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Conditions Treatments

How to Treat Tendinitis

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how to treat tendonitis

The tendons are the connective tissue that joins muscles in the body to bones. They help to facilitate movement, and many people never give their tendons a second thought. However, it is possible for the tendons to become inflamed, which is known as tendinitis. This condition causes pain, and it can make it hard to move the joint, which severely limits a person’s ability to move freely the way they did before. While all joints could suffer from the condition, some are more prone to tendinitis than others are, namely the elbow and the wrist. Here’s some more information on how to treat tendinitis.

 

Common Causes of Tendinitis

Many times, tendinitis is the result of repetitive actions. This causes the tendons to be used too much, and some people develop tendinitis as a result. It can occur because of actions from sports, as well as different types of actions performed at work or at home. It is also possible to suffer from tendinitis due to an injury, as well as aging. As people get older, their body begins to break down, and the tendons can be some of the first parts to have trouble. Those who have certain conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, can also be afflicted with tendinitis.

 

What Are the Symptoms?

When someone has tendinitis, they generally complain of an aching feeling around the joint. The pain will increase when they try to move the joint, and it can even cause pain if someone bumps or touches the joint. In some cases, particularly after trying to use the afflicted joint, people will also notice some swelling.

how to treat tendonitis

 

Getting a Diagnosis

When some people feel the onset of tendinitis, they do not realize what it is. They may believe that they are just tired and sore from doing too much, and hope that rest will alleviate the problem. While rest may be able to help, it is always a good idea to speak with a doctor, such as Michigan-based hand surgeon Dr. Avery Arora. A specialized doctor can look at your medical history and examine the joint to determine the problem. Part of the exam will be to test your range of motion. They will want to know what types of activities you do as well, as this can give them a clue as to the nature of the injury. They may also order imaging tests.

 

Treatment Options

In the cases where tendinitis is relatively mild, there are some simple treatments your doctor can try. They will want you to rest, and they may advise you to use cold or heat on the affected area. They may also recommend taking pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition, they could provide you with exercises you can do to strengthen the area.

In some cases, the doctor may also recommend surgery. They are able to remove the inflamed tissue, which can help to reduce the amount of pain the patient feels, and this can provide them with more mobility and range of motion. Each patient is different, and you will want to talk with your doctor about the best options to try when treating your tendinitis.

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

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General Hands Treatments

Scar Removal & Treatment: How Dr. Arora Minimizes the Appearance of Hand Scars

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The type and extent of a scar will determine the best hand scar removal and treatment options, as represented by this image of a scar on a man's hand.

Most patients ask us about any potential scarring on the hands or wrists prior to undergoing surgery, and their concerns are understandable. The truth is that most hand surgeries may result in some minor scarring. In most cases, however, we find that dramatically better than having to live with the pain, discomfort, and appearance of the initial condition, and most patients definitely agree.

The good news is that most hand scars after surgery are very minor, almost unnoticeable. Even when they are slightly more pronounced, our hand doctor offers scar removal and treatment options that can minimize their appearance.

Dr. Arora can also minimize scars due to injury or minor burns, as well as some skin imperfections that were present at birth.

Why Scars Form

Most of us know what scars are and likely have one or more. Before we get into how scars are treated, however, let us talk about why scars form in the first place. We think it’s rather fascinating, actually, and it just goes to show how smart our bodies really are!

Scars are essentially the body’s natural Band-Aid or stitches. They form as a part of the healing process after your skin has been cut, burned, scratched, or otherwise injured. The skin repairs itself by growing new tissue in gaps, and that tissue pulls the wound together. Without the body’s natural ability to grow this new tissue to “stitch” the skin back together, your body would be at risk of infection, expansion of the injury, permanent damage, or worse.

Scar Removal & Treatment Options at Arora Hand Surgery

The type and extent of a scar will determine the best scar removal and treatment options, especially in the case of burns. If a scar is associated with damage to tissues beneath the skin, including the nerves and tendons, other treatment options may be necessary. If the scar is superficial, meaning it’s only on the surface of the skin, treatment can be effective.

Several different procedures are commonly used to minimize the appearance of scars.

Scar Massage or Vibration

Massaging the area with petroleum jelly, cocoa butter, or hand lotion can loosen the skin. The area should be massaged in the direction of the scar for 10 minutes twice a day. After about 3 months, you should start to see some results.

Exercises

We know. … Suggesting controlled exercise programs for scars seems counterintuitive. You’re trying to reduce the scars, after all, not beef them up or give them more endurance!

But think of it as telling your body, “Hey, you don’t have to panic and build up all this extra tissue. I’m taking care of it in a different way. See what I’m doing to help you?”

