Hand Conditions
Treating Hand Conditions
Relief from carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger and hand arthritis
The hand is a highly complex structure that allows for detailed and precise movements. Because of its intricacy, the hand is susceptible to a wide range of fractures, tendon injuries, joint disorders and nerve conditions, which can significantly impact daily function and quality of life.
Learn below about the conditions that Dr Sood treats and the surgical and non-surgical treatment options designed to restore movement, sensation and hand function.
Types of Hand Conditions
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. The median nerve runs from the neck, down the arm and is responsible for sensation and movement in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of the ring finger.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can include tingling and numbness in the fingers, wrist or hand, pain and discomfort. Many patients experience weakened grip strength, leading to them frequently dropping objects and struggling to hold onto things.
Causes
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome most commonly develops due to inflammation of the tendons within the wrist, often associated with repetitive hand or wrist movements. Previous wrist injuries or other underlying medical conditions that reduce available space in the carpal tunnel may also contribute.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves assessment by a medical professional and includes a review of the patient’s medical history, symptoms, activity levels and potential contributing factors, along with a physical examination. Diagnostic investigations such as nerve conduction studies and imaging like x-rays may be used.
Treatment
Each case of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is unique and requires individualised treatment. Management may involve non-surgical or surgical options, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Dr Sood will discuss all options, including their benefits and risks, during your consultation.
Hand Joint Arthritis
Hand joint arthritis refers to degenerative changes in the small joints of the hand, most commonly affecting the finger and knuckle joints. It can significantly impact hand strength, dexterity and everyday function.
Symptoms
Symptoms include pain in the fingers or hands, stiffness, swelling and tenderness around the joints and weakened grip strength.
Causes
Hand joint arthritis may develop due to age-related cartilage wear, autoimmune inflammation of the joints, previous injury or trauma, or genetic predisposition.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves a clinical examination of the hand and fingers, imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound to assess joints and soft tissues, and potentially blood tests.
Treatment
Each case of hand joint arthritis is unique and requires an individualised treatment plan. Management may involve non-surgical or surgical options depending on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Dr Sood will discuss all options, including their benefits and risks, during your consultation.
Trigger Finger
Trigger Finger occurs when a finger or thumb is stuck in a bent position, often releasing suddenly with a snapping sensation when straightened.
Symptoms
Symptoms include the finger or thumb catching, pain or tenderness at the base, stiffness and a noticeable clicking or popping sensation during movement.
Causes
Trigger Finger is caused by inflammation or thickening of the tendon sheath, typically related to repetitive gripping or hand use. Certain conditions such as diabetes can increase the risk of it occurring.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis usually includes clinical examination of the affected finger, assessment of movement, locking and tenderness. Ultrasound imaging may be used for confirmation.
Treatment
Each case of Trigger Finger is unique and requires an individualised treatment plan. Management may involve non-surgical options or surgical release depending on the severity of your symptoms. Dr Sood will discuss all options, including their benefits and risks, during your consultation.
Hand Fractures
A hand fracture refers to a break in one or more of the bones of the hand, including the finger bones, metacarpals, or carpal bones of the wrist.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a hand fracture may include pain and tenderness, swelling or bruising, visible deformity or misalignment of the fingers, and a limited range of motion.
Causes
Hand fractures most commonly occur due to direct impact or trauma through falls, sport, workplace or motor vehicle accidents, or crushing injuries.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically includes a physical examination along with imaging such as x-rays. In more complex cases CT scans are used to better define the fracture and guide treatment planning.
Treatment
Each hand fracture is unique and requires an individualised treatment plan. Management may involve non-surgical treatment such as splinting or casting, or surgical intervention where required. Dr Sood will discuss all options, including their benefits and risks, during your consultation.
Base of Thumb Arthritis
Base of thumb arthritis affects the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, where the thumb meets the hand, and is a common form of hand osteoarthritis.
Symptoms
Symptoms include pain at the base of the thumb, worsened by gripping or pinching, swelling, tenderness, reduced strength, stiffness and a grinding feeling with movement.
Causes
Base of thumb arthritis is often due to age-related wear and tear, with contributing factors including previous injury and repetitive thumb strain.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves a clinical examination of the thumb and imaging to confirm joint degeneration.
Treatment
Each case of base of thumb arthritis is unique and requires an individualised treatment plan. Management may involve non-surgical or surgical options, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Dr Sood will discuss all options, including their benefits and risks, during your consultation.
DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis
DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis is where the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist experience inflammation, causing pain and swelling near the base of the thumb.
Symptoms
Symptoms include pain, swelling and tenderness at the base of the thumb and the wrist, which worsens with gripping, pinching or twisting movements. DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis can cause difficulty performing everyday tasks such as lifting objects and twisting jars open.
Causes
DeQuervain Tenosynovitis is commonly caused by repetitive hand or thumb movements. It can also be associated with inflammatory conditions and pregnancy.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically includes a clinical examination to reproduce symptoms and assess movement, and imaging such as X-rays and CT scans.
Treatment
Each case of DeQuervain Tenosynovitis is unique and requires an individualised treatment plan. Management may involve non-surgical or surgical options, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Dr Sood will discuss all options, including their benefits and risks, during your consultation.
Dupuytren’s Contracture
Dupuytren’s Contracture is a condition where the connective tissue in the palm thickens and tightens, causing one or more fingers to bend towards the palm.
Symptoms
Symptoms include the gradual thickening of nodules in the palm, causing fingers to bend towards the palm, and difficulty straightening fingers. It is usually painless but results in significant hand dysfunction for gripping and holding objects.
Causes
The exact causes are not fully understood, but it is associated with genetics, age-related tissue changes and conditions such as diabetes. Smoking and alcohol use may increase risk.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually made through a clinical examination, with imaging such as x-rays and CT scans occasionally used to rule out other conditions.
Treatment
Each case of Dupuytren’s Contracture is unique and requires an individualised treatment plan. Management may involve non-surgical or surgical options, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Dr Sood will discuss all options, including their benefits and risks, during your consultation.
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Dr Sood’s friendly team is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your condition, make an appointment, or find out more about your treatment options.