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Conditions Hands

“How Do I Know if I Have a Tendon Injury?”

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how do i know if i injured my tendon?

Tendon injuries in the hand, wrist, or elbow can significantly impact daily activities and mobility – and boy do they hurt. These injuries, often stemming from overuse or a sudden trauma, require prompt attention and appropriate treatment to ensure effective recovery. But how do you know if you have a tendon injury in your hand, wrist, or elbow? Let’s take a look at the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for these types of injuries.

Causes of Tendon Injuries

Tendons play a crucial role in facilitating movement by connecting muscles to bones in the hands, elbows, and wrists. While overuse is a common culprit, sudden trauma or accidents can also lead to tendon injuries in these areas. Whether it’s from repetitive motions like typing or participating in sports like skiing, bowling, or even unexpected falls, the causes of tendon injuries can vary.

how do i know if i injured my tendon?

Identifying Tendon Injuries Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of tendon injuries is vital for timely intervention. These symptoms can manifest suddenly or develop gradually over time. Look out for signs such as:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Weakness
• Snapping or popping noise at the time of injury
• Difficulty moving the hand, wrist, or elbow
• Increased fatigue in the area of the injury during normal activities may also indicate a tendon issue

 

Potential Tendon Injury Complications

Ignoring tendon injuries can result in complications such as worsened pain, increased instability, or loss of function and range of motion in the affected area. Therefore, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent these complications from escalating.

 

Risk Factors and Prevention of a Tendon Injury

Certain factors, such as engaging in activities requiring repetitive hand, wrist, or elbow motions, previous injuries, aging, or smoking, can increase the risk of tendon injuries. While some injuries are unavoidable, adopting preventive measures like stretching before exercise, using proper technique during activities, and avoiding overexertion can help mitigate the risk.

Tendon Injury Diagnosis and Treatment

Consulting a hand surgeon such as Top Doc Avery Arora, MD is essential for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans. Through physical exams and medical history assessments, doctors can determine the extent of the injury. Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs may be necessary to assess the damage accurately.

Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the injury. While many tendon injuries can be managed with nonsurgical approaches such as rest, physical therapy, and medication, some cases may require surgical intervention. Following doctor’s recommendations diligently and seeking medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen is crucial for effective recovery.

 

Moving Forward

Recovery from tendon injuries requires patience and adherence to treatment plans tailored to individual needs. By following your doctor’s guidance and staying vigilant about any changes in symptoms, you can take proactive steps towards regaining mobility and restoring functionality in your hand, wrist, or elbow.

If you suspect you have experienced a tendon injury to your hand, wrist, or elbow, there are many reputable hand doctor options from the Ascension or Beaumont healthcare systems or you can seek assistance from a qualified medical professional at a private practice. Arora Hand Surgery, led by Dr. Avery Arora, a specialist in upper extremity problems and a top Michigan hand doctor, has helped countless individuals alleviate their hand, wrist, and elbow related pain. You can contact the practice, with four locations in West Bloomfield, Warren, Macomb, and Howell, at (888) 392-4263 or schedule your consultation online through the website.

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Elbows Hands Wrists

Winter Wisdom – Safeguarding Your Hands, Wrists, and Elbows

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Safeguarding Hands, Wrists, and Elbows in winter

As the winter chill sets in, it brings with it not just the magic of snowflakes but also some potential challenges for the health of your hands, wrists, and elbows. If you’re not familiar with the term “FOOSH” (fall onto an outstretched hand), it’s time to get acquainted. Winter, with its slippery surfaces, elevates the risk of FOOSH-related injuries, making it crucial to adopt preventive measures. Dr. Avery Arora, our seasoned hand surgeon, shares insights on how to keep your extremities safe and sound during the frosty season.

 

Footwear Matters 

Selecting the right shoes for winter conditions is your first line of defense. Dr. Arora recommends well-fitting, low-heeled footwear with a good tread. For added grip on icy surfaces, consider using crampons – nifty traction devices that easily slip over your shoes.

 

Skiers: Beware of Ski Loops 

While ski pole loops may seem like a convenient feature, using them can increase the risk of a specific injury known as skier’s thumb. The loops, if caught during a fall, can overstretch the thumb joint or cause ligament tears. Dr. Arora advises skiers against using ski loops to prevent this potential hazard. The risk of injury is just too high.

