Wrist & Hand

UPPER LIMB

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a problem that occurs when a finger remains stuck in a particular posture, generally bent position. Your finger may straighten or bend with a snap – within a fraction of seconds. It is like pulling and releasing a trigger. The condition is also called stenosing tenosynovitis and arises when inflammation compresses the area in the sheath that covers the tendon of your affected finger. In a serious case of trigger finger, you may find your finger locked in the bent position.

It affects the flexor tendons in the fingers and thumb resulting in catching or locking before popping straight out.

Wrist & Hand Fractures

A hand fracture occurs when one of the bones in your hand break. The bones constituting your hand are phalanges (small bones in the fingers) and metacarpals (the long ones within the palm). A fracture of any of these bones can put your hand out of alignment and requires instant healing or treatment. At times, you will not even realize breaking a bone of your hand – the scaphoid bone of the wrist. It is a boat-shaped bone situated on the top end of the thumb side of your hand.

Don’t misunderstand the fractured scaphoid with a sprained wrist and visit a doctor at the earliest.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition that occurs with the inflammation of the tendon sheath and tendons around the base of the thumb causing pain in the wrist and thumb. If you have this condition, you will feel pain while turning your wrist, or making a fist or grasping anything. Any activity that involves repetitive hand or wrist movement, such as playing golf, lifting a baby, gardening, can cause de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis. However, the exact reason for the condition is still unknown.

The condition is also called de Quervain’s syndrome or de Quervain’s disease. If left untreated, it can lead to further issues.

Ganglion

Ganglion are noncancerous lumps or cysts that generally develop in the joints or tendons of your hands or wrists. They may also show up in the feet and ankles. Ganglion is cysts that are oval or round and contains with a jellylike fluid. These cysts can be very painful as their location can restrict joint movement. In most cases, they go on their own. However, if you are facing issues because of ganglion cysts, it is better to see an orthopedist at the earliest.  

In the rarest and more severe cases, you may need to undergo a surgery for removal of ganglion cysts.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Also called Median Nerve Compression, carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition leading to tingling, weakness, or numbness in your hand. It happens due to the unexpected pressure on the median nerve – the one running through the length of your arm and passes through a route in the wrist called carpal tunnel, and continues to reach your hand. The median nerve is known to balance the feeling and movement of your thumb and the movement of all the fingers, except the little finger.

If you suspect having a carpal tunnel syndrome, you should see an orthopedist for the right diagnosis and treatment.