger.

What is Dupuytren’s Contracture?

Dupuytren’s contracture develops over time. It begins when tissue forms knots under the skin of the palm. As these knots form, they create a cord that pulls the fingers into a bent position. Everyday activities like gripping silverware can become difficult with this condition.

Similar to one of the trigger finger treatment options, Dupuytren’s contracture can be treated with the needling procedure to break the cord of tissue that is causing a finger to contract. Other treatment options include self-care, Xiaflex enzyme injections, and surgery.

Surgery for Dupuytren’s contracture entails removing all the tissue that is affected, including the skin. A skin graft may be required to repair the wound. Because this is a serious procedure with a lengthy recovery time, it is ideal only for those who have a diminished quality of life due to the condition.

Dupuytren’s contracture develops over time and stems from the tissue in the palm.
Dupuytren’s contracture develops over time and stems from the tissue in the palm.

Differences Between the Two Hand Conditions

Following are some of the primary differences in Dupuytren’s contracture vs. trigger finger.

  1. Trigger finger starts with the fingers while Dupuytren’s contracture stems from the palm.
  2. Dupuytren’s contracture involves the tissue, but trigger finger involves the tendons.
  3. Trigger finger is most common in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. Dupuytren’s contracture is most likely to occur in the fourth finger and the pinky.
  4. Someone who has trigger finger can straighten the finger if they tried, but someone with Dupuytren’s contracture cannot.
  5. Whereas trigger finger is usually the result of an injury, the causes of Dupuytren’s contracture are not clear.

If you have experienced a recent injury that led to trigger finger or have been seeing the effects of Dupuytren’s contracture progress over a number of years, see our hand specialist in Macomb, Warren, West Bloomfield, or Howell for treatment. Make an appointment by calling our office or sending our hand surgery team a message online.

 

Call Our Hand Care Team

Categories
Fingers General

Broken Knuckle Symptoms & Treatment Options in Southeast Michigan

Read Blog
Broken knuckle symptoms include swelling and deformity of the finger. Seek broken knuckle treatment at our southeast Michigan hand specialist's office.

If you have a broken knuckle, it’s likely very painful, red, and swollen, and you probably won’t be able to move it for days or weeks. Despite this injury, many people mistakenly assume that it will heal on its own … and it might. But if you don’t seek broken knuckle treatment as soon as possible, the recovery process will take longer than necessary.

More importantly, the knuckle may heal incorrectly, leading to a deformity in the finger and possibly damaging the nerves around it. If that does happen, correcting the problem may require a surgical procedure, so it’s important to get the injury treated rather than face the effects indefinitely.

Signs and Symptoms of Broken Knuckles

The problem is that you can’t tell if a knuckle is broken or only bruised by looking at it. In order to determine the extent of the injury, make an appointment to see our hand specialist at a southeast Michigan office near you.

In the meantime, following are some of the signs that your knuckle may be broken, not only bruised.

  • Difficulty moving that particular finger
  • Swelling of the finger and hand, particularly in that area
  • Bruising
  • Redness
  • Pain
  • A visibly misshapen hand
  • Cut or pierced skin
  • Depressed knuckle
  • Popping or cracking sound when you try to move it

Many patients say that their hand began to swell about 10 minutes after the injury, but the bruising may become visible instantly.

Having a depressed knuckle is one of the clearest signs that the knuckle is broken rather than bruised. The length of time that it takes to recover is also a sign. A bruised knuckle generally heals within a few days without long-term effects. A broken knuckle may take several weeks to heal completely, and even then you may never get proper function back in that finger if you did not seek treatment right away.

Broken Knuckle Treatment Options

Known as metacarpal fractures, common causes of broken knuckles include punching something, getting your finger stuck in a door or window, getting injured while playing sports, and falling.

Broken knuckle treatment aims to alleviate pain and swelling in the short-term, as well as facilitate proper healing for later.

As a first aid treatment for a broken knuckle, start with applying a cold pack to the area to minimize pain and swelling. Try to keep your hand in an elevated position as well.

