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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that affects the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel—a narrow passageway in the wrist formed by bones and ligaments. Pressure or compression on the median nerve can lead to a range of symptoms affecting the hand and fingers.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can result from various factors, including:
Repetitive hand and wrist movements, particularly during activities like typing or assembly work.
Injury or trauma to the wrist.
Health conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid disorders.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Common symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include:
Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.
Hand and wrist pain that may radiate up the arm.
Weakness or difficulty gripping objects.
Symptoms often worsen at night or after prolonged periods of hand use.
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A physical examination by a healthcare provider, often an orthopaedic specialist or a neurologist.
Nerve conduction studies may be conducted to assess the nerve's function and determine the extent of compression.
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If you have any of the symptoms above, it is advisable to see an orthopaedic specialist for further assessment.
The appropriate treatment is decided after assessment and a collaborative discussion based on your needs.
They can be broadly divided into conservative (non-surgical) and surgical options.
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Conservative Treatment: Rest, modification of hand movements, and wearing wrist splints to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs may help manage discomfort.
Corticosteroid Injections: Injecting corticosteroids into the carpal tunnel can provide temporary relief from symptoms.
Finding Relief and Preventing CTS:
To find relief from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and prevent its onset or recurrence, consider these tips:
Practice ergonomic principles at work and during activities that involve repetitive hand motions.
Take regular breaks to rest and stretch your hands and wrists.
Maintain good hand posture and wrist alignment during typing and other tasks.
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For severe or persistent cases, a surgical procedure called carpal tunnel release may be recommended to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
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De Quervain's Tenosynovitis is a condition that affects the tendons on the side of the wrist and base of the thumb. These tendons help move the thumb and allow it to bend and straighten. Inflammation or irritation of these tendons and the surrounding sheath can lead to pain and restricted movement.
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis can result from various factors, including:
Repetitive hand and wrist motions, such as lifting, gripping, or twisting.
Overuse of the thumb during activities like texting or playing musical instruments.
Injury or trauma to the wrist area.
Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
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Common symptoms of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis include:
Pain and tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist.
Swelling and discomfort when moving the thumb or wrist.
Difficulty gripping objects or making a fist.
A sensation of "snapping" or "catching" when moving the thumb.
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If you suspect De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional, often an orthopaedic specialist. They will conduct a physical examination, review your medical history, and may perform specific tests to assess tendon movement and confirm the diagnosis.
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If you have any of the symptoms above, it is advisable to see an orthopaedic specialist for further assessment.
The appropriate treatment is decided after assessment and a collaborative discussion based on your needs.
They can be broadly divided into conservative (non-surgical) and surgical options.
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Rest and Immobilization: Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms and wearing a wrist splint to rest the affected area.
Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage discomfort.
Corticosteroid Injections: Injecting corticosteroids into the affected area can provide temporary relief from inflammation.
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In rare cases where conservative treatments don't alleviate symptoms, a surgical procedure to release the affected tendons' sheath may be considered.
Trigger Finger
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Trigger Finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that affects the tendons in your fingers or thumb. It occurs when a tendon becomes inflamed and forms a nodule, causing it to catch or "trigger" as you try to straighten your finger. This can result in pain and restricted finger movement.
Trigger Finger can result from various factors, including:
Repetitive hand and finger movements, especially gripping or grasping.
Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
Diabetes or other health conditions that affect the tendons.
Aging, as the risk of developing the condition increases with age.
Trigger Finger
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Common symptoms of Trigger Finger include:
Pain or discomfort at the base of the finger or thumb.
Swelling or a bump (nodule) at the base of the affected finger.
Stiffness or difficulty straightening the finger.
A sensation of catching, popping, or locking when moving the finger.
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If you suspect Trigger Finger, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional, often an orthopaedic specialist or hand surgeon. They will conduct a physical examination, review your medical history, and may perform specific tests to assess finger movement and confirm the diagnosis.
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If you have any of the symptoms above, it is advisable to see an orthopaedic specialist for further assessment.
The appropriate treatment is decided after assessment and a collaborative discussion based on your needs.
They can be broadly divided into conservative (non-surgical) and surgical options.
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Rest and Immobilization: Giving the affected finger time to heal and avoiding activities that worsen the condition.
Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage discomfort.
Splinting: Wearing a splint to keep the affected finger in a straight position and reduce inflammation.
Corticosteroid Injections: Injecting corticosteroids into the affected area can provide relief from inflammation.
To find relief from Trigger Finger and prevent its recurrence, consider these tips:
Practice proper hand ergonomics during activities that involve repetitive finger movements.
Perform gentle stretching exercises for the fingers and hands.
Avoid repetitive gripping or grasping motions whenever possible.
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If conservative treatments don't alleviate symptoms, a surgical procedure to release the affected tendon may be considered.
A ganglion is a fluid-filled cyst that often appears as a lump or bump near a joint or tendon. It can occur on the hand, wrist, or foot and may vary in size. While ganglions are generally harmless, they can cause discomfort and restrict movement, leading many to seek treatment.
The exact cause of ganglion formation is not always clear. However, potential contributing factors include:
Joint or tendon irritation or inflammation.
Repetitive movements or overuse of a specific joint.
Trauma or injury to the affected area.