Safeguarding Hands, Wrists, and Elbows in winter

Shoveling Safely

Shoveling snow is a winter chore that can impact your wrist health. Dr. Arora emphasizes the importance of maintaining neutral wrist positions while lifting, preventing issues like intersection syndrome or de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Lift with your legs, not your arms, and take breaks to give your wrists a breather.

 

Snowblower Safety 

Modern snowblowers are a boon but come with their own set of precautions. Never insert your hand into the snowblower blades, even when it’s turned off. Clear jams using a broom or shovel handle to avoid potential injuries from built-up tension.

 

Master the Art of Falling 

Yes, there’s an art. For winter sports enthusiasts, learning how to fall safely is crucial. Seek lessons from experts to understand the proper techniques for minimizing injury risk. Wearing recommended protective gear is a small inconvenience compared to the potential consequences of a fall.

 

Prompt Care for Injuries 

If you do experience a hand, wrist, or elbow injury, don’t delay seeking professional care. While urgent cases require immediate attention, non-urgent injuries should still be addressed by a hand specialist. Dr. Arora and his team offer customized solutions, including specialized splints, to ensure optimal support and recovery.

This winter, let’s not just enjoy the beauty of the season but also take proactive steps to safeguard our hands, wrists, and elbows. With the right precautions and expert guidance, we can embrace the winter wonderland with confidence and well-protected extremities.

If you suspect you have suffered a winter-related injury in Michigan, there are many reputable hand doctor options from the Ascension or Beaumont healthcare systems or you can seek assistance from a qualified medical professional at a private practice. Arora Hand Surgery, led by Dr. Avery Arora, a specialist in upper extremity problems and a top Michigan hand doctor, has helped countless individuals alleviate their hand, wrist, and elbow related pain. You can contact the practice, with four locations in West Bloomfield, Warren, Macomb, and Howell, at (888) 392-4263 or schedule your consultation online through the website.

 

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Elbows Hands Treatments Wrists

Pain in Your Hand, Wrist, or Elbow? When to Seek Help

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pain in hand, wrist, or elbow

Pain is the body’s way of signaling that something might be amiss. But what if the pain occurs in your hand, wrist, or elbow? How do you determine whether it’s a concern that necessitates medical attention or something you can manage at home? Dr. Avery Arora, a hand doctor in Southeast Michigan, provides insights on when to seek help for hand pain, wrist pain, or elbow pain.

Understanding the Source of Pain

Sometimes, the cause of pain is apparent – perhaps you’ve had a recent fall or engaged in strenuous activity. However, in other cases, pain seems to emerge out of nowhere. Dr. Arora explains that pain can result from various factors, including infection, inflammation, or underlying medical conditions like gout or diabetes-related neuropathy. Additionally, the origin of pain might not always be in your arm; a pinched nerve in the neck can radiate pain throughout the arm. It’s essential to consider your activity level and the wear and tear on your body, especially in cases of joint pain or tendinitis. While aging may bring some joint discomfort, it’s not inevitable for everyone.

 

Common Causes of Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Pain

Several activities or conditions can predispose individuals to pain in these areas:

Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow can result from various activities, not just golf. It typically involves repeated bending, grasping, and twisting of the arm and wrist, causing inflammation in the tendons connecting the elbow to the forearm.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This condition affects the hand and wrist, often caused by repetitive finger and hand use, leading to swelling around the wrist and pressure on the median nerve.

Arthritis

Types like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are known to affect the fingers and hands, causing joint pain due to cartilage breakdown.

Muscle Strains and Ligament Sprains

These injuries can occur in the thumb, finger, and wrist, resulting in pain throughout the hand. Hand sprains, wrist sprains, and/or elbow sprains, often follow an injury or stretching of joint ligaments.

Other Causes

Additional factors contributing to elbow, wrist, or hand pain include Kienböck’s disease, biceps tendonitis, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, trigger finger, mallet finger, ulnar wrist pain, ganglion cysts, fractures, and tennis elbow. Because there are so many variables, we do always advise to seek medical help as soon as possible.

