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What Is Causing Your Hand Pain? – Arora Hand Surgery

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Hand pain can occur for a wide variety of reasons. Some people may have a physical injury to their hand, while others might suffer from hand pain because of a disease, such as arthritis.

Tendonitis

When the tendons start to swell in the hands and along the wrist, it can cause a lot of pain. In some patients, the pain starts gradually and builds over time. In other patients, the pain seems to come on suddenly, and it can extend and radiate from the site of the swollen tendons to other areas of the hand and arm. This can make it difficult to do a number of normal tasks, as it can be hard to hold objects, and you may lose mobility in the hand.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Another common cause of hand pain is carpal tunnel syndrome, affecting up to 3% of the people in the United States. Those who suffer can experience pain in their hand and fingers, as well as the wrist and the forearm. The swelling in the carpal tunnel places pressure on the median nerve, which causes these symptoms to emerge. In addition to pain, it can also cause the sufferer to feel weakness and tingling in their hands.

Fractures

It is possible to break bones in the hand, wrist, and forearm, and it may be easier than you want to believe. Even a small fracture can cause swelling, pain, stiffness, and an inability to move the affected area. Complex fractures and compound (open) fractures are even more dangerous.

Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of hand pain. The cartilage in the joints begins to deteriorate, which can happen with age and with repetitive use. This eventually causes painful swelling that will limit the persons ability to function properly. Many different types of arthritis exist, and all of them can be difficult to treat and manage.

Trigger Finger

Someone who suffers from trigger finger has a finger or thumb that becomes locked in an angle. This can be annoying, and it can be painful. It can be difficult, and sometimes impossible, for the sufferer to straighten their digit without a substantial amount of pain. This can occur when there is injury or irritation of the flexor tendons.

Finding Treatments to Deal With Hand Pain

As you can see, there are a number of causes of hand pain, which means that the treatment that works for one will not necessarily work for another. When you are suffering from any type of hand pain, you will want to speak with hand specialist to get to the root cause of the problem. You can then discuss a good and workable course of treatment, which could include physical therapy, medication, and surgery to help eliminate your hand pain.

Always make sure you are going to a specialist in the field who has experience dealing with the hand, wrist, and elbow. While a general practitioner can be helpful, getting a referral to a specialist is generally your best bet.

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General Hands

Sprains in Toddlers and Babies

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As a parent, you know that toddlers and babies can move around in ways that sometimes seem very unusual to the adults who are observing them. And every so often, they will trip or fall, or twist in a way that causes an injury. You may be observing your child and asking yourself, “How does he do that without spraining something?”

The fact is, young children hardly ever develop sprains. They are actually far more likely to break a bone, since bones in babies and toddlers are much weaker than ligaments. That said, sprains, although rare, can happen.

Identifying a Sprain in Your Toddler or Baby

Symptoms of a sprain, in addition to obvious pain, can include:

  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Limping
  • Reluctance to walk, move or be touched

Often, it can be hard to tell whether the problem is a sprain or a break, since the symptoms can be quite similar. Sprains will generally heal on their own, but if you suspect a break, you should see your doctor or go to the emergency room.

Treating a Minor Sprain

If you think that your toddler or baby has experienced a sprain, you should first try to get the child to remain still – and yes, we do know how difficult that can be. Perhaps a favorite toy or DVD would be in order.

Next, keep the wrist or arm elevated by propping it up on a cushion, and apply cold treatments to the affected area. You should never apply ice directly to a sprain, so if you are using ice, wrap it in a towel first. There are also medical cold packs that you can keep in your freezer for just such an emergency. And in a pinch, a bag of frozen vegetables will serve the purpose. Make sure that you dont use cold compresses for any more than ten minutes at a time.

If the child is in a good deal of discomfort, you can use over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Keep in mind, though, that aspirin is not recommended for children.

Preventing Sprains

Obviously, you do not want your child to be hurt. We sincerely hope that you have already installed baby gates at the top and foot of your stairs, but if you havent, please do so immediately. Also, make sure that floors (especially play areas) are kept as free as is reasonably possible from any tripping hazards.

Also, never buy shoes that you think your child will “grow into.” It is shocking how many parents do this, but think about it – how well would you walk in shoes that are a couple of sizes too big? Children are meant to wear shoes that fit their feet now, not shoes that will fit them a month or two down the road.

It is far better to prevent a sprain than it is to deal with it once it has occurred, so follow these basic safety measures so that your child can be protected from the possibility of a painful sprain.

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General Hands

Dealing With a Distal Radius Fracture

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A distal radius fracture can occur for a number of different reasons. Often, it happens when a person falls and lands on their outstretched hands with their palms hitting the surface of the floor or ground. It also happens in a number of car accidents because people will often put out their arms at the moment of impact, which causes the bone to fracture. The bone known as the radius will break. This is actually a common type of injury, and in some cases, the bone of the forearm will break as well.

What Are the Symptoms?

Those who suffer from a distal radius fracture will be in a substantial amount of pain, and the area around the break will swell. In many cases, this will cause a deformity in the wrist. Those who believe they have a fracture should visit the doctor so they can have an x-ray taken of the location. This will let the doctor determine whether there is a break, and the severity of the break. You may want to consider visiting an orthopedist, as they specialize in the field of bones. If the pain is severe, the fracture is open (the break comes through the skin), or if there is numbness in the area, you should visit the emergency room.

It is possible to treat a distal radius fracture in a number of different ways. The option chosen will depend on a number of factors including the nature of the injury and the patients history and age. In some cases, it may only need splinting and then a cast to heal, as long as the bone is in a good position. The cast will typically be removed after about six weeks. Again, it depends on the patient and the severity of the injury.

Treating a Distal Radius Fracture with Surgery

In some cases, a surgical option is the best way to deal with the injury. With some patients, the bone may be in a bad position, and it would not heal properly and allow the patient to make full use of their wrist. In those cases, surgery can help. The type of surgery can differ depending on the injury. Some may require and incision, and others may not. Once the doctor puts the bone in the proper position, they may choose to hold it in place with a cast, or they might hold it in place with metal pins or screws, or other techniques.

The healing time after the surgery will vary based on the type of surgery, and the patients natural ability to heal. In most cases, surgery will not be necessary, but the orthopedic surgeon will let you know what the best course of action will be for your wrist and hand to heal properly.

Those who have a distal radius fracture, or any other type of injury to the hand, forearm, and elbow should make sure they get in touch with a high quality, reputable orthopedic specialist. They need to make sue that they have the best care and treatment for their injury so they can heal properly.

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General Hands

Hand Fractures: Symptoms and Treatment

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Take a moment to imagine what life would be like without having the ability to use one of your hands? It would be difficult to drive, dress, shower, and complete all of the activities that you currently take for granted. However, hand fractures are more common than many believe. Whether you were in a car accident, a sporting accident, had your hand slammed in a car door, or anything else, the damage can be severe, and you need to know what to expect and how to treat these types of injuries.

What Happens With a Hand Fracture?

The term “hand fracture” encompasses many different bones. Each hand has 27 bones, and any of them could fracture and need treatment. Bones in the hand could break near the wrist, near the knuckle, or closer to the middle part of the bone. When a break occurs, you will feel pain and experience swelling. Some may also see a deformity in their hand based on the severity of the break and the amount of swelling. It will not be possible to move the fingers, at least not without a massive amount of pain. The knuckle may have an indented or depressed appearance and the affected finger could appear shorter than it should.

To determine the type of injury and the severity of the injury, the doctor will need to take an x-ray. This will give them an inside look at the fracture to determine the precise location and the type of fracture it is. Some patients will also undergo a test to ascertain the range of motion they have left in the hand, as well as a sensation test. The sensation test tries to determine if there is any nerve damage to the hand.

Types of Treatment

With many hand fractures, it will be possible for the doctor to move the bones and realign them without surgery so that they can heal properly. Once they have the bones in alignment, they will apply a brace, splint, or a cast, which will help to keep the bones in place until they can heal properly. After setting the hand, the doctor will want to take a second set of x-rays (generally about a week afterwards) to ensure they are set properly and healing. The length of time that you are in the cast will vary, but it is typically about three to four weeks.