And of course, we’re not talking about weightlifting or cardio. The exercises are based on stimulating nearby joints and tendons to keep them gliding smoothly under the skin.

Pressure Therapy

Pressure therapy is typically used right after surgery or after a burn. Applying a pressure garment over dressings to a wound while it’s healing can minimize the appearance of scars, or at least help keep them flatter.

Silicone Gel

Placing a thin layer of silicone gel over the area serves as a bandage, and the gel can remain on the hands throughout the day. If Dr. Arora recommends this scar treatment remedy for you, the gel should be used for at least 12 hours per day for a minimum of three months.

Injections or Surgery

Burn scars or other injuries may require surgical treatment. (Serious, high-degree burns may need to be treated at specialized burn centers, such as those at the University of Michigan and the Detroit Medical Center’s Detroit Receiving Hospital.)

Treatment options include:

1. Collagen injections/fillers

Some skin care professionals can inject collagen into the area to create a smoother appearance.

2. Scar revision surgery

Scar revision surgery attempts to minimize a scar to make it less visible as well as blend in with the surrounding skin.

3. Skin grafts

Natural skin or a synthetic material can be used to fill skin at the area, or the surgeon would remove the scar and then replace the skin with the synthetic material.

4. Excision

Scars are cut out and removed during a surgical procedure, although this may leave a smaller scar in this place.

5. Laser surgery

Unlike excisions, laser surgery does not involve cutting out the scar. Instead, a fractional laser light is used to break down scar tissue and trigger healthy new tissue to form at the site.

6. Dermabrasion

Offered by some dermatologists and plastic surgeons, dermabrasion is an exfoliating technique that uses a rotating instrument to remove the outer layers of skin.

Not all these injections or surgeries are available through Arora Hand Surgery, although we can recommend other skin care professionals who may be able to assist you. These techniques are also not ideal for every patient; it depends on the types of scars you have and how deep they are, as well as a combination of your preferences and Dr. Arora’s recommendations. Talk with Dr. Arora, a dermatologist, or a plastic surgeon to see if any of these options are suitable for you.

If you want to know more about wrist and hand scar removal and treatment options, make an appointment to see the hand specialist at his West Bloomfield, Warren, Macomb Township, or Howell office.

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General Treatments

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

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

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

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

How to Find the Best Doctor for Hand Surgery in Macomb

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

1. Address insurance issues.

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

2. Ask others for recommendations.

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

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

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

3. Do your research online.

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

• Read the online reviews for each potential doctor.

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

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

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

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

4. Make an appointment for a preliminary consultation.

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

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

Schedule an Appointment with Our Specialist in Macomb

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

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

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General Hands Treatments

Surgical Arthritis Treatment Recovery Time and Results

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

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

Types of Hand Arthritis Surgeries

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

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

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

Preparing for the Procedure

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

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

Results and Recovery Time Following Surgical Arthritis Treatment

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

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

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

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

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

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

Urgent Care After Surgery & Follow-Up Appointments

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

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

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

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

Physical Therapy After a Hand Arthritis Procedure

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

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

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

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

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Fingers Treatments

Thumb Joint Surgery: What You Can Expect

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Do you need thumb joint surgery in Macomb, Oakland, or Livingston County? Make an appointment with our hand specialist to see if you do. In this image, a medical professional examines a patient's thumb.

Thumb joint surgery may be required for many reasons.

Maybe you broke part of the bones in your thumb and you now require surgery to fix them. Maybe the ligaments in your thumb are tightening up or feeling pinched, resulting in intense pain.

Symptoms like these are often attributed to arthritis, which is arguably the most common reason why patients have surgery on their thumbs. Arthritis is caused by repetitive movement, so if you’ve had a job for many years that required extensive use of your thumbs, it’s not unlikely to feel pain now and again.

Signs & Symptoms

The big question to ask yourself is, “How often am I feeling this pain?”

If it’s only occasional or doesn’t seem to bother you regularly, other thumb pain relief treatments or answers may exist for you. Pain medication and physical therapy may be two possible options when dealing with only mild or inconsistent pain in the joints of your thumbs.

However, if the pain is constant or too intense to sit through, the problem may be worse than you think. In this case, thumb joint surgery may be your only solution.

Why is this Pain Occurring?

Let’s look at some potential reasons why this may be happening to you. The most common reason for thumb joint arthritis is that the joints are beginning to loosen up. This happens with age; you become weaker, your bones become more brittle, and your muscles can’t hold up the strength they possessed during your youth.

