Common Injuries and disorder of the Hand The Hand is used for just about everything in daily life. Everything from holding a pencil to driving requires the use of the carpals and metacarpals. Therefore it is understandable that injury to this area is very common. Breaks and diseases are prominent in this region. There are many different types of fractures that can happen as well as multiple diseases. When diagnosing fractures of the hand, the types of fractures must be known. There are seven type of fractures under two categories. These categories are open fractures, meaning the bone has punctured through the skin, and closed fractures, meaning the bon has been broken but has not broken the skin. The categories under these are as follows:
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Diagnosing correctly is important for treatment to be fully effective. Common disease are carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, and ganglion cysts. “Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition where the median nerve is compressed where it passes through a short tunnel at the wrist” (The British Society for Surgery of the Hand). It has been found more in women than in men causing a weakness when gripping, a tingling or numbness in fingers and pain. When carpal tunnel syndrome is suspected the doctor will request an electrodiagnostic which is a test that will stimulate the muscles and nerves to see if they are working properly. Once diagnosed and anti-inflammatory drug is given for pain and for swelling. A splint is given to hold the hand in place and if it is need surgery can be offered. Osteoarthritis is an inflammation of the joints. Common among the elderly osteoarthritis causes pain, stiffness and swelling. X-ray’s will be used to diagnose the arthritis and treatment can be implemented. Anti-inflammatory drugs, heat for pain and ice for swelling, and a splint are the first things used when treating osteoarthritis. If the need arises cortisone injections will be used and surgery can be a last resort. Ganglion cysts are fluid filled cysts found generally on the back of the hand. The cysts are fairly large with pain and swelling located around the cyst. Diagnosis is easy to make but if there is any confusion and x-ray can be used. Treatment starts with anti-inflammatory medication and a splint, then will go to cortisone injections, surgery, and
Diagnosing correctly is important for treatment to be fully effective. Common disease are carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, and ganglion cysts. “Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition where the median nerve is compressed where it passes through a short tunnel at the wrist” (The British Society for Surgery of the Hand). It has been found more in women than in men causing a weakness when gripping, a tingling or numbness in fingers and pain. When carpal tunnel syndrome is suspected the doctor will request an electrodiagnostic which is a test that will stimulate the muscles and nerves to see if they are working properly. Once diagnosed and anti-inflammatory drug is given for pain and for swelling. A splint is given to hold the hand in place and if it is need surgery can be offered. Osteoarthritis is an inflammation of the joints. Common among the elderly osteoarthritis causes pain, stiffness and swelling. X-ray’s will be used to diagnose the arthritis and treatment can be implemented. Anti-inflammatory drugs, heat for pain and ice for swelling, and a splint are the first things used when treating osteoarthritis. If the need arises cortisone injections will be used and surgery can be a last resort. Ganglion cysts are fluid filled cysts found generally on the back of the hand. The cysts are fairly large with pain and swelling located around the cyst. Diagnosis is easy to make but if there is any confusion and x-ray can be used. Treatment starts with anti-inflammatory medication and a splint, then will go to cortisone injections, surgery, and