Comprehensive Hand and Elbow Care from CSMO
From eating a sandwich to getting dressed, from driving our cars to taking a sip of coffee, we rely on our hands, fingers, and all-important opposable thumbs to perform essential tasks in our daily lives. For athletes and active people, proper movement in the joints of the hands and pain-free functioning of muscles and tendons determine the quality of a putt on the green and the steady stroke of an oar while paddling in the river. No matter the activity, pain or lack of movement in the hand can make even the simplest daily tasks difficult or impossible.
Because we rely on them for so many things, our hands are susceptible to a wide range of injuries and debilitating conditions leading to a wide range of options for treatment and care. That’s why CSMO offers comprehensive hand care from our team of Board Certified specialists.
Dr. Arnold, Dr. Mastey, and Dr. Smith understand that surgery is only one option to remedy a hand injury or problem. Non-surgical treatment options like hand therapy may help to restore movement and reduce or eliminate pain. When non-surgical methods prove ineffective, however, the CSMO team has a track record of successful hand surgeries to help patients return to normal activity.
Treatment and Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel is a common condition involving swelling around the wrist tendons that puts pressure on nerve and tendons that run to the fingertips. This swelling cuts off blood flow, causing a pain in the hand that can range from “pins and needles” sensations to sharp, shooting pain. Common non-surgical solutions include steroid injections, use of a wrist brace and occupational behavior modifications. If these non-surgical options don’t provide relief, then carpal tunnel surgery can relieve pressure on the nerve causing pain in the hand.
Treatment and Surgery for Trigger Finger or Mallet Finger
Also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, trigger finger is a painful condition resulting from a finger or thumb stuck in a curled position. Pain may persist even if the sufferer is using the afflicted digit. Surgery for trigger finger increases space for the flexor tendon to move, allowing flexibility and relief. Similarly, mallet finger or “baseball finger” involves an inability to straighten the end of the finger, usually due to impact on the end of the finger by an object. Nonsurgical treatments for each condition can include rest and elimination of repetitive motion or use of a splint to straighten the finger. In the case of trigger finger, steroid injections are commonly used to reduce inflammation.
Treatment and Surgery for Basal Thumb Arthritis
Basal joint osteoarthritis or arthritis of the thumb involves deterioration of cartilage at the base of the thumb in the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. Thumb arthritis often causes severe pain, decreases grip strength, and reduces range of motion. In a normal thumb joint, cartilage covers the ends of the bones — acting as a cushion and allowing the bones to glide smoothly against each other. With thumb arthritis, the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones has deteriorated and its smooth surface roughens. Nonsurgical treatment options may include a combination of steroid injections, medication and splints, while severe thumb arthritis may require surgery.
Conditions affecting the use of your hands can negatively impact even the most basic activities necessary to get through your day. Lack of sensation from nerve compression due to carpal tunnel syndrome can cause you to drop a cup of hot coffee, a plate from the cabinet, an ink pen while you’re writing a note. Pain at the base of your thumb makes it difficult or impossible to use a kitchen knife, turn a screwdriver, or hold your steering wheel. The disruption of such fundamental daily activities negatively affects the quality of almost every aspect of our lives at work and home.
Fortunately, CSMO’s comprehensive hand care offers relief from this broad range of potential hand problems. Our team of Board Certified doctors are here to discuss your particular condition and create a personalized treatment path to help restore normal, pain-free function of your hand and upper extremity. When you’re ready, schedule an appointment with Dr. Arnold, Dr. Mastey, or Dr. Smith.