When you come in to see Dr. Arora for broken knuckle treatment, he will likely immobilize that finger so that the knuckle can heal. It may involve “buddy taping” that finger to the one beside it or using a splint or cast. The use of over-the-counter or prescription pain medication may help as well. If the injury involved a cut or wound, you may need antibiotics to prevent infection.

Surgical Treatment Options for Finger Injuries

Most of these injuries don’t require surgery, but that may be necessary if you have an open fracture, pieces of the bone are unstable, the tissues are damaged, or multiple fractures exist in the same area.

The type of surgery for broken knuckles depends on the severity and location of the injury. The possibilities include:

  • Internal fixation, which involves making an incision and realigning the knuckle
  • External fixation, which involves using pins to secure a metal frame around your finger or hand to keep the knuckle in place until it heals

After you have healed, you may need to work with a hand therapist to recover the functionality of your hand.

For broken knuckle treatment in southeast Michigan, make an appointment to see Dr. Arora in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, or Macomb Township.

Call Our Hand Care Team

Categories
General

Physician Assistant Joins Arora Hand Surgery Team

Read Blog
Physician Assistant Ashley Delzer has joined Arora Hand Surgery in southeast Michigan.

Arora Hand Surgery is proud to welcome its newest team member, Physician Assistant Ashley Delzer (PA-C).

Ashley has more than 10 years of experience as an orthopedic surgery physician assistant. As a physician assistant at our hand surgery practice, she will see patients in the clinic, administer injections, first-assist in the operating room, and manage the care of post-operative patients.

She has a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Findlay, and she earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University after studying human biology.

Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family and two young sons, horseback riding, traveling, and outdoor activities.

With the addition of Ashley as a physician assistant, the Arora Hand Surgery team now consists of:

  • Surgeon and Hand Specialist Dr. Avery Arora, M.D.
  • Lodia, occupational certified hand therapist (OT-CHT)
  • Karlie, medical assistant
  • Sally, practice manager
  • Sonja, patient/surgical administrator
  • Korinn and Amanda, office assistants

Please join us in welcoming Ashley to our team!

Categories
General Treatments

Hand Surgery in Macomb, Michigan: Steps to Take to Find the Best Doctor for You

Read Blog
Dr. Avery Arora is a top doctor for hand surgery in Macomb, Michigan. In this image, a man is looking intensely at a computer. Research your options for top hand doctors online.

If you need hand surgery, you probably already know it. You may see the condition in your hands or feel the symptoms. Finding the right doctor for your specific elective hand surgery in Macomb, Michigan, however, can be challenging.

With so many options, it may be hard to determine precisely which hand specialist is the most skilled at performing the specific surgery that you need. Because hand surgeons perform so many different procedures, they have varying levels of expertise with each one. Therefore, it’s important to analyze your choices carefully.

How to Find the Best Doctor for Hand Surgery in Macomb

If your procedure is not urgent, you have the benefit of being able to take the time to research hand doctors in Macomb County. Following are a few suggestions that may help you narrow down the field.

1. Address insurance issues.

You may wish to start with calling your insurance agent to find a viable option for hand surgery in Macomb. If you are looking for an elective hand surgery, there’s a chance your insurance won’t pay for it. However, many hand surgeries that are optional are also necessary for a better quality of life, so you may have options for payment assistance.

2. Ask others for recommendations.

The most reliable recommendations tend to come from people you know and trust. For that reason, if you know people who have had hand surgery in Macomb, ask them their opinions. You may wish to ask the following questions:

  • How did they hear about the doctor?
  • Did they like the doctor?
  • Did the doctor seem to be highly knowledgeable and experienced?
  • Were the hand specialist and the staff accommodating and patient? Did they make you feel comfortable?
  • Did they take the time to answer all your questions?
  • How did the surgery itself go? Did you have any complications afterward?

Depending on how well you know the individual, you may wish to ask more specific questions about the type of surgery that was performed. When you do, you may be able to identify if their doctor is ideal for you as well.

3. Do your research online.

Complete a basic google search for the “best hand doctors in Michigan” or “where to go for hand surgery in Macomb.” That step is only to help you identify possible doctors within the geographic area you would prefer. The true research begins afterward.

• Read the online reviews for each potential doctor.