Some types of hand fractures are much more severe though, and they will require surgery. If the hand has been crushed or the fracture causes pieces of the bone to protrude through the skin, surgery is in order. The hand surgeon will use a variety of techniques and implants, such as wires or plates, to help keep the bones aligned during the healing process. In some cases, they will remove the implants after the bone heals; other times, they will need to remain in the hand. After the surgery, you may need to do exercises and therapy to restore the mobility of your hand.

Hand fractures can be serious and those who feel they may have a broken bone in their hand should seek the advice of a medical professional as soon as possible.

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General Hands

Most Common Ways to Injure the Hand

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The hand is one of the most impressive parts of the human body. Its a complex piece of biological machinery that lets people hold and manipulate items in ways that other creatures cant. If not for our hands, despite the power of the human brain, we may not have evolved to become the most dominant species on the planet. As important as our hands might be, they are also prone to injury. If you injure your hand, you will find that you cant do many of the things that you take for granted right now. For example, you would not be able to use your phone or tablet. Typing would be difficult, even driving and opening doors would be difficult if you do not have full use of your hands!

What Types of Injuries Affect the Hand?

The hand is exposed to many different types of injuries. Lacerations are quite common. Cutting your hand with a knife in the kitchen, for example, has happened to nearly everyone. Most of the time, cleanup and a bandage are all that you need. In severe cases though, there could be a deep cut that includes nerve damage. In those instances surgery would likely be necessary to restore full function of the hand.

Fractures and dislocations are common as well. These types of injuries could require the doctor to set the bone, and then splint or cast it so it can heal properly. In the event that the bones are not setting properly, it could require hand surgery. Other potential injuries from the hands come from burns, infections, crushing, soft tissue injuries, and amputations. Naturally, the symptoms for these different types of injuries vary.

Anyone who has a hand injury thats more than just a small cut or bruise may want to seek out a medical professional. Even with the small cuts, you will need to be careful to ensure that infection does not set in and cause more issues to the hand.

If there are any deep wounds, fractures, dislocations, bites, or burns (other than minor burns), contact a physician to get the proper care. Whenever there is any doubt as to whether it is a minor injury that can heal on its own or a more substantial injury, you should err on the side of caution and speak with a doctor.

Treating the Injuries

Because there are so many different types of hand injuries, the types of treatments necessary to repair the problem vary quite a bit. In some cases, simply resting the hand may be all that you need. For those who have a fracture, they will need to have the hand doctor set the bone and make sure it heals properly, as mentioned. Those who have burns will need a different course of treatment, and those who have amputated fingers will need a variety of treatments. In some instances, reattachment of a lost finger may be possible. However, regaining full function of the finger is not a guarantee.

Talk with your doctor about your injuries to determine the proper course of treatment, and with a hand surgeon for those issues that require surgery to correct properly. Its the best way to minimize your risks.

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Conditions General Hands

How to Deal With Skin Cancer of the Hand – Arora Hand Surgery

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Cancer is a condition that ranges widely and which can appear in almost any part of the body. It does occur on the extremities, including the hands and arms, and it is best treated quickly and by a qualified hand surgeon or expert.

Naturally, it may be difficult to recognize when skin cancer of the hand is present. Interestingly enough, it is the skin that is the organ most commonly affected by cancer, and on the hands the most common types of cancer to appear are:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Melanoma

There are other rare forms of skin cancer of the hand, as well, and it takes a medical professional to perform any diagnosis. However, you can know if you are at greater risk for developing it. The following list of factors tend to apply:

  • Chronic sun exposure
  • Immune suppression
  • Fair or light complexion
  • Exposure to chemicals and/or radiation
  • If you have pre-malignant lesions in the past
  • Family tendency to melanoma
  • Genetic conditions relating to skin cancer

And while there are many online resources with photographs of various forms of skin cancer of the hand or upper extremity, the best way to get diagnosed is through a visit to a hand expert. Though there are some very clear indicators that can be used to visually identify potential carcinomas and melanomas (such as discolored nodules appearing on the skin, cutaneous horns forming in odd locations, and areas that wont heal), the expert opinion is the best.

Diagnosis and Treatment

You hand doctor will do a visual inspection and take a biopsy or sample of the tissue in question. This is sent to a lab that assesses it and determines if the tissue is indeed cancerous or pre-cancerous. In some cases a larger sample may be required to make a definitive diagnosis.

