Our hands are incredible instruments, allowing us to feel the world through intricate touch and manipulation. Everyday repetitive use, accidents and activity can cause health conditions that can affect everyday life.
Let’s cover the most common health conditions of your most precious tool.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: While many associate carpal tunnel with the wrist, it has expanding effects on the finger. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed in the carpal tunnel resulting in pain, numbness, and weakness in part of the hand and fingers.
Trigger Finger: Trigger finger is a common condition caused by inflammation in the flexor tendon of the finger, resulting in pain and the finger locking in a bent position. This condition is most common in the Ring, and middle fingers.
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a common condition where the tissue of our joints wears down as we age. Arthritis of the hand most commonly affects the thumb but can be seen in all fingers, contributing to pain, and stiffness.
Dupuytren’s Contracture: Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition similar to trigger finger where the finger bends inward and is unable to be straightened. But instead, the connective tissue of the palm is thickened resulting in the bend rather than tendon inflammation of trigger finger. Dupuytren’s contracture most often affects the ring or pinky fingers and sometimes the middle finger.
Ganglion Cysts: Ganglion cysts are lumps that form on the wrist, or in the finger. These cysts vary significantly as they may or may not be painful, may develop quickly or gradually, and can range in size. Most often, these cysts will disappear without the need for treatment.
Finger Dislocation: Finger dislocation is an injury that typically occurs due to jamming, blunt force, or overextension, resulting in the movement of the finger out of its joint. This is a very painful condition that results in swelling, numbness, and weakness in the affected finger.
Most hand conditions are treatable either using conservative treatments or surgical intervention. Prioritizing hand health not only enhances our daily lives, but also safeguards the invaluable connection we share with our surroundings.
AUTHOR: Jason Shrouder-Henry MD, MBA is a Board Certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder throughout Chicagoland.