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General Wrists

What is the Carpal Tunnel?

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What is the carpal tunnel? As shown in this illustration, the carpal tunnel consists of nine tendons and the median nerve.

The phrase “carpal tunnel syndrome” is well-known but often misunderstood. If you have been experiencing pain in your wrists and have been diagnosed with CTS, chances are you asked: What does that mean? What is the carpal tunnel? Is having a carpal tunnel bad?

Before we go any further, let’s get this straight first: You are supposed to have a carpal tunnel. You were born with it.

But it’s not supposed to hurt.

What is the Carpal Tunnel?

The carpal tunnel is literally a tunnel found in your wrists. It is a space in the wrist where nine tendons and the median nerve pass from the arm into the hand. About an inch wide, it protects the median nerve and flexor tendons that bend the fingers and thumb.

It is formed by two layers: a deep carpal arch and a superficial flexor retinaculum.  The bottom and sides of this tunnel are formed by small wrist bones called carpal bones. The top, located on the palm side, is a strong band of connective tissue called the transverse carpal ligament.

The nine tendons in this area of the wrist are:

  • One flexor pollicis longus
  • Four tendons of flexor digitorum profundus
  • Four tendons of flexor digitorum superficialis

Why Do My Wrists Hurt Sometimes?

Pain in the wrists may be caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when there is pressure and swelling in this tunnel. Possible causes of CTS include arthritis, thyroid conditions, pregnancy, diabetes, high blood pressure, and injury.

A significant factor believed to cause or exacerbate the pain is repetitive use of the wrists, especially without taking proper precautions. Examples include participating in sports, games, or other hobbies, as well as use of a computer keyboard or tools at work.

Dr. Arora will perform ultrasound testing or order an electromyography (EMG) study to confirm the diagnosis prior to proceeding with any significant treatments.

Prevention and self-care tips may help alleviate the pain associated with this syndrome. They include using ergonomically designed furniture and equipment; using proper form and protective gear while operating tools; and wearing a wrist guard while participating in activities that strain your wrists.

In some cases, more significant remedies may be advised, such as wearing a brace on the wrists when you sleep, using oral steroid medications, or undergoing steroid injections.  For persistent pain, you may elect to undergo a surgical procedure that enlarges the tunnel in order to decrease pressure.

For more information about what the carpal tunnel is, what it is comprised of, and how to alleviate wrist pain, visit the Arora Hand Surgery website or call us to make an appointment.

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Conditions General Hands

How to Reduce Hand Arthritis Symptoms

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Finger exercises can help reduce hand arthritis symptoms.

Is numbness in your hands and fingers hindering your ability to complete everyday activities? You don’t have to simply accept recurring arthritis pain as a way of life. You will not be able to completely eliminate them, but you may be able to reduce hand arthritis symptoms.

When you live with arthritis, you need to stay active in order to alleviate pain and maintain dexterity. Even if you can’t make it to your physical therapy sessions, there are many exercises you can do at home.

5 Exercises that can Help Reduce Hand Arthritis Symptoms

1. Make Fists

Gently make a fist with your left hand and hold it for 30 seconds. Straighten your fingers and open them up wide. Then make the fist again and repeat this 10 times for each hand. Do not squeeze your fist closed.

2. Bend Fingers and Thumbs

Spread your fingers, and then bend your thumb toward the palm of your hand. Hold it there for a couple of seconds, and then release it. Repeat the motion with each of your fingers to the best of your ability.

Hand arthritis exercises can help you maintain dexterity in your fingers.
Bending your fingers and thumbs one at a time toward your palm is one way to try to maintain dexterity in your fingers.

3. Finger Lifts

Place your hand palm down on a table, and then lift one finger at a time and hold the lift for a couple of seconds.

4. Thumb to Pinky

With your palm up, try to touch your pinky with your thumb but don’t move the pinky. It’s ok if you can’t reach it; don’t force it. Instead, hold your thumb where you feel comfortable for several seconds, release, and repeat. Some days you may be able to touch your pinky, but on other days you might not.

