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Elbows General Treatments

Which Treatment for Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) is Right for Me?

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tennis elbow

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a painful medical condition that is caused when the tendons in your elbow become inflamed and overworked. Despite its name, many people get tennis elbow without ever playing the sport. Any repetitious motion of the arm and wrist that is performed almost every day can potentially cause tennis elbow. This condition is also commonly called lateral epicondylitis.

It is very easy to know if you are currently suffering from tennis elbow. The pain will radiate on the outside of the elbow, and it may also travel down the forearm to the wrist. This will make it very difficult to turn doorknobs, shake hands and hold round objects. Painters, plumbers, cooks and recreational racket sport players are at a much higher risk of developing tennis elbow because of the repetitive stress placed on the hand, wrist and forearm.

Treating your tennis elbow in a timely manner is the best way to quickly eliminate the pain. Ignoring your painful symptoms will only make the problem get worse over time. If you are suffering from tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) or if you suspect you may have the condition, then it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

In the vast majority of cases, we start with conservative measures. These may include changes in certain activities, anti-inflammatory medications, a brace, steroid injections, shockwave treatment and physical therapy. The exercises used in physical therapy may gradually strengthen and stretch the muscles in your forearm. Our doctor can give you recommendations on how to perform your necessary job tasks without harming your inflamed elbow tendon.

If conservative measures do not work, surgery may be the best option. Generally speaking, in order to qualify for surgery, you must have not responded to conservative treatments, and you must have had symptoms for at least six months. Surgery is considered to be the last resort for tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) sufferers. During this procedure, the problematic tendon tissue is skillfully removed. The techniques used during surgery will depend on the unique situation, but it is always an outpatient procedure and requires months of rehabilitation and physical therapy to fully recover.

During a consultation at Arora Hand Surgery, our doctor can assess your condition and come up with a personalized treatment for you that aims to relieve you of your symptoms. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our office in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, or Macomb.

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Conditions General Treatments

Diagnosis and Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is when the median nerve that runs through the wrist becomes compressed. This can happen when the tunnel that houses the nerve and tendons that connect to the fingers becomes irritated and causes the passageway to narrow. This leads to symptoms like numbness and tingling of the hand and fingers. It will eventually lead to weakness too, making it more difficult to grip items or do things like holding onto a steering wheel.

A number of factors can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. One of them is the repetitive motion that frequently takes place in the workplace. Using the same hand motion over and over can eventually take its toll. Other factors can include diabetes or simply the individual’s hand anatomy. Some people’s tunnel is naturally smaller than most, making them more susceptible to the disorder.

If you are having symptoms that are consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome, our doctor can perform a series of tests in order to make a diagnosis. He may start by asking you about the symptoms. For example, the little finger is usually not affected by the problem. Numbness and tingling there may indicate a problem other than carpal tunnel syndrome.

Next, a physical examination of the hand may be conducted by checking the feeling in the fingers and testing the strength in the affected hand. Our doctor may even order an X-ray of the hand and wrist to rule out other problems like arthritis. More complex tests that check for electrical impulses may also be done, in some cases.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that is easier to treat when it is detected early. Mild cases of it may be cured by simply avoiding the motions that produce the symptoms as much as possible and taking more frequent breaks.

If these measures do not help, or if the problem has progressed too far before the individual seeks help for it, our doctor may recommend the use of a splint to immobilize the wrist for a while. This may be accompanied by the use of steroid injections, depending on the situation.

If the condition continues to get worse, more extensive treatments like surgery may become necessary. The purpose of these surgical procedures is to relieve the pressure on the median nerve. This may be done by targeting the ligament that is pressing on the nerve.

If you are having symptoms that could be caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, you should have them evaluated by our doctor at Arora Hand Surgery as soon as possible. Diagnosing the problem sooner means it has a greater chance of being successfully treated with conservative measures. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our office in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, or Macomb.

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Fingers General Treatments

Treatments for Finger Nerve Injuries

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finger nerve injuries

Ranging from minor cuts and small wounds to broken bones and nerve damage, hand and finger nerve injuries are a relatively common occurrence. When a nerve in the hand or fingers is injured, symptoms can include loss of strength, sensation and muscle control.

