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Hand, Arm, and Elbow

Hand, Arm, and Elbow Conditions

When our hands, arms, and elbows develop complex disorders, the discomfort can be incapacitating. Concerns such as fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, and osteoarthritis can turn everyday activities into exhausting endeavors. Thankfully, numerous remedies exist for such conditions, from surgeries to non-surgical procedures to rehabilitation. Our distinguished team of surgeons at RPSC Hand Surgery Center features experts in hand, arm, and elbow surgeries. Each has extensive experience in treating these conditions.

Hand & Wrist Conditions

Trigger Finger

Also known as “stenosing tenosynovitis”, trigger finger occurs when the “A1 pulley” in the finger’s tendons becomes inflamed or thickened, causing the finger to “catch” or “lock” when flexed. The condition, which most often affects the ring finger or thumb, can be treated with a variety of non-surgical remedies, or a surgery known as “tenolysis” or “trigger finger release”.

Fractures

Fractures in the hand or wrist are both extremely common and typically caused by injury, repetitive motion, or conditions such as osteoporosis. Depending upon the severity of the fracture, you may be eligible for external fixation hand and wrist surgery, a procedure in which the fracture is secured with a device called a fixator. Alternatively, a variety of minimally invasive hand and wrist surgeries exist for less extreme injuries.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A very common concern in the United States, carpal tunnel syndrome may result from typing, writing, or engaging in other repetitive hand motions for long stretches of time. The syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the hand to the forearm, becomes compressed, resulting in numbness, tingling, and soreness. Our professional team can often treat carpal tunnel syndrome with arthroscopic surgery or specialized therapies.

Thumb Arthritis

Osteoarthritis of the thumb, also called “basal joint” or “thumb arthritis”, is characterized by swelling, weakness, soreness, or a pinching sensation in the thumb. Typically affecting those over the age of 40, thumb arthritis can be managed with rehabilitative hand therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, steroids, or other non-surgical treatments, as well as minimally invasive hand surgery. At RPSC Hand Surgery Center, we generally reserve surgery for the most extreme cases of thumb arthritis.

Arthritic Spurs

A form of osteophyte, arthritic spurs are abnormal bone growths that can develop in patients with arthritis. While some spurs are benign, others can cause significant discomfort or limited hand movement. Symptoms can be mitigated through surgical or non-surgical remedies.

Cartilage Damage

When cartilage in the hand and wrist suffers damage due to overuse or injury, simple activities can become much more difficult and uncomfortable. Arthroscopy, a surgery designed to thoroughly inspect the joints, is the gold standard for cartilage damage.

Arm Conditions

Fractures

Arm fractures can hinder simple arm movements and cause significant discomfort. These injuries can result from large falls, heavy lifting, overuse, or other pressures in extreme amounts. As the severity of arm fractures varies, and fractures can occur in several parts of the arm, a number of treatments and therapies are available.

Elbow Conditions

Tennis Elbow

Caused by overuse of the elbow, tennis elbow is characterized by inflammation (and sometimes microtearing) of the tendons on the outer elbow. While the condition is so-called because it is often seen in tennis players, any patient who has conducted repetitive elbow movements can suffer from tennis elbow. Our experienced surgeons prefer to treat tennis elbow with a “team” approach, enlisting the help of physical therapists, general practitioners, or other knowledgeable medical professionals to address this debilitating issue.

Articles by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

As a devoted team of orthopedic surgeons, we at RPSC Hand Surgery Center relish the opportunity to keep our patients informed. We encourage you to explore the links below, where you can find helpful information from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), a leading educational resource for orthopedic surgery and conditions.

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons – Hand and Wrist Resources

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons – Arm and Elbow Resources