If cancer is present, the next step is often to examine the lymph nodes to be sure that the cancer has not metastasized (or expanded to another area of the body). This is done through biopsy or through a range of different scans, such as a CT scan.

When a full diagnosis and assessment is done, the most common treatment is removal of the tissue by a qualified hand surgeon. The traditional approach is to remove all of the tissue infected with cancer cells along with tissue at the edges of the cancerous region. A surgeon will also perform all essential repairs at the same time, such as grafting healthy skin over the excised area.

In certain types of cancer, removal is followed by radiation or chemotherapy to be sure that all cancerous tissue has been eradicated. And in extreme cases there can be a need for amputation, but this is, as indicated, an extreme.

If you suspect that you are at risk for developing skin cancer of the hand or upper extremity, or have noticed a long-lasting change in the skin of one part of the hand, do not hesitate to visit a surgeon. As the experts say, the best treatment for skin cancer of any kind is prevention (SkinCancer.org, 2015). If you suspect something wrong, your next best treatment is early detection and rapid action in the care of a hand surgeon.

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General Hands

Injuries to the Extensor Tendon

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You have a number of important tendons throughout your hand. One of these is the extensor tendon, which is situated on the back of your hand and which allows you to straighten your fingers. The extensor tendons are all connected to muscles located in your arm and they extend all the way down the whole finger. Once in the finger, where space is smaller, the extensor tendons attach to smaller tendons that are, in turn, attached to small muscles. All of this works together to give you control over your fingers. At times, these tendons can become injured and can cause problems as well as pain.

Types of Extensor Tendon Injuries

Extensor tendons in your hand are very close to the surface of your skin. In fact, you can probably see them moving from time to time. Almost any injury to the back of the hand can do damage to the tendons, including:

  • Jamming your finger
  • Cutting the back of your hand
  • Bruising the back of your hand

Essentially, any injury can cause damage. Whenever the extensor tendon is injured, you may find it difficult to straighten your fingers properly. Tendon damage can be painful as well.

There are a few very common injuries to the extensor tendons, including the following:

  • Mallet Finger is a condition in which the extensor tendon is no longer connected to the bone in the finger, whether it was cut or torn away. When this happens, the fingertip will not be able to straighten. It happens most commonly through a cut or through jamming the finger and will require stitches to the tendon itself. Splinting will also be needed to ensure the finger stays straight.
  • Boutonniere deformities occur when the tendon is damaged at the middle joint of the finger, meaning the majority of the finger itself will not straighten out. If the tendon has been cut or torn, then it will need stitches. If it is just injured, then splinting will be used.
  • Cuts to the back of the hand can often sever one of the extensor tendons since they are so close to the skin. In this case, one or more fingers may not straighten. Splinting will need to extend from the wrist all the way down the injured finger.

Because the extensor tendons are so close to the surface, injury can happen very easily. It only takes a small amount of hand trauma to affect the tendons directly.

Treatment may change as well if there is other damage to the fingers, such as fractures or infections.

If you think you have an injury to an extensor tendon, then you will notice that you cannot straighten out one or more of your fingers. Additionally, if you have had damage or injury to the back of your hand, this will let you know the extensor tendons could be involved. You will need to see a doctor for treatment because a torn tendon will always require stitches. Additionally, you will need to learn how to properly splint your hand for healing.

Resources:

http://www.orthobullets.com/hand/6028/extensor-tendon-injuries

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Conditions General Hands

Dealing with Psoriatic Arthritis of the Hand

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A lot of people know about osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but not many realize that you can develop arthritis from the skin condition known as psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis of the hand is somewhat rare, with around five to twenty percent of people with psoriasis developing arthritis related to it. However, it is common enough that it is very useful for anyone with psoriasis to learn about it, and its symptoms.

What Happens When You Have Psoriatic Arthritis?

If you have psoriasis, you are well aware of its appearance. Your skin takes on a very dry and scaly look, and it can often appear as if you have rashes in many areas of the body. The condition does tend to cause prolonged or even constant irritation to the skin, and it is this sort of irritation that eventually leads to the development of arthritis in the underlying bones and cartilage.