Four nerves, two on each side, support the movement and sensation of your fingers. These nerves can be bruised and stop working properly for a short period. With this type of injury, the nerves usually heal and fully recover over time with little or no lingering side effects. These finger nerve injuries may not require advanced treatment.

A severe injury can cause more complex nerve damage that will require medical intervention to correct. Nerve damage can result in pain and weakness. If left untreated, your hand or fingers may weaken to the point where they become non-functional. As a result, early diagnosis and careful treatment will enable a faster and more complete recovery.

When an injury to the hand or fingers shows the signs of nerve damage, an assessment will be made to show the extent of the harm. You will undergo diagnostic testing to evaluate the level and speed of nerve activity. The results will enable our medical professional to determine the level of damage and customize a proper treatment protocol.

Damaged nerves that cannot heal on their own usually require surgery to reconnect the ends. Surgically repaired nerves as well as those not requiring an operation will undergo rehabilitation that focuses on preventing further damage, promoting movement and sensory reeducation.

The injured area will be immobilized initially in a safe position to prevent further damage and allow the healing process to begin. Some movement may be allowed to keep the nerve from atrophying. Once the nerve is healed, you will undergo physical therapy to learn how to compensate for any residual loss of feeling or muscle control. This therapy will enable you to use your hand and fingers in a more normal manner while learning how to avoid future complications.

Severe nerve damage will require extensive therapy to reeducate a patient in this circumstance on how to compensate for the loss of sensation in the affected area. The brain will have to be reprogrammed to process the new signals and produce the required level of dexterity.

If you have suffered a hand or finger injury, schedule a consultation at Arora Hand Surgery for a full examination to determine the extent of the damage. The results of the evaluation will enable us to determine the best course of treatment to produce optimal results. The sooner that you address hand and finger nerve injuries, the quicker your quality of life will improve. We have offices in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, and Macomb Township. Contact us today to book an appointment to learn more.

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Conditions General Treatments

XIAFLEX for Non-Surgical Dupuytren’s Contracture Treatment

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Dupuytren’s contracture treatment

Dupuytren’s contracture is a disease that primarily affects men of North European descent. The primary symptom of the disease is a deformity of the hands that gets worse over the years. The condition damages the tissue that is right under the skin in the palm. The palm develops a knot of tissue that eventually becomes a thick cord. The thick cord eventually exerts pressure on a couple of fingers in the hand, leaving them in a permanently bent position.

Since the affected individual cannot straighten their hands, easy activities start to become a challenge to perform. For example, trying to put your hands in your pockets becomes impossible because you cannot straighten out all of your fingers. The same is true with wearing gloves or trying to shake another person’s hand.

While the disease can affect any of your fingers, it is more commonly seen in the ring finger and the pinky. While there is no cure for the disease, there are some treatments that are designed to slow down how quickly the disease progresses or relax some of the contractions in the hand. At Arora Hand Surgery, we may use XIAFLEX, an injectable enzyme, as part of a non-surgical Dupuytren’s contracture treatment regimen.

Causes and Symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture

Scientists are still mystified as to the exact cause of Dupuytren’s contracture. They have seen a link between individuals who have certain forms of diabetes, epilepsy, alcoholism and seizure disorders.

Dupuytren’s contracture is a hereditary disease. It is most often seen in men who are over the age of 50. The disease may affect both hands at the same time or just affect one hand. It is very rare that an individual suffering from this disease experiences pain. Most patients only report pain if they attempt to forcibly hyperextend their fingers.

While this disease primarily affects a person’s hands, researchers have seen it affect the soles of the feet as well. Doctors are able to diagnose the disease during a visual examination of the affected hand. Usually, other tests such as X-rays are not needed. At times, injuries to the hands, such as burns or other injuries that cause scar formation, might mimic Dupuytren’s contracture.

XIAFLEX: An Exciting Dupuytren’s Contracture Treatment Option

XIAFLEX is a relatively new treatment option for Dupuytren’s contracture. It works by breaking up the collagen-based scar tissue that forms in the hands, causing them to bend in an awkward position. As collagen formations break up, they become loose and the contracted tissue is able to return to normal mobility.

