Common Hand conditions
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you have ever felt tingling, pain, or numbness in your hand and wrist, you are certainly not alone. Carpal tunnel syndrome is undoubtedly one of the most common hand conditions of the 21st century, with more than 8 million cases reported worldwide each year and this number rising steadily. Many experts suggest that this increase is due to the additional amount of stress placed on our wrists and hands as a result of excessive smartphone and computer usage.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can range from mild to extremely debilitating. However, surgical intervention can alleviate any discomfort and restore mobility and function to the hand once more. For over twenty years, Dr. Keith Raskin has successfully helped diagnose and treat patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Dupuytrens Disease
Dupuytren’s disease is also sometimes referred to as “Viking disease,” since it is believed that it was first recorded thousands of years ago in Scandinavian populations, also known as Vikings.
The condition is characterized by fingers that curve inwards towards the palm, and are unable to be straightened out, so they can be placed flush to a flat surface. Anything from a single digit to all four fingers, and even the thumb, may show symptoms of the condition. However, the ring and little finger are the most common digits affected.
Lacerations of Tendons and Nerves in the Hands
We use our hands for almost everything. As such, experiencing cuts and lacerations to them is far from uncommon. We also tend to instinctively throw our hands out to protect our face in situations where it may get hurt, such as if we fall over. While many cuts are superficial, deeper lacerations can pose a risk to the underlying tendons and nerves in our hands, which can affect how well we can use them.
Hand Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that affects various tissues inside the joints, causing inflammation in a joint and its surrounding tissues. For arthritis sufferers, the cartilage between the joints is progressively worn down to such an extent that the bones start wearing against each other.
The hand has several small joints that work together to produce motion, including the fine motion needed to tie shoelaces or thread a needle.
Trigger Finger
This medical condition involves a finger getting stuck in a bent position as the motion of its tendon gets restricted. It then snaps back into a straight position. The restriction is caused due to the tendon sheath getting inflamed or due to the formation of a bump in this area.
This condition most commonly affects women. Other patients who are prone to it include arthritis and diabetes sufferers and people whose work puts a huge amount of strain on their hands.