MI Hand & Wrist – Page 2 – Doing Business In Michigan

Arthritis Surgery Expectations

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the term arthritis refers to over 100 conditions that affect the joints. Generally, arthritis is characterized by pain, inflammation, or swelling of a joint, surrounding, and other connective tissues.

Typical arthritis treatments include anti-inflammatory drugs, physical or occupational therapy, assistive aids, and remedies without medication. If these treatments do not work, surgery might be recommended to help remediate the damaged joint, decrease pain, and improve joint functionality.

Arthritis surgery benefits include:

Minimizing joint pain
Increasing joint functionality
Reducing future joint damage
Lowering the patient’s use of medications
Increasing mobility
Improving daily activities
Bettering quality of life
Avoiding more intensive future surgeries

Some different types of arthritis surgery are:

Joint Resurfacing: replacing part of a damaged joint with an implant
Arthroscopy: fixing tiny tears within the joint’s soft tissue
Synovectomy: removing most – or all – of the inflamed joint tissue lining
Osteotomy: cutting off a piece of bone or adding a wedge near a damaged joint
Arthrodesis aka Fusion: joining two or more bones using pins, plates, or rods
Total Joint Replacement aka Arthroplasty: removing sections of damaged joints, replacing them with a metal, plastic, or ceramic prosthesis
Joint revision: replacing an old, damaged joint implant and replacing with a new one

The complications associated with arthritis surgery include:

Pain
Infection
Blood clots
Nerve damage
Joint stiffness
Reduced healing time

Do you experience pain or arthritis in your hands or wrists? Contact the Michigan Hand & Wrist experts to receive a consultation and get relief today.

Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand or upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy from therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Contact us today at www.michiganhandandwrist.com or call 248-596-0412.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Treating Thumb Arthritis

The basal joint, also known as the CMC (Carpometacarpal) joint, is one of the most versatile parts of our hand: the thumb. Due to its versatility, the thumb can deteriorate quickly and develop arthritis early in life.

People who suffer from osteoarthritis typically also develop basal joint arthritis, as well as women over 40. Even with normal pinching and gripping, the thumb joint is especially prone to issues from normal use. It is not uncommon for people to only have basal joint arthritis without any other forms.

Some of the treatments for thumb arthritis include nonoperative and surgical reconstruction. Read on to learn more about both options.

Nonoperative Treatments

Ice: Applying cold for five- to 15 minutes to the most swollen or tender areas can help to reduce inflammation.
Brace or Splint: Make sure your splint or brace supports the thumb.
Massage
Cortisone Injections
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Medications): Examples of these pharmaceuticals include aspirin, ibuprofen, Naprosyn, or meloxicam. Ensure you check with your pharmacist before taking new medications to reduce the chance of drug interactions.

Surgical Reconstruction

Total Joint Reconstruction: also known as CMC Arthroplasty or LRTI (Ligament Reconstruction Tendon Interposition) procedure.
Capsulodesis: meant to tighten the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint
Arthrodesis: Surgically fusing the MCP joint

If you or someone you know has thumb pain, contact the experts at Michigan Hand & Wrist today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Easing Arthritis Pain with Hand & Wrist Exercises

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that causes pain, inflammation, joint deformity, and eventually, deterioration. The body attacks its own joints, particularly the hands and fingers, which can ultimately lead to loss of hand function. Exercising or moving joints can help alleviate pain, strengthen muscles, increase fine motor skills, grip strength, and more. Try some of these hand and finger exercises below to prevent arthritis-related deformities.

Putty Squeeze – improve grip strength

Roll a piece of putty into a tube
Place the putty tube in the palm of your hand
Squeeze fingers to make a fist around the putty tube
Maintain for five seconds
Repeat ten times

Putty Pinch – improve thumb muscles and pinch grip

Roll a piece of putty into a ball
Place the putty between your thumb and pointer finger
Press your thumb into the putty ball in a pinching motion
Squeeze your fingers and thumb together
Maintain for five seconds
Repeat ten times

Finger Adduction – improve finger mobility and stabilize joints

Roll a piece of putty into a tube
Weave the putty tube between each of your four fingers
Squeeze fingers together into the putty, bringing them as close as possible
Maintain for five seconds
Repeat ten times

Rubber Band Finger Abduction – improve finger mobility

Touch your thumb and four fingers together
Place a rubber band around them
Push your fingers out against the rubber band, stretching the rubber band
Maintain outstretched fingers for five seconds
Repeat ten times

