Trigger finger

Trigger finger is caused by catching of the tendon that flexes the finger. It can be due to the tendon swelling or the structures around it becoming tight. It may be treated with medication, injections or surgery which releases the tight structures that cause triggering.

 

Carpal tunnel

Carpal tunnel is the most common nerve compression syndrome. It causes sensory changes and tingling in the hand in the area that is supplied by the nerve, and pain. Diagnosis is made by history and examination, and sometimes other tests. It can be treated with bracing, medications, injection, and surgery which aims to reduce pressure on the nerve and prevent further damage.

 

Dupuytren’s disease

Dupuytren’s disease is an inherited connective tissue disease of the hand. It has a variable course and causes functional difficulties in advanced stages. Treatment for early-stage disease is observation and physical therapy. In advanced disease, surgery is performed to remove the diseased tissue and improve function.

 

Thumb arthritis

Thumb arthritis causes swelling, stiffness and pain. It is more common in females, after injury and with certain types of activities. It can be treated by reducing activities that cause pain, pain medication, splinting, injections and surgery. The most reliable surgical treatment options are fusion of the affected joint or removal of the arthritic bone and replacement with a tendon graft, called trapeziectomy, ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition.

 

Ligament injury

Common ligament injuries to the hand and wrist are thumb ulna collateral ligament injury and wrist ligament injuries. Sometimes these injuries need to be surgically repaired to provide stability and prevent the development of arthritis.

 

Distal radius fracture

Wrist fractures are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries. In young adult patients they may occur after high energy injuries and in the elderly after minimal trauma, such as a fall from standing height. Wrist fractures are treated differently depending on the age of the patient, and the displacement and severity of the fracture. Most displaced wrist fractures are now treated with internal plate fixation in adults.

 

Wrist arthritis

Arthritis affecting the wrist may be inflammatory or caused by previous fracture or ligament injury. Early arthritis of the wrist is generally well tolerated. Advanced arthritis can be treated with injections, splint and if need surgery.