 

Assessing Your Pain

Healthcare professionals use triage to determine the need for urgent medical care, and you can apply a similar approach at home. If the pain is excruciating or immobilizes you (e.g., a wrist fracture), seek immediate medical attention. However, for less severe pain, consider these questions:

• Does pressing on the area worsen the pain?
• Is there redness or inflammation?
• Is the area swollen or stiff?
• On a pain scale of 1 to 10 (1 being minimal and 10 the worst), how would you rate your pain?

If you answer “yes” to the first three questions or rate your pain as 6 to 10, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider. For “no” answers and pain levels at 1 to 3, you can start with home treatment.

 

DIY Care for Hand, Wrist, or Elbow Pain

For manageable symptoms, you can begin with self-care to alleviate discomfort:
1. Apply ice for new-onset pain or heat if it persists.
2. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help.
3. Consider using a stretchy elastic bandage or compression device for painful or swollen areas.
4. If your pain results from overexertion or repetitive motion (e.g., tennis elbow), rest from the activity and allow your body to recover.

 

When the Pain Persists

Even tolerable pain warrants attention if it persists. If home treatment doesn’t yield results after a few days, consult a healthcare provider. Be sure to provide comprehensive information about your activities and medications or supplements you’re taking. Doctors can identify underlying issues contributing to persistent pain. While most non-worrisome conditions resolve in a few days, acute symptoms like severe swelling, redness, pain, or deformity may require urgent evaluation and care.

Understanding when to seek help for hand, wrist, or elbow pain is crucial for your overall well-being. By assessing your symptoms and considering their severity, you can make informed decisions about treatment. Remember, pain should never be ignored, but neither should it cause unnecessary alarm. Proper evaluation and care can ensure a swift return to comfort and functionality. These surgical measures may be necessary for various reasons, including joint involvement, open fractures, or loose bone fragments affecting ligaments, nerves, or blood vessels.

If you’re in need of expert care for hand and wrist fractures, contact a MI hand doctor for specialized guidance and treatment. There are many reputable hand doctor options from the Ascension or Beaumont healthcare systems, or you can choose Top Doc Dr. Avery Arora of Arora Hand Surgery. You can schedule an appointment at one of Dr. Arora’s four offices in West Bloomfield, Warren, Macomb, or Howell, Michigan today.

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Conditions Hands Treatments Wrists

A Top Michigan Hand Doctor’s Guide to Understanding Hand and Wrist Fractures

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Hand and Wrist Fractures

Hand and wrist fractures encompass a spectrum of injuries involving cracks or breaks in the bones of your wrist, hand, or fingers. These injuries can arise from various causes, with the most frequent occurrence being a distal radius fracture – typically the result of attempting to cushion a fall with an outstretched hand. I’m sure just the thought of that is making you cringe because we’ve all been there.

Other common fractures include those of the scaphoid bone, metacarpals, and phalanges (small finger bones). Let’s dive into more detail to better understand hand and wrist fractures and their symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Hand and/or Wrist Fractures

Partaking in activities like in-line skating or snowboarding can heighten your risk of these fractures, as can conditions like osteoporosis, where bones become brittle. Recognizing and addressing hand and wrist fractures promptly is vital. Failing to do so could result in misaligned healing, impacting everyday tasks like writing or buttoning a shirt. Swift intervention also minimizes pain and stiffness.

Hand and Wrist Fractures

Indications of a Hand or Wrist Fracture Can Include:

• Intense pain that may worsen with hand or wrist movement, gripping, or squeezing.
• Swelling.
• Tenderness.
• Bruising.
• Obvious deformities, such as a bent wrist.

A Hand/Wrist Fracture Diagnosis

To diagnose a hand or wrist fracture, a physical examination of the affected area is usually accompanied by X-rays. Additional imaging methods can provide more detailed insights, such as:

• CT scan: This technology combines X-rays from different angles to create cross-sectional images, uncovering fractures that may be missed by standard X-rays and identifying soft tissue and blood vessel injuries.

• MRI: This technique uses powerful magnets and radio waves to generate detailed images of bones and soft tissues. MRIs are highly sensitive and can detect even minor fractures and ligament injuries.

Treatment of a Hand/Wrist Fracture

Proper alignment of fractured bone ends is crucial. Your doctor may perform a reduction, repositioning bone fragments, either with local or general anesthesia. Moving uninjured fingers regularly during healing is important to prevent stiffness. Immobilization via splints or casts restricts movement for optimal healing. Keeping the hand elevated above the elbow reduces swelling and pain.