5. Make an O or C Shape

Curve your fingers and thumbs into an “O” shape or “C” shape, like you’re holding a baseball. Hold the pose for a few seconds, release, and repeat.

Contact Dr. Arora’s Office for Additional Details

At-home physical therapy is only one way to reduce hand arthritis symptoms, but it can be especially effective when used with a combination of other remedies, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications.  The best part is that you can do these exercises anywhere at any time. Just remember to stop if you feel pain, as you don’t want to injure yourself.

Consult with our hand surgeon before you begin this or any exercise routine. Call us at (248) 220-7747 if you want to know more!

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Conditions General Hands

Signs of Something More: 11 Health Conditions that Show Symptoms in the Hands and Arms

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Many health conditions show signs in the hands and arms, such as arthritis, heart disease, and migraines.

A majority of our patients come in due to broken bones, carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, nail bed injuries, cysts, arthritis, sprains, fractures, and similar concerns. In some cases, however, pain or numbness in the hands or arms may be indicators of underlying health conditions that require further treatment.

We’re not trying to scare anyone here. It’s important not to become overly concerned about the symptoms you’re feeling in your hands, as there likely is a relatively straight-forward explanation and effective solution.

However, you should always get examined by our hand surgeon or your family physician to evaluate the source of your pain. Arthritis, for example, is one condition commonly associated with numbness and pain, but there are many other health conditions that frequently show symptoms in the hands and arms. Following are some of these conditions.

1. Cardiovascular Disease

Diseases of the heart and arteries make it difficult for the heart to pump blood efficiently, possibly leading to weakness in the limbs. Cardiovascular diseases also may lead to blood clots in arteries anywhere in the body.

2. Parkinson’s Disease

If you’re not moving and have tremors in your hands, this could possibly be an early sign of Parkinson’s disease. There may be many other explanations for these tremors, but this is one possible reason. Your symptoms should be evaluated by a physician before you can rule out this possibility. In addition to tremors, symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:

  • small handwriting
  • a diminished sense of smell
  • trouble sleeping
  • trouble walking or moving
  • masked face
  • soft or low voice
  • constipation
  • stooping or hunching over

3. Blood Clots Due to PVD or PAD

Peripheral venous disease or peripheral artery disease can lead to blood clots, poor circulation, and other symptoms that may be visible in the arms.

4. Impending Heart Attack

Pain from a heart attack may spread to the arms. If you experience pain in your chest and believe it’s due to a possible heart attack, call 911 for emergency care.

5. Impending Stroke

Remember the acronym FAST: Face, Arms, Speech, Time. Signs of a stroke include facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulties. If you see this, Time is of the essence. Call 911 immediately; the sooner you get help, the less likely it is for the individual to experience permanent disability.

Conditions such as lymphedema show signs in the hands and arms. In this image, a medical care practitioner wraps a patient's hand and wrist as a form of lymphedema therapy.
Lymphedema is one of the many health conditions that shows signs in the hands and wrists. Therapy for lymphedema may include wrapping the arm.

6. Lymphedema

A very rare condition, lymphedema leads to swelling in the arms and legs due to a buildup of fluid.

7. Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Also known as Raynaud’s diseases, this condition is characterized by the discoloration of the fingers or toes in particular situations, such as being in the cold or having specific emotions. Despite its name, it’s a relatively common disease with approximately 200,000 cases being diagnosed per year.

8. Buerger’s Disease

Commonly associated with smokers, Buerger’s disease is a rare disorder characterized by narrowing or blockage of the veins and arteries of the extremities. This results in reduced blood flow to these areas, as well as pain, sores on the arms, discoloration of the hands, and leg cramping.

9. Hemiplegic Migraines

During an attack, individuals who have hemiplegic migraines experience weakness on one side of the body. This may involve a feeling of numbness or a pins-and-needles sensation in the face, arm, and leg.