Don’t let one or two negative reviews cloud your judgement. It’s very possible that those one or two reviews were based on a very specific incident with plenty of background details that aren’t listed there, or they could be from a competitor trying to make your doctor look bad. If you do find too many negative reviews, however, you may wish to take it more seriously.

As you are reading reviews, remember a basic rule of statistics: the more reviews there are, the more reliable the overall trend is. In other words, a hand doctor who has five 5-star reviews with an overall 5-star rating might not be as great as the hand doctor who has 100 reviews of various ratings with an overall rating of 4.6 stars.

• Compare how long each doctor has been in practice. Experience makes a significant difference.

• Review each doctor’s website to make sure they provide the specific type of hand surgery you need. If you don’t see the option listed, you may wish to call the office to see if they do provide that service. This would be especially important if your condition is rare, as it might not be listed on the site.

4. Make an appointment for a preliminary consultation.

Once you narrow down your options, make an appointment for an initial consultation with the hand specialist of your choice. Take note of the doctor’s skill level regarding the specific procedure you are planning to have, and make sure you feel comfortable with the doctor before proceeding.

A certain level of trust and respect is a necessary element of a successful medical procedure and recovery process, so don’t overlook that aspect.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Specialist in Macomb

Once you complete your research to find an ideal location for hand surgery in Macomb, we have no doubt that you will find Arora Hand Surgery at the top of your list. With years of experience in treating a multitude of hand conditions, Dr. Avery Arora is a well-respected and admired hand specialist who puts patients first.

Get to know Dr. Arora by reviewing his website, and make an appointment by sending a message online or calling our hand doctor’s office in Macomb Township.

Categories
General Hands Treatments

Surgical Arthritis Treatment Recovery Time and Results

Read Blog
Our hand patients have many questions about surgical arthritis treatment recovery time and results. In this image, a doctor wraps a patient's hand and wrist.

If you are scheduled for surgical arthritis treatment, you likely have many questions. Prior to your procedure, we will explain our preparation recommendations, the surgical procedure itself, and the recovery process, as well as address any of your concerns. The following overview also may help prepare you and answer some of the questions you have about surgical arthritis treatment recovery time and results.

Types of Hand Arthritis Surgeries

There are two main types of surgeries for hand arthritis: fusion (arthrodesis) and total knuckle replacement (arthroplasty).

  • Arthrodesis: This procedure involves fusing the bones of the joint together to create a more stable knuckle. It reduces the pain, but leaves the finger with little flexibility.
  • Arthroplasty: In this procedure, the hand surgeon will remove the damaged joint and replace it with a prosthetic implant. The goal is to relieve pain while restoring shape and some function in the hand.

The main goal is to reduce pain when other treatment options are not effective. Whether arthrodesis or arthroplasty is used depends on the location of the joint, the severity of the condition, and the patient’s age, activity level, and preference.

Preparing for the Procedure

There are a number of things you can do to prepare for your hand arthritis surgery. Taking these steps beforehand will facilitate an easier and more optimal recovery period. Following are only a few suggestions that may help.

  • If necessary, rearrange the living room and bedroom in a manner that will allow you to rest easily. For example, place a nesting table beside your sofa, and leave a throw blanket within easy reach.
  • Purchase any post-surgery recovery items you may need, or obtain them from our hand doctor’s office in Warren, West Bloomfield, Howell, or Macomb Township. These may include such things as hand splints; heating/cooling pads; over-the-counter medications; and additional bandages or gauze you may need.
  • Plan for a ride to and from the doctor’s office on the day of your surgery.
  • Shop for groceries ahead of time, buying foods that don’t need too much preparation.
  • If you live alone, see if a friend or family member can stay with you overnight on the first day. If you have young children who need your care, find a babysitter or caretaker who can help you for a few days.
  • Schedule time off work or school.
Surgical arthritis treatment recovery time and results depend on a variety of factors, including the type of hand surgery that was performed. In this image, a doctor examines a patient's hand.
Surgical arthritis treatment recovery time and results depend on a variety of factors, including the type of hand surgery that was performed.