Ganglion
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Ganglion
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Common symptoms of a ganglion include:
A visible lump or swelling near a joint or tendon.
Discomfort or pain, particularly when the ganglion is pressed or touched.
Restricted movement in the affected joint or nearby area.
Changes in the size of the ganglion, which can vary over time.
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If you suspect a ganglion, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional, often an orthopaedic specialist or hand surgeon. They will conduct a physical examination, review your medical history, and may perform imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the ganglion.
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If you have any of the symptoms above, it is advisable to see an orthopaedic specialist for further assessment.
The appropriate treatment is decided after assessment and a collaborative discussion based on your needs.
They can be broadly divided into conservative (non-surgical) and surgical options.
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Monitoring: If the ganglion is not causing significant discomfort or limiting function, a "wait and see" approach may be recommended.
Draining the Ganglion: If the ganglion is causing discomfort, a healthcare provider may choose to drain the fluid using a needle.
Corticosteroid Injections: Injecting corticosteroids into the ganglion can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Finding Relief and Preventing Ganglions:
To find relief from ganglions and reduce the risk of recurrence, consider these tips:
Protect your joints by avoiding repetitive movements that strain the affected area.
Consider using padding or braces during activities that may contribute to ganglion formation.
If you notice changes in the ganglion's size or experience discomfort, seek medical attention promptly.
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In cases where other treatments are ineffective or the ganglion recurs, surgical removal may be considered.
Tendon Injury
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Tendons are strong, flexible bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones, allowing you to move your joints. Hand and wrist tendon injuries can occur due to sudden trauma, overuse, or degenerative changes over time. These injuries can lead to pain, limited movement, and decreased hand and wrist function.
Common Types of Tendon Injuries:
Tendonitis: Inflammation of a tendon, often caused by repetitive motion or overuse.
Tendinosis: Degeneration of a tendon due to chronic overuse and microtrauma.
Tendon Tears: Partial or complete tears of a tendon, often resulting from trauma or repetitive stress.
Tenosynovitis: Inflammation of the tendon sheath, which can cause pain and movement restriction.
Hand and wrist tendon injuries can result from various factors, including:
Repetitive hand and wrist motions, especially during activities like typing, sports, or manual labor.
Direct trauma or impact to the hand or wrist.
Aging and wear and tear on tendons.
Underlying medical conditions that affect tendon health.
Tendon Injury
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Common symptoms of hand and wrist tendon injuries include:
Pain, tenderness, or discomfort in the affected area.
Swelling and warmth around the injured tendon.
Difficulty moving the hand or wrist.
Weakness or decreased grip strength.
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If you suspect a hand or wrist tendon injury, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional, often an orthopaedic specialist. They will conduct a physical examination, review your medical history, and may order imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the injury.
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If you have any of the symptoms above, it is advisable to see an orthopaedic specialist for further assessment.
The appropriate treatment is decided after assessment and a collaborative discussion based on your needs.
They can be broadly divided into conservative (non-surgical) and surgical options.
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Rest and Immobilisation: Giving the affected tendon time to heal and avoiding activities that worsen the condition.
Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage discomfort.
Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises can help strengthen the hand and wrist muscles, improving tendon function.
Corticosteroid Injections: Injecting corticosteroids into the affected area can reduce inflammation and pain.
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In severe cases, surgical repair or reconstruction of the tendon may be necessary.
Hand & Wrist Fractures
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Hand and wrist fractures encompass a range of injuries involving the bones of the hand and wrist. These fractures can occur due to falls, accidents, sports-related impacts, or high-energy trauma. Understanding the type and severity of the fracture is essential for effective treatment and recovery.
Common Types of Hand and Wrist Fractures:
Scaphoid Fractures: A fracture of the scaphoid bone, one of the small bones in the wrist.
Colles' Fracture: A fracture of the distal radius, often occurring due to a fall onto an outstretched hand.
Boxer's Fracture: A fracture of the fifth metacarpal bone, often caused by striking an object with a closed fist.
Bennett's Fracture: A fracture at the base of the first metacarpal bone, near the thumb.
Hand and wrist fractures can result from various factors, including:
Falls onto the hand or wrist.
Sports-related injuries or accidents.
Direct trauma or impact to the hand or wrist.
High-impact forces or trauma.
Hand & Wrist Fractures
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Common symptoms of hand and wrist fractures include:
Pain and tenderness at the site of the fracture.
Swelling and bruising around the affected area.
Visible deformity or abnormal positioning of the hand or wrist.
Limited range of motion and difficulty moving the fingers or wrist.
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If you suspect a hand or wrist fracture, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional, often an orthopaedic specialist. They will conduct a physical examination, review your medical history, and order imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans to confirm the diagnosis and assess the type and severity of the fracture.
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If you have any of the symptoms above, it is advisable to see an orthopaedic specialist for further assessment.
The appropriate treatment is decided after assessment and a collaborative discussion based on your needs.
They can be broadly divided into conservative (non-surgical) and surgical options.
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Immobilisation: Mild to moderate fractures may require casting, splinting, or a brace for support.
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Some fractures, especially those with significant displacement or complex patterns, may require surgical intervention to realign the bones and stabilise them with hardware.