A woman is shown in bed trying to fight off a headache. Individuals who have hemiplegic migraines experience weakness on one side of the body, including the arm.
Individuals who have hemiplegic migraines experience weakness on one side of the body.

10. Herniated Disk or Other Spine-Related Concerns

A herniated disk or other diseases of the spine can lead to pain or numbness in the arms due to pinched nerves.

11. Peripheral Neuropathy

A general term for several disorders, peripheral neuropathy results from damage to the body’s peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system connects the nerves running from the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) to the rest of the body, including the arms and hands. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves are damaged and don’t function as they should, leading to numbness and pain in the extremities.

If you are experiencing pain in your hands, wrists, or arms, make an appointment to see Dr. Arora. We will evaluate your symptoms to determine the source of the discomfort.

If you experience an urgent medical concern, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

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Fingers General

What Causes Broken Knuckles and How to Treat Them

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Seek treatment if you experience a broken knuckle in order to avoid possible deformity and unnecessary challenges. There are many potential causes of broken knuckles.

The pain, swelling, and stiffness of a broken knuckle is something many people have experienced, but they then played tough and allowed the injury to heal on its own. Most likely, that decision led to everlasting regret, as a broken bone that is allowed to heal without proper treatment may lead to malformation of that finger.

Although a misshapen finger is relatively minor in the grand scheme of life, it’s still not pleasant to see. More importantly, the muscles and bones will not function the way they were supposed to, possibly leading to minor pain and awkward movements forever.

Do yourself a favor and seek treatment if you experience a broken knuckle in order to avoid possible deformity and unnecessary challenges.

Common Causes of Broken Knuckles

Two of the most common types of hand fractures are phalanges fractures and metacarpal fractures. Phalanges fractures occur in the 14 smaller bones of the fingers. The thumb contains two phalanges, while the other fingers contain three each. Metacarpal fractures are a break in one or more of the five long metacarpal bones of the fingers.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, metacarpal fractures comprise between 18 percent and 44 percent of all hand fractures. Non-thumb metacarpals account for about 88 percent of all metacarpal fractures, with the fifth finger most commonly involved.

Punching something or someone is the most common cause of broken knuckles, which is why athletes who enjoy boxing are encouraged to wrap their hands or use boxing gloves. In fact, broken knuckles are so common in this sport that an injury of the pinky is sometimes referred to as a “boxer’s fracture.”

In addition to participating in sports or other exercises, common causes of broken knuckles include:

  • jamming the finger in a door, window, or tool
  • slamming your hand against a hard surface
  • falling
  • injuring your finger at the workplace, especially in fields requiring skilled labor
A broken knuckle should be treated as soon as possible. If not, the break may heal incorrectly, causing a deformity of the finger.
A broken knuckle should be treated as soon as possible. If not, the break may heal incorrectly, causing a deformity of the finger.

Hand Fracture Treatment

Treatment of broken knuckles or fractured knuckles typically involves realigning the bone by stabilizing it, although the location and extent of the fracture will determine the course of treatment. A common way to do so is to advise the patient to wear a splint or brace until the injury heals.

Surgery is another option, including in cases where an injury has healed improperly and realignment is required. You may require surgery if:

  • Your metacarpal bones are broken and misaligned
  • Your fingers do not align correctly
  • The fracture has broken through the skin
  • The pain gradually worsens

If you have experienced a hand fracture, Dr. Arora will take several steps to gauge the extent of the injury, including:

  • testing the motion and sensitivity in the fingers
  • assessing if there is any significant loss of finger length or loss of the normal alignment of the fingers
  • checking sensitivity to touch to determine if there is nerve damage
  • having an X-ray taken to analyze the extent and location of the fracture

If you have experienced a broken knuckle or other hand fracture, Dr. Arora will help determine the best course of treatment for you. Make an appointment through his website or by calling one of his offices, located in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, and Macomb Township.

