What is a Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger, which is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a painful condition in which the finger gets stuck in a bent position.  It occurs when an inflammation narrows the space within the sheath (the tissue that covers the tendon) that surrounds the tendon of the affected finger.

The condition is common in people who frequently engage in activities that require repetitive gripping action. These include farmers, musicians, and industrial workers. The trigger finger is also seen to be more common in women and in those with diabetes.

Symptoms of a Trigger Finger

Initially, a person develops soreness at the base of the affected finger. This is eventually accompanied by painful clicking or snapping sensation when the finger is bent or straightened. In some cases, the finger can be locked in a bent or straight position.

Diagnosing a Trigger Finger

To diagnose a trigger finger, the doctor has to review one’s medical history and assess the patient’s affected hand. In most cases, there’s no need for imaging tests such as x-rays to confirm the diagnosis.

How It Is Treated

The treatment for trigger finger will depend on the severity of the symptoms. If the symptoms are mild, then the nonsurgical treatment options can suffice.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Some of the nonsurgical treatment options for trigger finger include rest, medications, and steroid injections.

• Rest
  Mild cases of trigger finger can be managed with rest. The doctor may recommend the use of a splint to keep the finger in a neutral position.
• Medications
  The pain or discomfort can be alleviated with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Steroid Injections
  In some cases, the doctor may recommend steroid injections into the tendon sheath. Sometimes, a second injection is needed to improve one’s symptoms.

Surgical Treatment

Although trigger finger is not life-threatening, surgery may be recommended if the symptoms are severe. Surgery may also be suggested to prevent permanent stiffness.

The goal of the surgery for trigger finger is to widen the opening of the tunnel in order for the tendon to slide through it more easily. The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis.

What is a Thumb Fracture?

A thumb fracture is a common injury that happens when the bones of the thumb break. The break can happen in either of the two bones of the thumb.

There are specific types of thumb fracture. Examples of which are Bennett and Rolando fractures. These thumb fractures occur at the base of the thumb.

Most thumb fractures are a result of direct stress to the thumb. This can be due to a fall from a significant height, an automobile accident, or an injury from high-impact sports.

Symptoms of a Thumb Fracture

The most common symptoms of a thumb fracture include severe pain, noticeable deformity of the thumb, a tender sensation when touched, numbness or coldness, and limited range of motion of the thumb.

Diagnosing a Thumb Fracture

To diagnose a thumb fracture, the doctor has to assess the injured site. He/she will look into noticeable deformities, contusions, and swelling within the thumb. The patient’s medical history will also be reviewed to determine the cause and nature of injury.

In most cases, x-rays will be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. It also helps in evaluating further the fracture especially if it is displaced (the pieces of the cracked bone have separated). It will help identify the exact location of the fracture as well as determine the extent of the injury.

How It Is Treated

The treatment options for a thumb fracture will depend on several factors, which include the type of fracture and the severity of the break in the bone.

Nonsurgical Treatment

A thumb fracture can be treated nonsurgically if the bone fragments are not displaced or if the break happens in the shaft (middle part of the bone).

To hold the bone fragments in the place, the doctor will use a specially designed cast. This has to be worn in 4-6 weeks. X-rays may be taken on a regular basis to make sure that the bone is healing well and has not slipped out of alignment.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics may also be prescribed to reduce the pain, swelling, and risk of infection.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery will only be done if the bone fragments can’t be put back in place through the use of a cast. It may also be recommended if there is a lot of movement between the broken fragments of the bone.

A common surgical option for treating a thumb fracture is open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). This procedure aims to realign the fractured bone to its original position. The surgeon will use screws, rods, or plates to stabilize the fractured bone under the skin.

What is a Hand Fracture?

The 27 bones of the hand serve as its framework, supporting the muscles that make the fingers and wrist move. When one of these bones is broken or fractured, it can be hard for one to use his/her hand, wrist, and fingers.

There are different causes of a hand fracture. The most common causes are workplace injuries such as improper use of tools. Bones in the hand can also get broken as a result of falls, crush injuries, and sports injuries.

Symptoms of a Hand Fracture

The signs and symptoms of a broken hand include swelling, bruising, pain, deformity, shortened finger, depressed knuckle, reduced range of motion of the fingers, and inability to grasp.

Diagnosing a Hand Fracture

The hands are one of the most important parts of the body and are essential for certain functions. Hence, when a hand fracture is suspected, medical help should be sought immediately.

A physical examination is needed to diagnose a hand fracture. During the physical exam, the doctor will check the position of the fingers and the condition of the skin. The range of motion of the fingers, as well as their sensation, will also be assessed.