It’s important to avoid heavy or repetitive movements when you age so that your joints don’t become worn out.

You, like all humans, have cartilage that surrounds and cushions the ends of your bones. As you age, this cartilage is likely to wear away or disappear, meaning your bones can rub against one another. This leads to pain and limited movement.

READ MORE ABOUT ARTHRITIS AT THE BASE OF THE THUMB.

Another reason why this may be occurring is because of your gender. It is suggested that thumb joint pain is about ten times more likely to occur in women than in men, though science has not been able to suggest why.

What to Consider

Either way, joint pain in the thumbs can still occur in both women and men, and there are different surgical procedures that can be applied to relieve your thumbs of any discomfort.

Bear in mind that under certain circumstances, your thumbs could take as long as one year after the surgery to feel different. It’s important to keep an eye on your joints and monitor whatever improvements you feel.

In addition, it’s also necessary to monitor your movement and make sure you’re not engaged in any harsh physical activity until your hands feel stronger and more capable. Otherwise, you run the risk of inflicting more pain and doing more damage to yourself, rendering the surgery useless or inefficient.

Thumb Joint Surgery Options

Let’s examine some of the surgical options that are available to relieve your thumb joint pain.

Ligament Reconstruction

Sometimes, the best route to take when working on a project is to simply start over. If you’re having difficulty on a report, document, construction model, or anything else, sometimes starting from scratch after is the best way to go.

This same idea applies to your joints. If your thumb joints have already endured extensive damage over the years, your doctor may just seek to rebuild your ligaments. This often requires parts of the tendons in your wrist be removed and added to the damaged joint muscles in your thumbs. Once connected, mechanical function is restored.

This procedure tends to work best if you catch the symptoms of your arthritis early. If you’re quick to notice the pain and don’t delay when seeking treatment, this surgery can be very successful.

READ MORE ABOUT VARIOUS FORMS OF ARTHRITIS.

However, as with every situation, there is a downside to consider. While your joints become stabilized, not much can be done to replace any lost cartilage or to strengthen your bones.

Fusion

The pain in your thumbs can be reduced or expunged by fusing the bones in your thumb joints together. The surgeon will create a hole in your thumb’s metacarpal bone, insert a pin into the hole, and align the bones together. The pin holds them in place, and with enough time, they’ll eventually fuse and become one single bone.

This procedure usually applies mostly to younger persons who have very physical jobs, such as athletes or warehouse workers. They’re likely to wear out implants and require a “quick fix” so they can return to work in as little time as possible.

While the procedure either reduces or eliminates pain, it does possess a high complication rate, and it can potentially damage other joints or limit your movement capabilities permanently if you’re not careful.

In any case, make an appointment to see our hand surgeon in Howell, West Bloomfield, Warren, or Macomb Township to see which kinds of procedures would offer the best results for you.

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Treatments Wrists

Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Be Cured?

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Can carpal tunnel syndrome be cured? While there is no official cure, there are many remedies. In this image, a man at his desk is holding his painful wrist.

Can carpal tunnel syndrome be cured?

It’s a question wrist doctors and scientists have been trying to answer for decades. The simple answer is “yes and no.” …

OK, so that’s not so simple. Allow us to explain.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be alleviated for a certain amount of time, but it might flare up days, weeks, or months later. In other words, many types of carpal tunnel syndrome treatments are very effective, but they may be temporary.

A more permanent solution to cure the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome is surgery, but this option is typically reserved for situations where self-help or medication do not alleviate the symptoms.

On the other hand, you may experience carpal tunnel syndrome pain only once in your life and never again depending on your lifestyle.

Self-Care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Even though there might not be a true cure for carpal tunnel syndrome, the good news is that you have many options for self-care. Dr. Arora will go over these treatments with you, but here is an overview of some of the most common remedies.

Wearing wrist braces while you sleep

It’s hard to figure out how to rest your wrists while you sleep. Sometimes you lean your head on them. Other times they’re under a pillow. Every now and then they’re over your head or under another part of your body. All of these positions could lead to pain or numbness in the wrists.

Wearing wrist braces at night can help protect your wrists and keep them straight, thereby alleviating the symptoms.

Investing in ergonomic equipment and furniture

If your job requires extensive use of your wrists, you or your employer may wish to obtain ergonomically designed chairs, keyboards, and other equipment. For jobs that require the use of manual or power tools, consider wearing wrist support if possible.

Watching your posture

Your mama told you not to slouch as you were walking. Now, your wrist doctor is telling you not to slouch as you’re sitting.

