Introduction
Hands are a vital part of our everyday lives and when they start to cause pain or become difficult to use, it can be debilitating. In this article, we will explore some of the most common hand problems and their causes, symptoms and possible treatment options.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. This compression can lead to numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in the thumb and index, middle and half of the ring finger. Over time this pressure can cause muscle atrophy leading to further loss of strength in these areas.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is characterized by pain radiating from the medial elbow which is where the nerve is being compressed. This compression leads to numbness and tingling in the little finger and half of the ring finger. If there is prolonged compression below the elbow this can lead to weakness in those fingers – known as ‘glow hand’.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects finger joints causing cartilage deterioration over time leading to pain, stiffness and difficulty moving these joints effectively.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in joints including knuckles resulting in both pain as well as deterioration of cartilage due to tendon attrition leading eventually to joint rupture if untreated for extended periods of time.
De Quervain’s Tendinitis
De Quervain’s Tendinitis affects tendons in your fingers as well as your thumb causing pain at base of fingers along with difficulty moving them due to thickening or irritation within tendon sheaths themselves.
Dupuytren’s Contracture
Dupuytren’s Contracture affects tendons throughout your hands making it hard for you straighten out your fingers due to thickening or irritation within certain tendons which makes them unable move properly through hand area itself .
Basilar Thumb Arthritis
Basilar Thumb Arthritis affects CMC joint located at base thumb causing pain as well difficulty moving it across palm area which can be diagnosed by axial loading test pushing rotating it – if there arthritis present grinding sensation should occur within joint area .
Flexor Tenosynovitis
Flexor Tenosynovitis infection flexor tendon sheath causing symptoms such intense pain attempting straighten out your finger swelling entire finger tenderness course tendon sheath – Finklestein’s test used diagnose condition .
Conclusion
In conclusion , common hand problems vary widely severity symptoms – important seek advice doctor experience any type hand problem difficulty using them properly . Video educational purposes substitute professional medical advice.
FAQs:
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs through the wrist. This pressure can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand and fingers, particularly in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring fingers. Over time, it can lead to muscle atrophy and weakness in the hand and fingers.
What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is characterized by pain in the small finger and half of the ring finger. The pain originates at the medial elbow, where the nerve is compressed. This compression can cause numbness and tingling in the little finger and half of the ring finger. If the nerve is compressed below the elbow, it can cause weakness in the fingers, known as "glow hand."
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects the interferential joints of the fingers and thumb. It is characterized by gradual deterioration of the cartilage forming the joint of the hand and fingers. It can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected joints.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and irritation in the joints. It typically causes pain in the knuckles of the fingers and at the rest on the side of the small finger. Over time, it can lead to the loss of cartilage, tendon attrition, and joint rupture.
What is De Quervain's Tendinitis?
De Quervain's Tendinitis is a condition that affects the tendons of the fingers, including the thumb. It causes pain in the palm at the base of the finger and can make it difficult to move the finger. It is caused by thickening and irritation of the tendon as it slides through the tendon sheath.
What is Dupuytren's Contracture?
Dupuytren's Contracture is a condition that affects the tendons of the hand. It causes the fingers to remain bent when attempting to straighten them. It is caused by thickening and irritation of the tendons as they move through the hand.
