Hand and Wrist Conditions
We specialize in a range of hand and wrist conditions, including:
Arthritis of the hand
Most common in the hands and fingers, arthritis results when joint surfaces that normally move smoothly become irregular and/or inflamed.
Arthritis of the base of the thumb
The joint at the base of the thumb provides a wide range of movement. When the cartilage layer that covers the end of that bone wears out, bones directly contact one another, creating arthritis pain and potentially deformity.
Brachial plexus injury
Plexus nerves control the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Injuries to this nerve system can prevent the arm and hand from working correctly and may cause a loss of feeling.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Often described as a pinched nerve at the wrist, carpal tunnel syndrome may cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the arm, hand, and fingers.
de Quervain Syndrome
de Quervain syndrome refers to pain from the thumb side of the wrist often felt when gripping or twisting.
Dupuytren’s Disease
Dupuytren’s Disease is not typically painful. Rather, its lumps and pits that start in the palm of the hand and extend into the fingers make everyday tasks difficult to perform.
Extensor tendon jnjury
Minor cuts and finger jams may injure the Extensor Tendons. Since these tendons run down the back of the hand (allowing fingers & thumbs to straighten), they do not have much protection and are often treated with stitches or splints to return normal function back to the hand.
Flexor tendon injuries
Tendons run from the elbow to the fingers, allowing fingers to bend. A large cut to the palm side of the wrist, hand, or fingers may not look serious from the outside but can create serious damage to the flexor tendons.
Ganglion cysts
Ganglion cysts occur in the wrist and fingers. They may or may not be painful and are not cancerous. Affecting any age, these cysts are very common. The cause is unknown, sizes vary and they may disappear on their own.
Hand fractures
Hand fractures occur when enough force is applied to a bone in the hand to break it. They vary in complexity and may cause pain and lack of movement.
Nerve injury
Because nerves transmit messages from the brain, when they are injured, the muscles in the shoulder/arm/hand stop working and may lose feeling. Most injured nerves can be fixed with surgery.
Replantation
When a finger, hand, or arm has been severed, surgical reattachment or replantation is possible. The procedure is only performed when use can be given back to the damaged area. In some cases, the part is too damaged for replantation to be possible.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Most common in the wrist and knuckles, rheumatoid arthritis causes the tissue to become inflamed and swollen. Joints may feel hot and have a reddish color to them.
Trigger finger
Trigger finger inhibits the movement of fingers and thumb and may cause pain, discomfort, or a popping/catching feeling at the base of the finger/thumb. Often associated with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and gout, there is actually no known cause for this condition.
Wrist sprains
Force to the wrist may cause a sprain of the wrist ligaments. Often resulting from sports activities, falls and severe twisting are common causes for a wrist sprain.