If you use a computer throughout the day, you may be tempted to roll your shoulders forward, but don’t do that. Your body wasn’t made that way, so unnaturally slouching will only make wrist pain come on faster.

Sit up straight with your shoulders back and comfortably aligned as often as possible.

Taking frequent breaks

We’re not trying to get you fired here. When we say “frequent breaks,” we simply mean taking 20 seconds to stop what you’re doing and then stretch your hand and shoulder muscles before getting back to work.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by tension in your wrists, so loosening up that area every now and then should help.

Medication & Surgical Options

When combined with self-care, anti-inflammatory medications can be effective in relieving the symptoms. Some patients may find relief with steroid injections as well, so ask Dr. Arora about that option.

For those with lingering symptoms, wrist surgery may provide a more long-term cure for carpal tunnel syndrome. The surgery entails cutting the ligament that forms of the top of the tunnel on the palm side of the hand. The goal is to enlarge the carpal tunnel in order to decrease pressure on the median nerve.

For carpal tunnel syndrome treatment in Howell, Warren, West Bloomfield, or Macomb Township, make an appointment with Dr. Arora through our website or by calling (248) 220-7747. He will analyze your symptoms in order to determine the cause of your wrist pain and then work with you to create a treatment regimen that’s right for you.

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General Treatments

Caring for Your Cast

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A broken wrist is shown in a closeup image. The man has a cast and sling.

Hand, wrist, and arm injuries send many people of all ages to the Emergency Room, and they often walk out with a cast. A cast helps you heal and ease the pain while you do, but caring for your cast properly is important in order to avoid infection.

Cast Care Instructions

Once a cast or splint is in place, your pain should improve. However, due to your injury, you may have swelling. This can cause a build up of pressure inside the cast that can cause pain, numbness, tingling, cold fingers, or the inability to move your fingers. Slight discoloration can be normal, but if your fingers or toes become whitish or bluish it could indicate a problem.

If you develop any of the above symptoms, ELEVATE YOUR LIMB ABOVE THE LEVEL OF YOUR HEART. Ice packs also help to relieve swelling. This is good practice for the first few days after your injury regardless if you are having problems or not.

Do not put any items down your cast. Scratching can irritate and even cut the skin and an unseen infection can develop.

If the skin around the edges of the cast is becoming irritated, place a Band-Aid, tape, or moleskin around the edges of the cast to protect your skin from the rough surface. If the irritation persists, call our office.

Water and Casts:

If you are wearing a splint (plaster covered with an Ace bandage) or a fiberglass cast, DO NOT GET THE SPLINT OR CAST WET. This can lead to skin breakdown and infection (especially if it is covering a surgical incision). To protect your cast, we recommend two options. The first option is to wrap the arm with double plastic bags and then seal with duct tape. The second option is to use a purchased “Cast Protector” at a local chain drug store. Both these options have been found to be cost-effective reliable choices.

If your fiberglass/plaster splint/cast gets wet, please contact our doctor’s office in Howell, West Bloomfield, Macomb Township, or Warren right away.

 

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General Treatments

EMG Testing and Nerve Conduction Studies: Assessing Health of Muscles, Neurons

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EMG tests and nerve conduction studies assess the health of muscles and motor neurons.

Electromyography (EMG testing) and nerve conduction study (NCS) are diagnostic tests that are performed in order to assess the health of muscles and motor neurons.

Motor neurons are the nerves that are responsible for the muscles’ contractions, and damaged or dysfunctional motor neurons can cause health conditions like muscle and nerve disorders.

During the exam, we will monitor the electrical activity that occurs within the muscles at rest and when the muscles are slightly contracted. EMG testing measures the electrical activity within the muscles and can help physicians diagnose any potential problems with nerve-to-muscle signal transmission, nerve dysfunction, and/or muscle dysfunction.  

Why Should I Get an Electromyography?

EMG tests can be used to diagnose conditions like muscle disorders, disorders of the nerves, and conditions that affect the nerve root, motor neurons, and/or connections between the nerves and muscles.

Common symptoms that may indicate a muscle or nerve disorder can include:

  • Pain or cramping in the muscles
  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Some forms of limb pain

How is EMG Testing Performed?

This diagnostic procedure is formed by placing surface electrodes or inserting needle electrodes in various locations on your body. You may experience a mild twinge or spasm as the electrode delivers an electrical current to the designated area. You may be asked to contract your muscles during the procedure so the physician can monitor the electrical activity generated in your muscles during movement and at rest.

Where Will the Test be Performed?

If you have been given a prescription for an EMG/NCS test, please schedule your appointment at your earliest convenience. We recommend you return for a follow-up visit to Dr. Arora’s office at least one week after your EMG test to allow enough time for us to obtain the results. We recommend you confirm that we have received the results in our office before you return for your follow-up visit.