XIAFLEX is delivered via injection. Most patients are able to grasp objects, flex their fingers and have improved dexterity in their hands after a series of these injections.

This enzyme injection has been a lifesaver for many patients. This is because there is nothing that can be done to prevent Dupuytren’s contracture from developing. Since the disease develops slowly, treatment, especially treatment that begins early, generally works well.

With the proper Dupuytren’s contracture treatment, most patients are able to improve their quality of life drastically. During a consultation at Arora Hand Surgery in Macomb, Warren, Howell, or West Bloomfield, you can learn more about your treatment options for your condition. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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General Treatments

Alleviate Chronic Pain with Hand Surgery

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hand surgery

No one likes to think about having hand surgery, or most any other type of surgery for that matter. Doctors do not take the situation lightly when they recommend surgery either. Nevertheless, it is sometimes necessary, especially for individuals who have been suffering from chronic pain and nothing else they have tried has brought any relief. If you are in a situation like this, it may very well be that hand surgery is a more attractive option than continuing to live in pain. Any discomfort from the process of recovering from surgery is short-lived. The chronic pain has already proven to be long-lasting, which is why you are considering hand surgery in the first place.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common reason for which many people undergo wrist and hand surgery. It happens when the median nerve that passes through the carpal tunnel becomes irritated. This can happen if the space through which the nerve passes becomes too narrow and pinches or otherwise puts pressure on the nerve. People who have jobs that involve a lot of repetitive motion of the hands and wrist are at a higher risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome than the general public.

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include pain in the wrist, forearm, palm and fingers. If the problem persists and does not improve with other treatment methods, it may be necessary to perform wrist and/or hand surgery to open up the tunnel in a way that takes the pressure off the nerve.

De Quervain tendonitis is another condition that can cause chronic pain around one or both hands. It is caused when the tendons at the base of the thumb that connect to the wrist become irritated or inflamed. Like carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive motion is often what leads to its development. People who have the condition often have trouble making a fist or turning the wrist. It can also be difficult to hold objects in the hand. Whenever treatments like cortisone injections and anti-inflammatory medications have not brought improvement, hand surgery may be the only other option.

Another source of chronic pain can be a condition known as trigger finger. It gets its name because it causes the fingers or thumb to lock in a bent position. Trying to straighten them can be extremely painful at times. It happens when the tendons that control the movement of the fingers and thumb become irritated. Over time, the irritation causes them to thicken within the sheath that surrounds them. While it is unknown exactly what causes it, people with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or gout have a higher risk of developing it. If treatments like corticosteroid injections do not help, hand surgery may be necessary.

If you have any of these or other conditions that are causing you a significant amount of hand pain or are making it difficult to use your hands, you might want to consult our team at Arora Hand Surgery to find out if surgery is a viable option. As much as you may want to avoid going through surgery, it may be your best answer to avoiding a life of pain.

Arora Hand Surgery has offices in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, and Macomb. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more.

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Elbows General Treatments

How To Treat A Broken Elbow

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How a broken elbow is treated depends largely on the type of injury. Treatment could involve nothing more than applying a splint to the arm and keeping it elevated as much as possible. On the other hand, it could involve surgery to repair not only damaged bones, but damaged blood vessels and nerves.

Treatment will also depend on your age. As an example, children and adults usually injure their elbows in different ways, and they also heal differently.

Medication

If you have broken your elbow, at some point you will almost certainly require medication. Oral medications are frequently used for mild pain, whereas injections may be needed for pain that is moderate to severe – this type of medication can be delivered directly into the joint. If the elbow needs to be re-set, you will probably require a sedative to help you relax while the doctor re-sets the bone.

Re-setting the bone not only puts it back into its correct position, but it will also go a long way toward relieving pain. Frequently, broken bones can cut blood vessels and nerves, or press on them. Re-setting the bones stops this sort of damage. Medications can be provided during the re-setting process, as well as afterward to help with pain relief as healing progresses.

Surgery

If you have a compound injury (an injury in which at least one of the bones at your elbow is protruding through the skin), you may need an operation. With this type of injury, there is a good chance that blood vessels and nerves have been damaged. Additionally, the bone and surrounding tissue will need to be cleaned before the bone is put back in place, in order to prevent infection.

Draining

If the elbow joint is filled with fluid, it can be drained. This will relieve pain and pressure.

Splints, Slings and Casts

Splints are used for a variety of elbow injuries. They are usually made from plaster, and placed on the back of your arm in order to hold your elbow in a fixed position. Usually, the splint will extend from your hand to your shoulder, so that the hand cannot turn and the elbow will not bend, possibly preventing a fracture from healing or further dislocating the elbow.

You may also require a sling so that your arm can rest. You may be asked to remove it when you are at home, and elevate your arm in order to alleviate the swelling.

In most cases, you will not be fitted with a cast. This is because casts cover the arm completely, and if there is swelling under the cast, it could damage blood vessels and nerves.

Follow Up

Some joints can be fairly “forgiving” as they heal. The elbow, however, will not forgive and could heal badly, causing you to experience discomfort down the road. So make sure to follow your doctors advice to the letter if you are diagnosed with a broken elbow, and also be sure to keep any follow up appointments that are scheduled.

If you have any specific questions, please visit one of our offices or contact us at our offices in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, or Macomb.

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General Treatments

Arthritis Surgery: What You Should Know

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Arthritis can be a debilitating condition that can cause chronic pain and stiffness, and will generally get worse over time. Fortunately, you and your doctor can discuss different treatment options to deal with your arthritis to help control the pain and other issues it presents. With rest and medication, it can help to deal with the pain. However, it doesnt actually do anything to remove the pain – it merely masks it. In some cases, the doctor may recommend arthritis surgery to help you. Joint surgery on the hands, elbow, and wrist could help to reduce your pain and to return more of your mobility.

Is Surgery Right for You?

Not all patients are good candidates for surgery, so this is something you will need to talk with your doctor about. They want to make sure you are healthy enough for surgery, and that the surgery will actually be able to help you. You and your doctor will also want to discuss other treatment options that are available.

If both of you decide that surgery is the best choice, the doctor will explain the procedure. There are different types of surgery for arthritis. In some cases, the doctors will use fusion techniques, which will fuse the joint, which can relieve the pain, although it may limit some of the mobility. They may also use arthroscopic surgery to remove some of the debris around the joints, which can reduce pain. In severe cases, they may consider replacing all or part of a joint.

Have the doctor explain the surgery, along with the pros, cons, and the risks. Make sure you also understand the recovery time and what types of therapy you will have to do. You can then decide whether you want to proceed and have the surgery.

Getting Ready for the Surgery

As mentioned, you need to be healthy enough to have surgery. Make sure that you and your doctor consider all of your other health issues first. The doctor may want you to change your dietary habits, quit smoking, and to eliminate unhealthy behavior before the surgery to ensure a better healing rate. They will also want to know what medications you are on so that you arent taking anything that could interfere with the procedure, and so you arent taking any conflicting medications after the surgery.

Ask About Follow-Ups

The surgeon will want to see you several times after the surgery to make sure you are healing properly and that the surgery was successful. Make sure you understand the follow-up schedule. Also, make sure you have a way to contact the doctor in case you have any complications after the surgery.

Choosing to have arthritis surgery is a big step, and it is not something that you can take lightly. Make sure you ask your hand surgeon as many questions as you have, and be sure that you really are ready to have this type of surgery. It can be beneficial, as it can relieve a lot of your pain and stiffness, but you still have to make the decision on your own of whether you want to go through with the surgery.

Contact us at one of our hand and wrist surgery offices in West Bloomfield, Howell, Warren, or Macomb to get in touch with a medical professional.

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Conditions General Treatments

Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment for Arthritis Sufferers

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One of the most common afflictions among people in the United States is arthritis. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, and while many of them have the same types of signs and symptoms, there are some differences that are important to note.

