The human hand contains at least twenty-seven bones, three main nerves for sensory detection and movement control, and dozens of muscles and tendons to help control dexterity of the hands and fingers. If any part of your hand is affected by a disease or disorder, it makes it nearly impossible to use that hand for daily tasks. If you feel as though your hand may have some issues, consult with an orthopedic specialist first. Then find out if a hand surgery specialist can help with any of the following diseases or disorders of the hand.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis can strike anyone of any age. You do not have to be an octogenarian before you experience this painful inflammation in your joints. However, because it is an autoimmune disorder, you are more likely to feel this in other joints in your body as well and not just your hands. The pain and inflammation is often controlled by medication in pill form or steroid injections, and surgery is rarely an option.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disorder that develops over time when you use your hands and wrists for repetitious work, such as typing. Once thought to be only a problem for secretaries, this disorder is now diagnosed in people in many different career fields, including construction. Treatment often includes braces and wraps supplied by the orthopedic specialist, but if the pain becomes so debilitating that you cannot work, surgery to sever a nerve to your hand(s) may be the ultimate solution.
Dupuytren's Contracture (or Viking Disease)
This disorder contains a fibromatosis of the ligaments of the hand, causing one or more fingers to bend backwards toward the palm. It is usually genetic, although some cases do not develop until later in life. Surgery on your hand can fix this, after which you will have to wear a splint in order to get your affected fingers to mend into the correct position.
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
This condition of the wrist affects a pair of tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It becomes very painful to move your thumb and wrist on the affected hand, which in turn makes it impossible to grasp anything with that hand. The inflammation is in the tendons and the surrounding synovial fluid that helps the tendons move freely. Splints help, but like most other conditions of the hand, if the pain becomes intolerable, surgery may provide some relief.
For more information, contact companies like Town Center Orthopaedic Associates, P.C.
Share20 April 2017
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