Medications for a Hand/Wrist Fracture

Pain relief can be attained with over-the-counter pain relievers. Narcotic medications are rarely necessary, and NSAIDs might help with pain but could hamper bone healing if used long-term. If there’s an open fracture (where skin near the wound site is broken), antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent bone infection.

Hand Therapy after a Hand/Wrist Fracture

Following cast or splint removal, hand therapy aids in restoring movement and minimizing stiffness. While rehabilitation can be lengthy, it is instrumental in achieving complete healing.

Surgical Options if You Have a Hand/Wrist Fracture

Monitoring progress via X-rays is critical, as bones can shift even after reduction and immobilization. Surgery might be required in cases of bone movement, and options include:

• Closed reduction and pinning: Temporary pins hold aligned fractures until healing, after which they’re removed.

• External fixation: A metal frame outside the body immobilizes fractures with pins passing through the skin and bone. The frame is removed once healing occurs.

• Open reduction and internal fixation: This involves implanting pins, plates, rods, or screws to hold bones in place. Bone grafts might also be employed.

These surgical measures may be necessary for various reasons, including joint involvement, open fractures, or loose bone fragments affecting ligaments, nerves, or blood vessels. If you’re in need of expert care for hand and wrist fractures, contact a MI hand doctor for specialized guidance and treatment. There are many reputable hand doctor options from the Ascension or Beaumont healthcare systems, or you can choose Top Doc Dr. Avery Arora of Arora Hand Surgery. You can schedule an appointment at one of Dr. Arora’s four offices in West Bloomfield, Warren, Macomb, or Howell, Michigan today.

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Hands Wrists

When to See a Hand Doctor About Hand or Wrist Pain

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When to See a Hand Doctor About Hand or Wrist Pain

Your hands and wrists are incredibly important to your ability to work and play. Imagine trying to cook a meal, play catch with your kids, or even type up documents at work without the full dexterity and strength of your hands. It’s not a pretty picture, and anyone who’s ever experienced hand or wrist pain – even temporarily – can tell you how difficult it is to grip a soda can, a wrench, or even a pen with that feeling of pins and needles running through your palm and fingers. If this all hits home for you, hopefully this blog gives you a better idea when to see a hand doctor for that hand or wrist pain that refuses to go away.

It can be difficult to tell when to see a hand doctor or hand surgeon is necessary. We know questions such as these can play a role in how quickly someone decides to seek help:

  • Will this pain eventually go away?
  • Can I heal this on my own?
  • Do I really want to know what’s wrong?

We’ve seen many cases where a patient pinched a nerve in their hand, for example, and while it did heal on its own over a period of several weeks, the pinched nerve was indicative of a larger, more chronic problem. In general, if there are questions and a decreased ability to live your normal day-to-day life, we recommend calling a top hand doctor for an appointment immediately. Michiganders, here are some specific cases that absolutely warrant a call to your local Michigan hand specialist:

 

Prolonged Tingling or Numbness

Tingling and numbness – the feeling like your hand has gone “to sleep” – may be early symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. If you hold your hands in a position that’s not ergonomically correct for long periods of time, you can compress the carpal tunnel, through which the main nerves to your hand travel. If those nerves are pinched, serious and permanent damage can be done.

If you notice your hands falling asleep regularly, or you get that pins and needles feeling for longer than a few moments, it’s time to call a hand doctor such as Dr. Avery Arora. Getting a proper diagnosis by a hand specialist now could save you a lot of pain and potentially a surgery that could have been avoided.

If you develop carpal tunnel and other repetitive motion injuries in the hands and wrists early, you can usually treat them with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, etc.), an ergonomic brace or stabilizer, and/or physical hand therapy.

 

Joint Pain in Your Hand or Wrist

Having trouble bending or flexing your fingers or your wrist? It’s time to call a hand doctor immediately. This may be a sign of either rheumatic arthritis or osteoarthritis, either of which can be treated, but, again, treatment is much more effective and much less invasive if you catch it early. For example, if you wait until you have lost function in your hands, you may never recover that function or you may need surgery to regain it.

When to See a Hand Doctor About Hand or Wrist Pain

Swelling in Your Hand or Wrist

Swelling in the wrist joints or in the joints of your fingers could be due to arthritis, but it could also be a symptom of a repetitive motion injury. Repeating the same motions can put increased strain and stress on the muscles and ligaments of your hands and wrists, which can then become inflamed, causing swelling, tenderness, pain, and/or numbness. Talk to your hand doctor right away to treat swelling in your hands, wrists, and/or your elbows before it becomes a bigger problem than it already is.

If you’ve been putting off speaking with a hand doctor about a hand, wrist, or elbow issue that has been bothering you, it may be time to get in touch with top MI hand surgeon Dr. Avery Arora. You can schedule an appointment at one of his four offices in West Bloomfield, Warren, Macomb, or Howell, Michigan.

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Hands

Protecting Your Hands: The Most Dangerous Ingredients in Your Kitchen

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The Most Dangerous Ingredients in Your Kitchen

When you think about avocados, what comes to mind? Healthy eating? Delicious guacamole? To hand doctors, we see a hand threat that we’ll never be able to unsee again. You may be surprised that avocados (and bagels!) cause thousands of hand and finger injuries every year. That’s why we’ve decided to address the issue of identifying the most dangerous ingredients in your kitchen and how you can protect your hands when preparing food.

The avocado-slicing fiasco.

As popularity in America of this fruit has sky-rocketed over recent years, so have hand injuries related to it. According to a 2019 article in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, there were over 27,000 avocado-related knife injuries between 2013-2017.

If you’re reading this and realizing you’re not sure what the safest way is to cut an avocado, watch this video.

 

The bagel plague.

Similar to avocados, bagel injuries are also common in the kitchen. In 2008, a study found that nearly 2000 emergency room visits a year resulted from reckless bagel cutting techniques and cream cheese spreading techniques. The worst accidents were from eaters holding the bagel while cutting it in half, resulting in slashing open the palm (ouch!)

Here’s another video, this time, showing you how to safely handle bagels in your kitchen.

 

Other dangerous injury-evoking foods.

There are many other common ingredients that can also be finicky to prepare, so exercise caution with:

  • Slicing and peeling carrots, potatoes, and onions.
  • Cutting chicken or any thicker meats.
  • Hot water or hot oil that can easily splash and burn you.

The Most Dangerous Ingredients in Your Kitchen

We recommend replacing unstable cutting boards, dull knives or knives that are loose within their handles, and any other kitchen utensils that are no longer in their best form.

Here at Arora Hand Surgery, we care about your health. If you have injured your finger, hand, wrist, or elbow in the kitchen, visit an emergency room immediately. After recovery, if you feel there is a need to meet with a hand specialist, visit Dr. Avery Arora, Michigan’s top hand surgeon, at one of his southeast Michigan offices located in West Bloomfield, Warren, Macomb Township, or Howell. We are here to help.

 

 

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Fingers Hands

Is My Finger Permanently Bent? | Dupuytren’s Contracture: What You Should Know

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Dupuytren’s Contracture

If you have fingers that look as if they bend permanently toward your palm, there’s a strong chance you have Dupuytren’s Contracture, a rare type of hand disorder that tends to take a number of years to develop. Many individuals mistake this condition for trigger finger, but the main difference is that Dupuytren’s Contracture affects the tissue while trigger finger involves the tendons. If you’re wondering “Is my finger permanently bent?” then continue reading to learn more about this condition.

Dupuytren’s Contracture has many names, some of which are:

  • Vikings disease
  • Contraction of palmar fascia
  • Dupuytren disease
  • Dupuytren’s contracture
  • Familial palmar fibromatosis
  • Palmar fascial fibromatosis
  • Palmar fibromas

This condition causes the layers of tissues that lay beneath the skin on the palm of the hand to begin to form knots. These knots thicken and can cause one or more of the fingers to bend, creating difficulty to perform normal, day-to-day tasks such as putting on gloves or grasping larger objects.

Dupuytren’s Contracture

In most cases, only the ring finger and the pinky are affected. In very rare cases, though, the condition can also affect the thumb and the index finger. An interesting fact is Dupuytren’s Contracture tends to affect older men who have a Northern European heritage.