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General

Breaking the Myths: Facts About Bones We’d Like to Set Straight

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A woman looks at her hand, which has 27 bones: 8 carpal bones, 5 metacarpal bones, and 14 phalanges.

Unless you’re walking through a science lab, you really can’t see bones with your own eyes. Bones are literally from head to toe in every human being, yet most of us don’t know much more about them than what we see on a Halloween costume. In that sense, is it any wonder that there are as many myths about bones as there are bones in the human body? (That number is 206, by the way.)

It’s not that we have a bone to pick, necessarily.  But we do feel it’s important to clear up a few facts about bones – especially in regard to the hand, wrist, and elbow – in order to arm our patients with relevant information.

Let’s start with these:

1. No bones about it: There’s nothing funny about a funny bone.

Have you ever fallen on your elbow? Chances are, you didn’t laugh. That really hurts!

But it hurts in an unusual way, causing a “funny” sensation you don’t normally feel. That’s one reason why it’s called a funny bone.

The second reason is a bit punnier. That sensation you feel is actually caused by the ulnar nerve in your elbow rubbing against the humerus bone, which extends from your elbow to your shoulder. Humerus … funny. Get it?

Arora Blog Myths about Bones inner image 1142025302
The sensation you feel when you hit your “funny bone” is actually caused by the ulnar nerve in your elbow rubbing against the humerus bone.

2. The phrase ‘dry as a bone’ is hogwash.

Bones are actually soft and slightly flexible. In fact, more than 30 percent of healthy bones is water, and blood runs through them. They also contain a soft tissue called bone marrow, as well as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and collagen. Dead bones do become dry and brittle, however.

3. All bones are not created equal.

In essence, they might look the same, but some are stronger than others. In fact, the femur, or thighbone, is the strongest, and a bone in the ear known as the stapes is among the most fragile.

4. Bones are not all the same color.

Bones are not truly white, at least not all of them. The colors can vary, such as off-white, beige, and light brown.

5. You know your hands are bony, but they’re probably even bonier than you think.

About 25 percent of the bones in the human body is in your two hands. Each hand has the following 27 bones:

  • 8 carpal bones, essentially found in the wrist area
  • 5 metacarpal bones at the palm area
  • 14 phalanges (finger bones) that are connected by joints and ligaments
Arora Blog Myths about Bones inner image 671724502
Each human hand has 27 bones: 8 carpal bones, 5 metacarpal bones, and 14 phalanges.

6. There is hope after osteoporosis.

Many people believe that once you get osteoporosis, there’s no going back. But there are options. Certain exercises can strengthen bone, and hormone therapy may allow your body to rebuild bone.

7. Bones can’t grow back.

Bones can heal and repair themselves, such as in the case of fractures. However, if you completely lose a bone, it won’t grow back.

This article barely strikes the surface regarding facts about bones and common myths. For more of the bare bones on this topic, visit our website and explore our educational posts.

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General Hands

Hand Arthritis Solutions: Tools, Equipment, and Tips for Completing Tasks Easier

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Hand arthritis solutions include using ergonomic kitchen tools, hands-free phone devices, and more.

Simple tasks such as opening a condiment container, tying shoelaces, or even holding a phone can be challenging and frustrating for someone with hand arthritis. But there’s help. In addition to seeing our hand doctor for remedies, individuals who have arthritis can take advantage of tools and equipment that can help them complete daily tasks a little easier.

12 Tool and Equipment Modifications for Hand Arthritis

Following are a few modifications of common household items that can help make your life easier if you cope with the daily frustrations associated with hand arthritis.

1. Prescription bottles

If there is no chance that a child will get a hold of your container and there are no other potential dangers, you don’t have to use a childproof cap on your prescription medications. Ask your pharmacist to give you non-childproof caps.

2. Hands-free phone options

Rather than constantly holding a cellphone or struggling to tap on the keys, use talk-to-text, take advantage of the virtual assistants, and use headphones. You may even wish to invest in a household virtual assistant that will allow you to play music, make phone calls, and look up information without ever reaching for your phone at all.

