Understanding Hand Health
Hand problems – from traumatic injuries to chronic conditions – can make even the simplest daily tasks difficult. Signs of pinched nerves, strained tendons, or swelling in the hands can include:
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the hand or thumb
- Lack of movement in the hand, wrist, or fingers
- Increased hand, finger, or wrist pain
- Difficulty grasping objects or opening bottles and jars
Common Conditions
- Carpal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel at the level of the wrist, which may result in pain, numbness, tingling, or even weakness in the hand.
- Trigger finger is an inflammatory condition resulting in the flexor tendon of a finger or thumb becoming stuck under a tight pulley, which results in catching, popping, or locking when attempting to bend or straighten the finger.
- Thumb arthritis is caused by the deterioration of the cartilage at the base of the thumb, causing pain, decreased grip strength, difficulty opening jars or bottles, and reduced range of motion.
- Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition where one or more fingers bend toward the palm of a person’s hand and cannot straighten completely.
Treatment and Outlook
Thankfully, these conditions can be treated effectively by orthopedic hand specialists, with many treatment options available to relieve pain and restore movement. Nonsurgical options include anti-inflammatory medications, hand therapy, steroid injections, and the use of a brace or splint. Should nonsurgical treatment prove ineffective, surgery may be recommended. With a personalized treatment plan, patients can enjoy restored, pain-free hand function and resume daily activities with ease.
“As a hand and upper extremity surgeon, my goal is to help people return to the activities they need, want, and love to do – whether that’s work, hobbies, or everyday tasks. Our hands and arms are vital to how we move through life, connect with others, and express ourselves. I find it deeply rewarding to help restore that function and improve my patients’ quality of life.” ~ Ronald Mitchell, MD, MBA Hand & Upper Extremity Specialist, Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics
Dr. Ronald Mitchell
Fellowship Trained Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeon
