Hand and Wrist Conditions
 

Hand & Wrist Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common cause of pain and weakness in the wrist and wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes a weak handgrip and numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle finger on the surface of the palm. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by prolonged pressure on the median nerve. Diagnostic tests such as an EMG/NCS are used to diagnose the condition.

Conservative treatment may include soft wrist splints.

Surgical treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome includes releasing the thickened transverse carpal ligament that is constricting the Median nerve. After surgery, patients are splinted and participate in early motion and nerve gliding exercises with occupational therapy.

Thumb Arthritis (Carpometacarpal arthritis)

 

Thumb arthritis is caused by a loss of the cartilage surface of the carpometacarpal joint, cartilage is what allows a joint to slide and move smoothly.

Conservative treatment of thumb arthritis includes splinting, anti-inflammatories, and an injection of corticosteroid. If thumb arthritis does not respond well to conservative treatment, there are surgical treatments available.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

 

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is caused by inflammation of the two tendons on the thumb side of the wrist (radial side). The swollen tendon is unable to glide appropriately and can get “stuck” or “trigger”. Repetitive use of the thumb and some underlying health conditions such as diabetes are risk factors.

Conservative treatment of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis includes immobilization, anti-inflammatories, and an injection of corticosteroid.

Surgical treatment includes release and repair of the inflamed tendons and occupational therapy following surgery.

Trigger Finger

 

A Trigger finger is caused by inflammation of the tendon of the finger on the palmar side of the hand (the palm). The swollen tendon is unable to glide smoothly through the pulley system in the finger causing the finger to “catch” or “trigger”. Patients will also present with pain on the palm of the hand over the A1 pulley where the tendon is getting caught. Underlying health conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes are contributing factors.

Conservative treatment of a trigger finger includes anti-inflammatories and an injection of corticosteroid.

Surgical treatment includes release of the tight pulley that is getting caught on the tendon.