 

What Is the Cause of Dupuytren’s Contracture?

Currently, the cause of Dupuytren’s Contracture is unknown. Researchers have not been able to find any evidence that it is related to hand injuries or any occupations that have repetitive stress issues from vibration. However, they have found a number of factors that can increase the risk of developing the condition.

  • Men, as mentioned before, are the most likely to develop the contracture, and it typically affects those who are 50 and over.
  • The condition also tends to run in families, indicating it could be genetic.
  • Those who have diabetes are also at an elevated risk.
  • Smoking can increase the risk of developing Dupuytren’s Contracture, as can alcohol.

 

Is My Finger Permanently Bent?

Once your fingers are bent from Dupuytren’s Contracture, it will no longer be possible to straighten them back to how they were before. Here at Arora Hand Surgery, we understand that this fact may be hurtful and jarring to hear.

However, we want to assure you that there are ways to reduce the effects of this condition through Dupuytren’s Contracture hand therapy, collagenase injection (a special enzyme that can soften and weaken larger lumps), needle injections that break up the hard tissue, or even Dupuytren’s Contracture hand surgery.

Speaking with a doctor is the first step in understanding how to proceed so that the condition can be reduced or even eliminated for several years.

 

Talking with a doctor.

You will want to speak with a hand specialist about this condition, so refer to your primary care physician who will then refer you to a local specialist. A hand specialist such as Dr. Avery Arora will want to know more about your medical history and how you have been dealing with the condition. Some questions Dr. Arora would ask would be:

  • Is a history of Dupuytren’s Contracture in your family?
  • Have you tried any Dupuyren’s Contracture treatments?
  • What medications are you taking?
  • When did the symptoms first start?
  • Are you experiencing pain?
  • Has the condition been getting gradually worse?
  • How does it affect your lifestyle?

Here at Arora Hand Surgery, we care about your health. If you are feeling finger, hand, wrist, or elbow pain, visit Dr. Avery Arora, Michigan’s top hand surgeon, at one of his southeast Michigan offices located in West Bloomfield, Warren, Macomb Township, or Howell.

 

 

 

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General Hands

Keeping Your Hands Safe When Using Power Tools

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power tool safety

Injuries related to power tools are on the rise, largely due to the increase in DIY aficionados who take on projects after the holiday season. Things have slowed down and it’s too cold to go outside, so out comes the good ol’ “honey do” list. Before you get started, let’s talk about keeping your hands safe when using power tools this winter so that you can avoid hand injury treatment.

Professionals, although not immune to accidents, generally know that keeping their hands safe when using power tools comes from in-depth training and experience. However, an ambitious yet inexperienced person whose optimism may overshadow his or her risk assessment, may encounter dangers that are important to be aware of.

Table Saws

The table saw is probably the most dangerous power tool you can use. Equipped with a ten-inch blade spinning at 3500 revolutions per minute and an edger operating at over a hundred miles per hour, improper use of this tool can be a recipe for disaster. Always keep your hands away from the saw blade and edger. When feeding a piece of wood through the saw, push it using another piece of wood – never your hand. The momentum of your sawing movement may inadvertently and unexpectantly lead your hand toward the saw and then it’s too late to correct the mistake.

In any given year in the United States, approximately 60,000 injuries are due to table saw use. 3,000 of them result in amputation. We hate to paint such a grim picture of you, but we cannot stress how important it is to be careful when using this tool.

 

Nail Guns

Nail guns work by using compressed air to deliver a nail into a piece of wood at a pressure of approximately 120 pounds per square inch. Even a small nail gun can be very dangerous. About 42,000 injuries are reported annually, and 40% of those injuries are incurred by well-meaning do-it-yourselfers. In addition to puncture wounds to the hands and wrists, nails have often been delivered to other parts of the body too.

When using a nail gun, you should always make sure that it is in sequential mode as opposed to contact mode. This does add another step to the process since you need to pull the trigger instead of just depressing the muzzle but doing so can prevent injury. And obviously, keep your hands away from anywhere that a misfire could cause a nail to exit unexpectedly from the wood.