3. Automatic toothpaste dispenser

Twisting open the cap of a tube of toothpaste and then squeezing toothpaste onto the toothbrush can be extremely challenging, or even impossible, if you have hand arthritis. A wall-mounted automatic toothpaste dispenser will do the work for you.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE VARIOUS TYPES OF ARTHRITIS

4. User-friendly lights

If you need lamps or night lights in your home, purchase touch lights. For a more significant home modification, consider installing motion sensing lights.

5. Automatic/electric openers

Automatic or electric openers for cans, jars, and wine are readily available at local grocery stores and home goods stores. They are available in multiple styles, such as one from Black & Decker that allows you to place the can in the center of the appliance and touch a button to have the appliance open the container for you.

Opening a can or jar can be difficult for someone with hand arthritis, but many electric or manual tools on the market can help.
Opening a can or jar can be difficult for someone with hand arthritis, but many electric or manual tools on the market can help.

6. Laundry pods

Tossing a pod into the wash is easier than lifting a container of liquid laundry detergent, twisting the cap, pouring the detergent into the cap, and then emptying the contents of the cap into the washer.

7. Handrails

Place handrails on both sides of a stairwell. Gripping a handrail can be challenging if you have arthritis in your hands, so having one on both sides can provide added support. You can take it a step further and install a stairlift, which is especially helpful if you also have arthritis in your back, hips, knees, or ankles.  Don’t forget to do the same for outdoor steps, or consider installing an outdoor ramp.

8. Lighter kitchen equipment

As your pots and pans wear away, replace them with lighter versions of themselves. Lighter pots and pans are easier to carry and maneuver.

9. Ergonomically designed kitchen tools

Kitchen equipment manufacturers understand the plight, so they offer several options for kitchen cookware that is easier for individuals with arthritis to use. Consider a rocker knife and utensils with larger grips, for example.

10. Seat belt handles

Fumbling for a seat belt can be awkward. The solution? Seat belt handles that reach out several inches, enabling you to buckle up with ease.

EXPLORE THE MUSCLES OF THE HAND.

11. Button hook

The Good Grip Button Hook makes buttoning your clothes easier. Simply place the hook through a button hole, use the hook to grab for the button on the other side, and pull the button through. It may take some practice, but it’s easier than it looks.

12. Portable grabber tool

A portable grabber tools allows you to grip items you might need. Many have magnets on the ends as well and can be three feet long. Think of it as a combination of a trash pickup tool and a pair of tongs.

Using online apps can help someone with hand arthritis reduce the heavy lifting involved in grocery shopping.
Using online apps reduces the heavy lifting involved in grocery shopping.

Additional Tips for Living with Arthritis in the Hands

In addition to managing pain and avoiding injury, it’s important for people who have arthritis to conserve energy, helping to ensure that they can complete the tasks they need to complete later. Following are a few additional tips for conserving energy and moving with relative ease.

  • Keep items you commonly use, such as cookware and appliances, accessible and at counter level to avoid bending or reaching for them.
  • Pay attention to when and where arthritis pain might peak, and plan your day around it. For example, if hand arthritis is worse in the evening, consider prepping dinner earlier in the day.
  • Buy pre-chopped fruits and vegetables and pre-sliced bread.
  • Ask the butcher to cut and trim the meats for you.
  • Take advantage of grocery delivery apps to avoid the heavy lifting. (Keep in mind, however, that some appropriate exercises can improve arthritis symptoms, so don’t give up on physical activity.)
  • Use other parts of your body and other muscles when you can’t use your fingers or hands. For example, if you need to stir something, hold the utensil in a manner that allows you to comfortably use your shoulder or elbow to make the motions rather than your wrists, palms, or fingers.

For additional tips about living with hand arthritis, see Dr. Arora by making an appointment online or by calling (248) 220-7747.

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General

Falling on the Ice: Reducing the Risks

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Reducing the risks of falling on the ice includes clearing pathways, wearing appropriate footgear, and taking smaller steps.