Dr. Arora works closely with a few select practices in the areas around each office to co-ordinate EMG testing.

Recommendations will be given at the time of your appointment.

Contact our doctor’s office in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, or Macomb today for further information or to schedule a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!

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General Treatments Wrists

How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treated?

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How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated? It depends on the extend of the wrist pain, health factors, and more, but treatments can be effective in minimizing CTS symptoms.

Between 3 percent and 6 percent of the adult population has carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), making it undoubtedly the most common nerve disorder today. How carpal tunnel syndrome is treated depends on a variety of factors, such as the intensity of the condition. Fortunately, treatment can be very effective in reducing the pain, numbness, and tingling associated with CTS.

CTS occurs when there is pressure or swelling in the carpal tunnel, which is a space in your wrist where nine tendons and the median nerve pass from the arm into the hand. The condition is usually associated with repetitive use of the wrists, such as regularly using a keyboard or hand tools, but research indicates that it is likely related to a genetic predisposition as well.

How Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is Treated

Methods of treating carpal tunnel syndrome or reducing its effects range from self-care to surgical procedures in more serious cases. Following are several common solutions.

Oral Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, known as NSAIDs, may help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Brand names of such medications available over-the-counter or in prescription form include:

  • Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen)
  • Aleve (naproxen sodium)
  • Mobic (meloxicam)

The use of anti-inflammatory medications to treat carpal tunnel syndrome may be especially ideal if the patient has arthritis symptoms as well.

Some doctors may prescribe a short course of oral steroids as well to reduce swelling. Such medications include prednisone or methylprednisone.

Discuss side effects of medication use with Dr. Arora or your primary care physician.

One way to treat carpal tunnel syndrome is through the use of anti-inflammatory medications.
Anti-inflammatory medications may reduce swelling in the carpal tunnel.

Steroid Injections

A more effective way to use steroids to treat carpal tunnel syndrome is to inject it into the carpal tunnel. Doing so may help decrease inflammation and swelling, thereby reducing pressure on the median nerve.

Protect Your Wrists

A key to reducing CTS pain is to keep your wrists relatively straight, which is somewhat possible during the day but not so much at night. For that reason, some doctors may prescribe wrist braces that you can wear while you sleep.

To prevent pain, you should also wear a brace if possible when participating in games and sports that strain your wrists, such as bowling.

If your job requires repetitive use of the wrists – such as in manufacturing, construction, or the auto repair fields – wear protective gear if possible to keep them stable.

Self-Care

Self-care is probably one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent flareups. Take an active role in your CTS treatment plan with the following measures whenever and wherever possible:

  • Use ergonomically designed furniture and computer equipment.
  • Use proper posture when typing.
  • Sleep with your wrists straight, even if you’re not wearing a brace.
  • Take frequent breaks at work or when participating in hobbies.

Gently stretch your arms, flex your wrists, and wiggle your fingers regularly to reduce tension and increase blood flow. Dr. Arora can provide you with more specific at-home exercise tips that may reduce CTS symptoms.

Repetitive use of the wrists can be painful. Ergonomically designed furniture and equipment may help reduce carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
Repetitive use of the wrists can be painful. Ergonomically designed furniture and equipment may help reduce carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.

Wrist Surgery

In cases where pain is not alleviated with the above treatments, surgeries can be helpful. The two most common surgeries for carpal tunnel syndrome are known as open carpal tunnel release and endoscopic carpal tunnel release, both of which can be handled on an outpatient basis.

  • Open carpal tunnel release surgery: In very simple terms, the surgeon makes a 1-inch incision on the wrist and then divides the carpal ligament to enlarge the carpal tunnel.
  • Endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery: This is an alternate option with a similar goal. The surgeon typically makes two half-inch incisions, one on the wrist and one on the palm. A camera attached to a narrow tube is inserted into one incision, and the camera guides the doctor as he uses instruments to cut the carpal ligament through the other incision.
  • Laser carpal tunnel surgery: People often ask, but sorry to say, there is no such thing!

Get It Checked Out

How carpal tunnel syndrome is treated depends on the effectiveness of prior treatments, the extent of the condition, your ability to follow other remedies, and more. It’s also possible that your wrist pain is not CTS at all, but a different condition altogether.

The first step is to schedule an appointment to see Dr. Arora in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, or Macomb for an evaluation of your condition. If it is carpal tunnel syndrome, we will work with you to find a solution you’re comfortable with. Call us for more information.

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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.