 

Chainsaws

power tool safetyWe probably don’t have to tell you the kind of damage that a chainsaw can do to your hands, arms, or other parts of your body. A chainsaw is very dangerous when used improperly and without the use of protective gear.  Over 30,000 chainsaw injuries are reported yearly in the United States, and the typical injury requires over a hundred stitches.

Now, if you’re thinking you can forego the protective gear, because after all, it is expensive, think about those 100+ stitches. Now, think about the fact that a pair of protective chaps costs about as much as one stitch in your hospital emergency room. Invest into proper gear, such as heavy duty gloves, so that you won’t have to be Googling “hand doctor near me” after a failed log cutting attempt. Here’s a helpful video on other chainsaw safety tips.

 

Circular Saw

It seems as if practically everybody owns a circular saw, but most people have no idea how to properly it. Most injuries are caused by people bracing a piece of lumber against their knee which is the most common method for injury that we see here in our offices. Other injuries are caused by using the saw with one hand while holding the wood with the other. You should always clamp the wood, so that you can keep both hands on the saw. We also highly recommend using a sawhorse for further insurance.

Power tools are among the greatest conveniences of modern life, but when handled improperly, they can be dangerous one-way tickets to hand and wrist injuries.

Here at Arora Hand Surgery, we care about your health. If you are feeling hand, wrist, or elbow pain, visit Dr. Avery Arora, Michigan’s top hand surgeon, at one of his southeast Michigan offices located in West Bloomfield, Warren, Macomb Township, or Howell.

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Conditions Hands Wrists

Catch the Early Signs of Arthritis in Your Wrists and Hands

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early signs of arthritis

Very little in the world can make you feel older or more helpless than developing arthritis in your hands, body parts we often times take for granted. Fortunately, while there is no known cure for either rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, if you catch the early signs of arthritis in your wrists and hands, treatment is possible. Hand Doctor Avery Arora can recommend ways to keep your hands and wrists flexible and strong for years to come.

First, let’s discuss the two types of arthritis and how they differ from one another. Then, we’ll get into the signs and symptoms that indicate the following:

  • if you’re developing arthritis
  • when to see a hand doctor
  • what kinds of treatment are available to you

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis v. Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that adversely affects the cells in your body that keep your joints coated and lubricated, whereas osteoarthritis is the “wear and tear” arthritis. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, it seems to be linked to certain genetic components in association with environmental factors, including bacterial or viral infections.

Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is caused by aging joints, obesity, and/or trauma to a joint (or joints). Osteoarthritis can affect just one joint or many. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect joints symmetrically. So, if you have fairly uniform symptoms in both of your hands and/or wrists, it is more likely that you have rheumatoid arthritis than osteoarthritis. To be absolutely sure, though, it’s best to talk with a your hand doctor for a proper diagnosis.

 

What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis?

If you exhibit any or all of the following symptoms, it is likely that you have arthritis in your hands and/or wrists, and it’s time to call the hand doctor:

  • Stiffness, pain, and/or swelling in the fingers, hands, and/or wrists
  • Warm hand or wrist joints, especially if they’re tender to the touch
  • Finger joint deformities
  • Numbness and/or tingling in hands and fingers
  • Pain, stiffness, and/or swelling that lasts more than an hour

Arthritis in the hands can be a serious problem, especially if you use your hands for your work. Whether you work in an office or a garage, pain and stiffness in your hands and wrists can mean major issues for your job. So, if you exhibit any of these symptoms, call a hand specialist immediately. This disorder will not just go away if left untreated.

 

Arthritis Treatment

Depending on how severe your arthritis is, your doctor may prescribe one of many treatment options. For mild arthritic pain, nSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin) may be effective enough to relieve pain and swelling. Some patients require a special wrist brace to stabilize the joints and keep them in the proper position so as not to cause any more damage.

Dr. Arora, Michigan’s top hand surgeon, may also recommend a change of diet and stress management, physical therapy, and/or rest and exercise. In some cases, surgery is necessary, but this can often be avoided if the disorder is caught and treated early. If you suspect that you’re suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, make an appointment with your hand doctor today.

Here at Arora Hand Surgery, we care about your health. If you are feeling hand or wrist discomfort and worry that it may be the first signs of arthritis, visit Dr. Avery Arora at one of his southeast Michigan offices located in West Bloomfield, Warren, Macomb Township, or Howell.

 

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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.