As temperatures fall, the risk of slipping on ice becomes incredibly common. When it is extremely cold out, it tends to be human nature to move faster. When you combine the cold temperatures with crowded areas, people are rushing to get in and out of everywhere quickly. Although it might be funny to watch in YouTube videos, and is oftentimes harmless, the wrong fall can do a lot of damage. The CDC reports that more than 800,000 people are hospitalized annually from injuries related to slips and falls.

Many people have the tendency to break their falls with their hands when a slip occurs on the ice. This protects the head and face, but oftentimes results in distal radius fractures, or broken wrists. The radius is the largest bone in the forearm and is most often broken closest to the wrist. Bone diseases such as osteoporosis increases the likelihood of distal radius fractures.

Fractured wrists can usually be treated non-surgically with splints and casts. In more serious or complex breaks, surgery may be required to correctly position and stabilize damaged bones.

Although the risks of a slip, trip, or fall cannot be completely eliminated, there are certain conditions that you can control, which contribute to the likelihood of occurrence. During the wintertime, here are some tips for navigating the icy outdoors:

  • Prepare for slippery surfaces
    • Remember: black ice often refreezes at night
  • Refrain from doing anything that adds to your distraction
    • Avoid being on the phone
  • Anticipate wet floors when entering the workplace
    • People will be bringing in slush from outdoors
  • Walk slowly and be aware of your surroundings when snow or ice is present
    • Utilize handrails when possible
  • Take smaller steps to improve stability
    • The wider the step, the higher the likelihood is of a fall to occur
  • Wear appropriate footwear
    • Look for ones with a heavy tread

And remember, if someone does injure themselves, use first-aid. For most minor cuts and scrapes, apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. For after-hours care, go directly to the emergency room.

If someone does sustain a hand, wrist, or elbow injury from falling, patients can often be accommodated for same-day emergency visits. New patients of Dr. Arora can be seen within 1-4 days. Don’t hesitate; call one of our four Metro Detroit offices today.

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Fingers General Treatments

Mallet Finger: Definitions, Symptoms, and Treatment

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As shown here, a splint can be used to correct mallet finger if a hand doctor is seen soon after the finger injury.

Mallet finger is common in many individuals, especially because issues that occur regularly can lead to it. Slamming a finger into a door, injuring it with a baseball, falling, or any number of mishaps can all lead to this finger deformity.

What is Mallet Finger?

A mallet finger is a deformity of the finger caused when the tendon that straightens your finger (the extensor tendon) is damaged.

Such injuries are very common among athletes. When a ball or other object strikes the tip of the finger or thumb and forcibly bends it, the force tears the tendon that straightens out the finger. It may even pull away a piece of bone along with the tendon. As a result, the tip of the finger or thumb is no longer able to straighten.  In fact, mallet finger is also known as baseball finger for this reason.

In a mallet finger, the fingertip droops. If the injury is recent, the finger may be painful, swollen, and bruised. These effects will be especially pronounced if there is an associated fracture. These symptoms may decrease over time, but mild discomfort in the finger and tendons may persist.

Occasionally, blood collects beneath the nail, and the nail can even become detached from beneath the skin fold at the base of the nail.

Mallet Finger Treatment

The majority of mallet finger injuries can be treated without surgery. Ice should be applied immediately, and the hand should be elevated with the fingers toward the ceiling. Medical attention should be sought within a week after injury, or the finger could heal improperly, leading to more permanent damage. It is especially important to seek immediate attention if there is blood beneath the nail or if the nail is detached. This may be a sign of a nail bed laceration or an open fracture.

Mallet fingers can also be treated with splints or casts that keep the fingertip straight until the tendon heals. This usually lasts about eight weeks. The good news is that the finger usually regains acceptable function and appearance with this treatment, although some inability to fully extend the finger may continue.  Once the finger has healed, a hand surgeon or hand therapist will teach you exercises to regain motion in the fingertip.