Because arthritis, which means “inflamed joint”, is something that can be due to chronic inflammation, it makes sense that psoriasis might eventually cause problems in the hands and wrists, where it is so prevalent. It does many of the same things that other forms of arthritis do when it does appear in the hands, and will lead to swelling, deformity of the joints, and a lack of stability in the wrist. The swelling of this condition, though, is more pronounced than any other form of arthritis (MayoClinic, 2015).

This is all due to the fact that the psoriatic arthritis is actually causing the lining of the joints to swell and to then degrade and allow bones to erode and rub against one another.

Many patients with psoriatic arthritis display many similar symptoms as those with rheumatoid arthritis. Their hands will appear swollen and with a red discoloration. They can be warm to the touch and will often have difficulty with stiffness and movement. However, unlike rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis is usually asymmetrical (meaning it may appear on one hand and not the other), it causes skin lesions, and it tends to strike the PIP and DIP joint (the middle and end joints), rather than the middle joints or the wrist areas.

Diagnosing and Treating Psoriatic Arthritis

You must visit a hand doctor if you suspect that your psoriasis has now caused you to develop arthritis, especially if others in your family already have this condition. The physician will do a thorough history and exam. They may order a few tests and X-rays to determine if you do have the condition.

Should you be diagnosed with it, your doctor is going to focus on pain relief, alleviation of the swelling and inflammation, and function as the goals of treatment. This means you will work with more than just the hand doctor and may find yourself working with a therapist as well as other specialists. Medications and ongoing therapies are usually the most conservative treatments, and a hand doctor is likely to refrain from surgery until it is absolutely necessary. This is because it is a progressive issue, and surgery may be used as an intervention rather than an initial treatment of symptoms.

Dont hesitate to contact your doctor simply because the sooner you begin your treatment, the better the outcome.

Source

MayoClinic. Psoriatic arthritis: Symptoms. 2015. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/basics/symptoms/con-20015006

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General Hands

Hand Numbness and Tingling Is Not Always Carpal Tunnel

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There has been so much press about the condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, that many people automatically assume that any numbness or tingling in their hands or fingers must be this fairly common condition. However, there are several other issues that can just as easily lead to symptoms shared with CTS.

For example, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand indicates that the “potential conditions” leading to numbness in the hands include: vascular disorders, cold hand disease, Erbs palsy, CTS, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, nerve injury, and cubital tunnel syndrome.

Are these the only reasons behind numbness and tingling in the hands or arms? No, there is a surprisingly long list of possibilities. Injury can be to blame, muscle thickening, blood vessel enlargement, and cysts and spurs can also be the cause of any loss of sensation or tingling.

However, one of the most common terms associated with the sensation of tingling or loss of feeling in the hands, though, is “nerves”. From compression of nerves in the arms, spine, and neck, to damage to the nerves, it seems that the greatest number of problems can begin with nerve related issues.

Compression neuropathy or pressure on a nerve can cause a sensation of numbness in the hands. Additionally, because some nerves in the hands have their sources in the area around the neck, any sort of compression or pressure on the neck can lead to numbness, as well.

When we start to look at the neck, though, we realize that the spine is also a major factor in nerves and how they affect the hands. Arthritis in the neck or spine, as an example, can be compressed due to bone spurs or disc problems, and these might impair nerves that relate to the hands and arms.

Diseases of the spinal cord can also cause problems if they manifest as tumors, swollen blood vessels or other things that can constrict or press on the nerves. These can lead to weakened muscles if compressed as well, and this can further complicate matters by making the source of the problem more difficult to detect.

Not all nerve activity is in the spine though and it is understood that some diseases that affect the nervous system can lead to symptoms that include numbness in the hands. Multiple sclerosis is a key example of this, but other issues may also present in this way. Peripheral neuropathy is yet another nerve-related issue that can be caused by disease and which presents in a glove-like pattern on the hands and arms. Diabetes is a common cause of this sort of hand numbness or tingling.

You may have numbness in a finger after an injury, and some medication and treatments can also have side effects that include numbness and tingling in the hands.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Hand Numbness and Tingling

Clearly, you must never just guess at what is causing you tingling or numbness in your hands, and you should never ignore it. Instead, the wisest course of action is to visit a physician or hand doctor who can take a full history, do an assessment of your condition and help you overcome whatever issue has led to your discomfort.

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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.