Sequential Finger Extension – improve finger mobility and coordination

Place your fingers and palm on a flat surface
Isolate just the index finger and lift it up off of the surface
Keep your palm and the rest of your fingers flat
Bring your index finger back down, then isolate and lift your middle finger
Keep your palm and the rest of your fingers flat
Repeat these steps for your ring and pinky fingers
Do ten repetitions for each finger

Thumb Abduction – strengthen your thumb

Hold your hands out in front of your body
Twist your hands so your palms face each other
Isolate your thumbs and extend them out toward the opposite hand
Relax your thumbs by bringing them in line with your other fingers
Repeat ten times

Thumb Flexion and Extension – strengthen your thumb

Hold your hands out in front of your body
Twist your hands so your palms face upward
Isolate your thumbs and extend them out away from your palms
Relax your thumbs by bringing them in line with your other fingers
Repeat ten times

Thumb Opposition – strengthen your thumb

Hold your hands in front of your body
Twist your hands so your palms face upward
Bring your thumb and pointer finger to touch, tip to tip
Relax your thumb and pointer finger by placing them back in line with your palms
Repeat this process with your middle finger, ring finger, and pinky finger
Do ten repetitions for each finger

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Hand Injuries Resulting from Smartphones

The world is at our fingertips with help from smartphones. With this novel invention, we can easily connect with family, friends, read recipes, browse through photos, play games, control other electronics, watch movies, and more. Now that smartphones have been around for quite some time, we’re seeing some common injuries in the hand which are directly caused by these devices.

Text Claw
Though this condition has been around since the typewriter era, text claw is a growing issue with people who use their smartphones to communicate. Text claw is marked by cramping and pain in the fingers. The typical treatment for text claw is to immobilize the hand and fingers with a brace, massage, or stretch the area.

Cellphone Elbow
Similar to those who complain of carpal tunnel after using keyboards excessively, smartphone users are susceptible to cubital-tunnel syndrome. Those who use their smartphone to watch a video and hold it in the air for two or more hours might experience pain in the elbow, numbing, tingling, etc., in the forearm and hand, which are all telltale signs of cellphone elbow. Switching hands is an easy solution, along with using a pillow or pad to prop up your smartphone.

Smartphone Pinkie
Smartphones are sometimes large, bulky, and awkward for some people to get a good grip on. Add to that the fact that most people do not want to drop or lose their smartphones; they’re holding on to them reasonably tightly. This grip can cause calluses on certain fingers, along with numbness or painful pinky fingers. To treat this issue, change the position of your hand and try to shift your grip often.

Cuts and Glass Slivers
Quite possibly the most apparent problems with smartphones, cracked screens or cameras can cause small lesions in the hand. Tiny slivers of glass can break off and puncture your skin; these tiny shards can also end up in your pocket, purse, or bed, creating another potential injury site. If broken or cracked, replace your smartphone whenever possible, as well as take advantage of screen protectors.

Texting Thumb
While texting, do you use all your fingers or just your thumbs? Most people use their thumbs to text or scroll through their phones, leading to texting thumb, trigger thumb, or arthritis. To remedy this situation, change your behavior by using a stylus to text, voice-to-text, or use more of your other fingers.

Hand, wrist, and elbow problems can result from ignoring smartphone hand injuries. If you suspect something is brewing in your hand or wrist, contact the experts at Michigan Hand & Wrist today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

All About Thumb Joint Replacement Surgery

Did you know the thumb joint is the most mobile in the hand? It can move up and down, in and out, and rotate; our thumbs move hundreds of times daily. When we use a hammer or hold a glass, the thumb joint helps grip the object and stabilize the other fingers while writing or counting money.

Because our thumbs are used so much, the joint can deteriorate over time, causing arthritis in some individuals. Osteoarthritis can cause the smooth cartilage to become rough, resulting in pain, swelling, limited motion, and a grinding or popping sensation.

After a physician diagnoses arthritis and joint deterioration, non-surgical treatments will be recommended, including pain relief through medications, cortisone injections, and rest through splinting. Unfortunately, arthritis is a degenerative disease that progresses in time for some individuals. After non-surgical methods are exhausted, a joint reconstructive surgery called Arthroplasty is recommended.