Seeing a hand doctor for children with mallet finger is especially crucial. Because their fingers are still growing, a doctor can aim to ensure that the finger or fingers do not become stunted or deformed.

Surgery may be required to treat mallet finger if:

  • The condition is severe
  • There are large bone fragments
  • Joints are misaligned.
  • Using a split is not ideal or possible
  • Other treatments are not successful.

Surgical treatments may include tightening the tendon, using tendon grafts, or fusing the joint straight. Pins, wires, or small screws may be used to aid healing.

If you have a new finger injury or have been coping with the symptoms of mallet finger for years, make an appointment to see our hand surgeon in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, or Macomb. Dr. Avery Arora can help determine the right treatment options for you.

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General Treatments

Treating Common Basketball Injuries to Arms and Hands

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Basketball injuries to the fingers, hand, wrist, or elbow are common during the summertime.

The swish of a perfect basketball shot is a classic sound during hot summer days. From youths to adults, most everyone enjoys a game of basketball. Whether your hoop of choice is in the park or over the garage, you want to focus on improving your game this season while having fun. Naturally, you may be concerned about possible twisted ankles or concussions. However, basketball injuries involving your arm, elbow, wrist, and hand are also common, as well as preventable and treatable.

Common Arm and Hand Basketball Injuries

As with any sport, basketball injuries can and will occur, especially with your hands, elbows, wrists, and hands. Unfortunately, basketball injuries can get in the way of developing your technique.

You see more arm, hand and finger injuries in contact sports like basketball. Catching the ball incorrectly can bend your fingers unnaturally and cause injuries in other areas. Collisions during offensive and defensive plays also cause mild, moderate, and serious injuries.

Here are a few common arm and hand basketball injuries and how to treat them.

1. Bruises

You receive a bruise due to a collision with another player or a direct blow by the ball or another object. A bruise that takes too long to fade can indicate a more serious injury.

You can use the R.I.C.E. method to treat many injuries, especially bruises and swelling. Rest the area. Ice it every two hours, for 20 minutes total. Apply compression, such as an Ace bandage, to reduce the swelling. Elevate the area over the heart.

2. Shoulder Injuries

The repetitive motions associated with shooting from the socket can lead to shoulder injuries of the ligaments, tendons, and muscles therein. You may inflame the tendon or tear a rotator cuff. Overuse can lead to both, but an acute injury can also lead to tears. R.I.C.E. can help with the swelling, but tears need medical attention, such as cortisone injections.

3. Jammed Fingers

It’s common to jam a finger when playing basketball. Soak the injury in cold water for at least 20 minutes. Protect your jammed finger from further damage by “buddy taping” it to the next finger with medical tape.

4. Muscle strains

You can strain a muscle due to lack of flexibility or overuse. For overuse, try light stretching. You may also see an indent, bruising, and swelling, so it’s best to treat these injuries with the R.I.C.E. method.

5. Wrist Sprains

Many mild to moderate wrist sprains may be treated similarly to an ankle sprain with home remedies, but you should still pay us a visit for proper analysis. The ligaments may only be minorly damaged. However, they could also be torn and causing severe pain.

Try resting your wrist for 48 hours, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine may help. Consult with your doctor before taking any medications.

If the pain persists, you may have a more serious tear or a broken wrist. In the case of fractures or dislocations, do visit our offices to allow us to properly diagnose your case. An injury may seem minor, but the degree of pain and its longevity may worry you. Don’t hide an injury, or your injury may require surgery down the road due to lack of proper treatment.

Prevention is Key

A good coach is key to learning proper techniques with shooting, dribbling, passing, offense, and defense. Aside from practice, you should always take preventative measures against basketball injuries by stretching before you go out on the court.

Taking just five minutes of your time to warm-up each time you play may keep you playing all summer and help prevent injury.

Contact us at Dr. Avery Arora’s offices in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, or Macomb Township for assistance with any injuries regarding your arm, wrist, or hand.

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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.