Osteoarthritis

Symptoms can include pain in the joints. Sufferers can feel pain in the joint during movement as well as after movement. The affected area may also be tender to the touch, even if there is only a minimal amount of pressure applied to the joint. Many sufferers also complain that they feel stiff when they wake up in the morning. They also lose a substantial amount of flexibility in their hands (and other joints). The joint could also develop bone spurs. This occurs due to the wearing away of the cartilage at the end of the joints.

This type of arthritis can affect many people, and there are a variety of different risk factors that come into play. Those who are older are at risk, as the cartilage in the joints tends to wear down with age. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men. Those who have suffered from joint injuries in the past could be at a higher risk as well. In addition, workplace factors (jobs that have repetitive motions), genetics, and other diseases can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA is another common type of arthritis, and this can be more dangerous than other forms of arthritis as it can affect the organs in the body. It can be difficult to detect RA, but there are some symptoms to consider. Those who have RA tend to have injuries that will be difficult to heal. They may also feel a tingling or numb sensation in their hands. This can sound similar to carpal tunnel. RA can also cause eye problems, foot problems, and aching joints. If you go to the doctor, make sure you tell him or her about all of your symptoms so you receive a proper diagnosis.

What Treatments Are Available?

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to treat arthritis today. Doctors may recommend some lifestyle changes for a start. They may want you to stop smoking and to get more exercise, which can promote feeling better in general. They may also offer pain medications, or suggest over the counter medications to help with the pain. Physical therapy can help as well. However, you want to make sure that you receive your exercises from an actual physical therapist so you can be sure you arent doing anything that could aggravate your arthritis further.

In some cases, the doctor may feel that surgery is the best option for you. You can discuss the surgical choices available. They may want to fuse the joints, which can help to relieve pain, clear out some of the inflamed areas, or even replace the joints.

Whenever you are suffering from any type of injury to the hand, whether it is arthritis or something else entirely, please call or visit our hand doctor’s office in Howell, Warren, West Bloomfield, or Macomb to get in touch with a medical professional. You need to have a proper diagnosis if you are expected to heal.

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General Treatments Wrists

How to Use a Compression Bandage on an Injured Wrist

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If you have wrist pain due to a sprain, strain or medical condition like carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis, you may find it helpful to wrap the wrist with an elastic bandage in order to help alleviate the pain. Wrist wrapping is also sometimes done to prevent injuries when participating in certain sports. It is, of course, important to know how to wrap a wrist properly.

Step 1

Make sure you have a bandage of the proper length. If it is too short, you are just going to have to start the process all over again. Begin wrapping at the point farthest away from your heart. This helps to ease swelling in the lower part of the wrist, that can sometimes actually be aggravated by the process of wrapping, and it also encourages the return of blood and lymphatic fluid. So start the first wrap just below the knuckles, covering the palm, and extending around the fingers.

Step 2

Pass the wrap between your index finger and thumb, and then do a few wraps around the wrist, extending upward toward the elbow. This provides the best level of stability, and helps to prevent further injury to the wrist. Each wrap should cover about half of the previous wrap.

Step 3

Reverse the direction. Once you get to the elbow, keep on wrapping until you are back at your hand. If you started the procedure with a bandage that is too short, you can use two bandages. Just place the start of the second one a few inches over the end of the first one, and continue wrapping. When you get to the thumb, make a figure 8 and wrap upwards a bit more.

Step 4

Secure the bandage, using either the clips that were provided with the bandage or a safety pin. You may need some assistance in order to do this.

Step 5

Make sure that the bandage is not too tightly wrapped. If your fingers feel cold, the bandage should be loosened. You should also be able to wiggle your fingers. You want to be sure that the bandage is tight enough to provide support, but not so tight that it interferes with blood flow.

Other Considerations

If you are applying ice to an injured area, make sure that you remove the bandage first. You should find that the discomfort and swelling in the injured area will ease within 72 hours, but if it does not, you should see your doctor. Keep in mind, too, that if you are not sure of the nature of the injury, it may not be wise to self-diagnose and self-treat. Some injuries can actually be aggravated by using an elastic bandage.

Also, make sure that you remove the bandage periodically to allow air circulation to the affected area.

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Stories

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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.