Results and Recovery Time Following Surgical Arthritis Treatment

You will be advised to rest and avoid strenuous activity immediately following surgical arthritis treatment. Although you will likely be able to move around, you may feel drowsy, so you should take it easy on the day of the surgery.

If you were given a nerve block in your hand, the numbness may last up to 24 hours. You will also likely be given a prescription for pain medication. Start taking this medication as soon as you get home, and follow the directions that were given to you.  You may also be advised to take antibiotics.

To minimize pain and swelling, use a pillow to raise your hand above your heart level as you are sitting at home and during sleep. Do this as often as possible for the first few days.

You should also apply ice packs to your hands for the first several hours to reduce and prevent swelling.

Remember to keep the bandages on your hand dry, including during showering, and change the dressing according to the doctor’s directions.

Overall, it will take two to three weeks for your skin to heal and up to 12 weeks before you have full use of your hand. However, you should be able to resume relatively normal activities within a few days, with the exception of activities that involve extensive use of your hands.

Urgent Care After Surgery & Follow-Up Appointments

Most patients will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment within one week after surgery. At this time, Dr. Arora will evaluate your progress and provide you with any additional guidance.

Some pain, minor swelling, and general discomfort following surgical arthritis treatment is to be expected. However, you should call our office if you experience:

  • Excessive bleeding or pain
  • Wound drainage that lasts longer than four days
  • Bluish color in the fingers, excess swelling, coldness, or paleness
  • Nausea or vomiting that lasts more than one day
  • Numbness or tingling of the hand that lasts more than one day
  • Fever that is greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit

Go to your nearest urgent care facility or emergency department if you need immediate care.

Physical Therapy After a Hand Arthritis Procedure

After your initial recovery period, you may be referred to a physical therapist or an occupational therapist who can tell you how to complete daily activities in ways that are safe for your joints.

Physical therapy will likely involve various exercises to further repair your hand and strengthen your muscles. You may also learn new methods for completing tasks if you have decreased mobility in your hands.

Most patients notice improvement as time goes on. You should take your physical therapy sessions seriously and remain dedicated to your own improvement. The more you train your muscles, the stronger they will become. Strengthening the muscles in your hands will help protect your wrists, elbows, and shoulders as well.

For additional information about surgical arthritis treatment recovery time and results or other treatment options, call one of our southeast Michigan offices.

Categories
General Hands

Tips for Managing Day-to-Day Tasks with One Hand

Read Blog
Managing daily tasks with one hand may take some getting used to. In this image, a woman with a cast on her arm speaks with a doctor.

If you have a fractured hand, debilitating pain in one of your wrists, or a similar condition, you may have to adjust to handling day-to-day tasks with one hand.

Several tools are available for purchase that can help individuals open jars, zip up jackets, put on seatbelts, and complete other tasks. In addition to purchasing such resources, there are many other ways to make living with one hand easier on yourself.

Cooking & Household Chores

If you have temporarily lost the ability to use one arm or one hand due to an injury, see if you can find someone to help you for the first several days with housework, cooking, taking care of children, and other important chores.

You may experience some pain over the first several days after an injury, so having someone there to help you is ideal.

Additionally, consider buying meals that are easy to prepare and cook, such as frozen dinners.

Toiletries & Medications

Reinvent your morning routine.

  • Buy a shower sponge on a stick to make it easier to reach.
  • Buy toiletries with pumps or flip tops rather than screw tops.
  • Instead of traditional dental floss, choose dental floss with handles, which you can manipulate with one hand.
  • Consider investing in an electric razor.

As long as they are out of the reach of children, leave toiletries open if possible, such as the lid off the toothpaste and the cap off the shampoo bottle. Ask your pharmacist to give you bottle caps that are not childproof so that they are easier to open with one hand.

Shoes & Clothing

Some items of clothing are much easier to slip on than others, so you may have to rely on them if you can’t use one of your hands.

  • Avoid wearing pants, jackets, and shirts that have zippers or buttons.
  • Wear sports bras rather than traditional bras so that you don’t have to clip them on.
  • Buy slip-on shoes.

For additional tips or more information, contact one of our hand doctor’s offices, located in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, and Macomb Township.

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.