Arthroplasty can be done as an outpatient procedure or require an overnight stay. There are several different ways surgeons can replace the thumb joint. Once the surgery is complete, a splint is applied to the thumb to promote healing and rest. Discomfort and swelling are normal; pain medication will be prescribed to alleviate them.

It generally takes roughly six weeks for patients to recover from Arthroplasty completely. After immobilization is deemed sufficient by the surgeon, physical therapy is recommended.

Risks associated with thumb joint replacement surgery include tendon injury, vascular injury, and possible infection, though extremely rare.

Do you have arthritis in your thumb? Contact the experts at MI Hand & Wrist to experience relief today!

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Trigger Finger Treatment

Trigger finger is identified by the inability to control a finger’s movement after getting stuck in a bent position. When trying to straighten the finger(s), it rapidly snaps out with a swift motion.

The flexor tendon is responsible for bending fingers and runs through the palm. These rope-like tendons connect muscle to bone, and many are located in the forearm. Tendons connect the fingers to the palm, wrist, forearm, and so on.

Trigger finger forms when the tendon that bends fingers cannot fit through the pulley system that holds it close to the bone. This tight sheath is located in the palm, near the base of each finger. While bending a finger, a small lump can usually be felt moving up and down. Trigger finger can be relatively painful and complaints are more prominent in the morning.

Treatments for trigger finger include:

Splints
Cortisone injections
Surgery

Generally, non-invasive treatments are sought out before surgery is advised. During a surgical procedure, the tight pulley (called the A1) is divided so the tendon can move freely without getting stuck. A relatively simple outpatient surgery can be done in-office with a local anesthetic or in an operating room, with or without sedation.

After treatment for trigger finger, the most important thing is to keep bending your fingers as much as possible. Finger motion should be executed every waking hour. Elevation and light lifting can be done immediately. In about two- to three weeks, patients can resume normal activities.

Do you have trigger finger or know someone who does? Contact our office today to learn how we can help mitigate this issue for you.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Tennis Elbow Treatment and Prevention

The term tennis elbow might be more misleading than you think – this tendon injury can occur without any tennis games whatsoever. Aching arm and elbow pain are most prevalent in patients who are diagnosed with tennis elbow. The proper term for tennis elbow is lateral epicondylitis; this injury is categorized by causing chronic pain and weakness near the elbow. Gripping or lifting motions infamously make this condition feel more painful.

Tennis elbow affects the forearm muscle, extensor carpi radialis brevis, which helps move the hand away from the body at the wrist. Repetitive strain suddenly or gradually can damage the tendon attached to the outer elbow, resulting in pain. As we age, our muscles and joints deteriorate, which influences injuries. Overtime, inflammation and degeneration from overuse can result, causing further discomfort.

The initial treatment for tennis elbow is rest, as this allows the damaged tendon to heal. At-home exercise and stretching procedures, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals, braces, steroid injections, or extracorporeal shock wave therapy might be recommended as a treatment plan. Surgery is seldomly needed to treat tennis elbow.

Small efforts have big impacts when it comes to preventing tennis elbow. Some of which include:

Maintain a healthy weight and physical appearance by strengthening your shoulders, arms, and upper back muscles.
Ensure all sports equipment fits correctly.
Focus on moving, using the proper techniques while doing activities.
Try to minimize or be aware of repetitive arm motions.

While tennis elbow can be frustrating, there are a variety of treatment options available.

To experience relief from tennis elbow or receive a proper diagnosis, contact the experts at MI Hand & Wrist today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Five Potential Culprits of Stiff Hands

Our hands are used for practically everything. Stiff hands can prevent us from performing everyday tasks such as opening a jar, picking up children, cooking, painting, writing, and more. For some people, stiffness can be debilitatingly chronic, while others only experience acute pain. If your hands are stiff, explore these potential causes:

Arthritis: Many different types of arthritis can affect the hands, including:
Thumb: also known as basal joint arthritis, this can gradually get worse over time or get sparked by trauma. Pain or stiffness is common at the base of the thumb.
MCP (Metacarpophalangeal) joint: this type of knuckle arthritis allows fingers to bend, straighten, and move fluidly. Weakness in the hands is a common sign of this arthritis.
Osteoarthritis: the smooth cartilage in your joints is affected by this type of arthritis, which can also cause stiffness, pain, and swollen fingers.
Psoriatic: this type of arthritis is sometimes accompanied by psoriasis, a skin condition, and is evident when joints feel stiff. Oftentimes the middle joint of the finger is inflamed and swollen.
Rheumatoid: affecting the entire body, this type of arthritis is caused by joint inflammation. Typically, the wrist and finger joints are most affected as they are swollen and painful.
Fractures: otherwise known as a broken hand, this results in stiffness and pain that might remain even during recovery. In some people, the stiffness might never subside.
Dislocations: similar to a broken bone, this upper extremity dislocation can cause hands to feel stiff both during and after an injury. Moving or exercising the affected joints might be prescribed to alleviate stiffness.
Sprains: this ligament injury can cause stiffness and prevent you from using your hand to perform daily tasks while in recovery.
Tendon and muscle injuries: common in an injury or cut on the hand, this sometimes prevents you from moving the affected area at all. Stiffness is common while in recovery.

If you feel stiffness in your hands, ensure you receive a diagnosis as soon as possible. Delayed treatment can sometimes result in permanent stiffness.

Do you need some advice or want a physician opinion on your hand or wrist stiffness? Contact the experts at MI Hand & Wrist today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Five Signs of a Sprained Thumb

Thumb sprains are injuries to a ligament, a soft tissue that connects bones at the joints. Thumb fractures, on the other hand, are bone breaks, and different injuries altogether. The most injured ligament is the ulnar collateral, which connects the thumb to the hand on the side closest to the index finger.

These injuries are commonly stemmed from falls or sports injuries. Skiing, basketball, and other contact sports result in many thumb injuries. People generally try to catch themselves while falling, resulting in bent thumbs in awkward positions.

Signs of a thumb sprain

Swelling
Pain
Bruising
Weakness
Inability to hold a glass or write

Jammed fingers are another common issue and can result in similar symptoms. However, jammed fingers can still be used and moved, whereas sprains cannot.

Treatments for thumb sprains

Until you can get into a doctors’ office, elevate and ice the injured hand. Apply bandages, so the thumb is immobilized until a doctor examines the injury.

To determine the severity of your injury, visit a hand surgeon as soon as possible. X-rays might be taken to see whether ligaments are torn or bones are broken. Casts or splints might be prescribed for torn ligaments. If treatment is delayed, damage to the thumb could be permanent. Don’t delay in visiting a medical professional.

Sprained thumbs can be treated with a brace or cast. In severe cases, surgery might be necessary; otherwise, recovery takes roughly three- to six weeks to fully heal.

Patient treatments vary, so ensure you receive the best treatment possible by visiting the experts at Michigan Hand & Wrist today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Protecting Your Hands While Gardening

It’s that time of year again and gardening is a great way to get physical activity while improving your surroundings. Unfortunately, many people are injured while using mechanical and non-mechanical gardening tools. Emergency rooms treat many outdoor garden enthusiasts due to tool-related accidents annually. Ensure you are using proper safety techniques to avoid paying a hospital visit.

Gloves: Wearing gloves will not only minimize blistering; they will also protect your skin from bacteria, fungi, fertilizers, pesticides, and such. Even the tiniest cuts can develop into a significant problem if left untreated. Leather or thick rubber gloves also shield your hands from poison ivy, thorns, insect bites, and skin irritants. Not to mention, gloves prevent fingernail damage and keep your hands sparkly clean.

Repetition: It’s best to avoid repetition that your hands or wrists aren’t used to such as digging, raking, trimming, pruning, or planting. Skin, tendon, and nerve irritation can occur, along with blistering. To minimize pain or other issues, rotate your tasks every 15 minutes with a small rest between them to ensure the same muscle is not repeatedly being exercised.

Tools: Tools are made for a reason! Utilize them, rather than your hands, for digging. Sharp objects or other debris can poke through deep soil and cut your hands. Remove objects from your work area before beginning to avoid damage to your hands or tools. Use the correct instrument based on the job you are trying to accomplish. Purchase brands with safety locks and ergonomic handles when possible. Unplug and disconnect equipment when not in use and remember to keep sharp items away from children.

Posture: Relative to your entire body position, ensure your wrist is at an angle that is adequate for using hand tools. When the wrist is in a relaxed or neutral position, grip strength is at its maximum. When the wrist is bent, grip strength can be reduced significantly.

If you experience severe injury, visit the emergency room as soon as possible. Remember to enjoy gardening by using your hands with care and with the assistance of proper tools.

Are you experiencing hand or wrist pain from gardening?

Contact the experts at MI Hand & Wrist today for remediation.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.