There is a multitude of forms of arthritis that affect the hands, including degenerative, rheumatoid, psoriatic, lupus, and many more. This condition is caused by inflammation of the joint, and it typically worsens with age. Millions of Americans suffer from arthritis, but there are numerous treatment options that can help minimize discomfort, improve mobility, and enhance the quality of life.

Degenerative Arthritis, also called Osteoarthritis, typically affects the fingers, causing pain in the joints furthest from the hand. Symptoms tend to flare up, fade away, and return again. During periods of discomfort, splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, heat and ice, and cortisone injections can be helpful to address these concerns. In the event minimally invasive techniques prove ineffective or the pain worsens over time, surgery may help you to achieve longer-lasting relief.

Rheumatoid Arthritis, commonly called Inflammatory Arthritis, can affect any area of the body, including the organs. In many cases, inflammatory arthritis of the hand will be felt near the wrist, which may cause visible deformity. This disorder can advance over time, and it’s important for you to seek out a medical professional experienced in rheumatology to minimize progression.

Basal Joint Arthritis occurs in the hand near the base of the thumb, and it is one of the most common types of arthritis addressed by orthopaedists who specialize in the upper extremity. Fortunately, non-surgical treatment usually can offer significant relief of symptoms and may include medication, splinting, or a cortisone injection. Although uncommon, a joint replacement (tendon arthroplasty) or fusion may be recommended if conservative methods prove ineffective.

Carpal tunnel is a wrist condition. Carpal tunnel occurs when the transverse carpal ligament compresses the median nerve. The median nerve is important because its innervate muscles in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. People who work with their hands (i.e. typing, counting money) are most at risk.

The symptoms of carpal tunnel are tingling, numbness and weakness in the thumb and/or fingers. Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics hand specialists obtain a medical review, examine the hand, and order and analyze a nerve conduction study to diagnose carpal tunnel. A customized treatment plan is created. Symptoms quickly improve. Patients no longer need to worry about carpal tunnel affecting their day-to-day lives.
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The ulnar nerve is an important nerve. The ulnar nerve starts in the neck and runs to the fingers. The ulnar nerve passes through the cubital tunnel—a narrow space on the medial (inside) part of the elbow. Cubital tunnel syndrome is compression of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel.

Cubital tunnel syndrome is caused by chronic elbow pressure. Constantly leaning on the elbow and constantly bending the elbow are common causes. Cubital tunnel symptoms may include:

• Tingling and/or numbness in the 4th and 5th fingers
• Hand weakness
• Elbow and/or forearm pain

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Developing over several years, Dupuytren’s Contracture is a deformity of the hand that occurs due to nodules growing in the palm and fingers. As the masses become larger, they can become cord-like and pull the fingers into a fist. Unfortunately, once in this position, they cannot be manually straightened. Pain and immobility are the most common symptoms. If addressed early, non-surgical treatment can help to alleviate discomfort and to limit the progression of the disease. If necessary, surgical intervention can be used to loosen the cords or remove the nodules.

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The hand and wrist are very important body parts. Hand and wrist injuries are extremely common because the hand and wrist are constantly used. Manual labourers, athletes, and active individuals are most at risk. A hand or wrist fracture, break, or sprain may occur when a patient:

• Accidently strikes their hand or wrist with or against a solid object
• Falls on an open or closed hand
• Makes a fist and punches a solid object

Pain, swelling, bruising, and an anatomical deformity are common symptoms. Injuries should be seen by an Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics hand specialist as soon as possible. OIBO hand specialists are fellowship trained and board-certified. A hand or wrist fracture, break, or sprain is accurately diagnosed and a customized treatment plan is created. Symptoms are quickly reduced and the fracture, break, or sprain heals.
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Ganglion Cysts are a type of hand tumor that generally develops on the back of the wrist. These common growths can also be found on the side of the wrist or at the base of a finger or fingernail (mucous cyst). Click To Learn More

Although they may sound scary, tumors of the hand are not uncommon. If benign, they may cause no discomfort and require no intervention. At the Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics, we can diagnose these issues using state-of-the-art technology, including radiographs, MRIs, CT scans, or other imaging tests. We will also perform a physical examination of the area of concern. Surgery for benign tumors is often not necessary, unless the growth increases in size, causes pain, or you prefer to have the tumor removed. As with most hand conditions, there are several types of hand tumors:

Ganglion Cysts are a type of hand tumor that generally develops on the back of the wrist. These common growths can also be found on the side of the wrist or at the base of a finger or fingernail (mucous cyst).

There are several other tumors that can develop along the hand or fingers, including lipomas (fat), schwannomas and neurofibrommas (nerve), and hemangiomas (blood vessel) tumors. In many cases they cause no discomfort; however, they may become larger and aesthetically unappealing with time.

Giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath should be carefully observed. These benign masses may begin in the hands and then expand to nearby tendons, bone, and other tissue. Aggressive and fast growing, they are one of the few benign tumors that can spread to the lungs. Giant cell tumors should be excised to reduce the risk of them becoming larger, which can make removal more difficult, or before they extend into other structures, which can increase the likelihood of recurrence.

If you notice any new mass in your hand, it’s important to have a qualified hand surgeon evaluate it to determine if the growth could be a tumor. Our experienced medical team will be happy to answer questions about hand tumors or to help you to set up a consultation.

Mallet finger is a condition in which a fingertip cannot straighten due to an injury to the extensor tendon. Most incidences of mallet finger can be effectively resolved without the need for surgery. Click to Learn More

There are several different types of tendonitis, a condition in which any tendon is inflamed or irritated. Tendons are the cord-like fibers that hold muscle onto the bone. Some examples of conditions caused by tendonitis include trigger finger, Dequervain’s disease, and lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). These concerns are difficult or impossible to cure; however, they can typically be treated with a variety of surgical and non-surgical options.

Trigger Finger often occurs as a result of repetitive motion such as gripping. The finger often will make a snapping sound when straightened, and it can become permanently stuck in a bent position if left untreated. Non-surgical treatment options include cortisone injections and splinting. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis, also called Mommy’s Thumb, affects the tendons of the wrist closest to the thumb. Turning, grasping, and making a fist can cause significant discomfort. Repetitive motion may be a contributing factor, and this condition is most commonly seen in new mothers. Treatment options include braces, physical therapy, medication, injections, or, in rare cases, surgery.

The UCL is a small triangular ligament that connects the ulna (wrist bone) to the humerus (upper arm) and prevents the elbow from bending too far to either side. This ligament is especially important for athletes whose positions require an overhand throwing motion as it allows for control and torque. Over time, this ligament can become damaged due to overuse and can eventually tear. Once the ligament is torn the elbow may become painful and unstable.

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