In most cases, x-rays will be ordered to confirm the diagnosis as well as to determine the location and extent of the fracture.

How It Is Treated

There are nonsurgical and surgical methods of treating a hand fracture.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Most of the time, the broken bones can be realigned without the need for surgery. This can be done with the use of a cast, splint, or fracture-brace. Any of these can be used to immobilize the site while it’s healing.

While the cast, splint, or fracture-brace is worn, x-rays of the injured site will be taken a week later to make sure that it is healing well.

Surgical Treatment

In some cases, surgery is needed to realign the fractured bones. This is usually the case of hand fractures that result from a crushing injury.

The surgical treatment for a hand fracture usually involves the use of wires, screws, or plates to hold the broken bones in place.

What are Fingertip Injuries?

Fingertip injuries are one of the most common injuries of the hand. This can be a crushing injury, tearing injury, a sharp cut, or a combination of these.

There are several possible causes of fingertip injuries, most of which are caused by accidents at home, school, or work.

Symptoms of Fingertip Injuries

The most common symptoms of fingertip injuries include pain, bleeding, swelling, deformity, and swelling of the injured site. Aside from that, there can also be some redness, pus, and fever especially if the injured site is not treated immediately.

Diagnosing Fingertip Injuries

Taking the patient’s medical history and doing a thorough physical exam are needed to diagnose fingertip injuries.

Medical History
As part of taking the medical history, the doctor may ask of the nature and circumstance of the injury. He/she may ask questions as to how and when the injury occurs. The doctor may also ask about other conditions the patient has as well as the medications that he/she is taking.

Physical Exam
The injured finger will be assessed thoroughly. The doctor will look for missing tissues, any exposed bone, and injury to the nail and nail bed.

If the doctor suspects of broken bones, he/she may recommend the patient for x-rays.

Treatment for Fingertip Injuries

Treatment for fingertip injuries would vary, depending on the type of injury the patient has. The doctor will also consider the patient’s general health, lifestyle, and preference.

For Injuries Without Exposed Bone
Small fingertip injuries without exposed bone may heal on their own. The doctor may just place a protective covering over it. After 1-2 days, the doctor may recommend the injured finger to be soaked daily in warm solution or saline solution with peroxide. Range of motion finger exercises can be started after 48 hours to prevent stiffness.

For Injuries With Exposed Bone
A surgical procedure may be needed for injuries with exposed bone. The type of surgery to perform will depend on the extent of injury.

Reconstructive flap surgery and replantation are some of the surgical options for fingertip injuries with exposed bone.

What is a Finger Fracture?

A broken or fractured finger can occur when any of the phalanges (the bones in the fingers) break. This is usually brought by a hand injury, which can be a result of a fall, slamming the fingers in a door, or carelessness in using tools like drills and power saws.

Symptoms of a Finger Fracture

Pain, swelling, tenderness, and limited range of motion are the most common symptoms of a finger fracture. There can also be deformity of the injured finger and bruising at the fractured site.

Diagnosing a Finger Fracture

A fractured finger requires medical attention.

To diagnose a broken finger, the doctor has to review one’s medical history which includes reviewing the nature of injury. He/she will also do a physical exam on the injured site.

During the physical exam, the doctor may ask the patient to extend the hand or make a fist. This is to see if the injured finger angles in the wrong direction or appears too short.

Usually after the physical exam, the doctor orders additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. This includes x-rays of both hands for comparing the uninjured and injured sites.

How It Is Treated

There are nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for a broken finger.

Nonsurgical Treatment

A broken bone can be put back in place without surgery. This is by using a splint or cast to protect it and keep it straight while it’s healing. In some cases, the doctor may splint the fingers next to the fractured site for added support.

The splint is usually worn for about 3 weeks. X-rays of the injured site are done on a regular basis to monitor its healing.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is recommended for severe cases of finger fracture. That is, a broken finger that can’t be put back in place with splint or cast alone.

Surgery for a finger fracture usually involves the use of small devices such as pins, wires, or screws for holding the fractured bones together.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can cause numbness, tingling sensation, weakness, and other symptoms in the hand. It occurs when the median nerve, one of the major nerves to the hand, is compressed or squeezed. This can be a result of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, pregnancy, and repetitive movements of the same hand especially if the wrist is bent.

Most people get carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of different factors. It can be a combination of heredity, certain medical conditions, and repetitive hand use.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome develop gradually. Initially, there will be numbness or tingling sensation of the thumb, index, and middle fingers. This numbness usually come and go.

The tingling sensation may travel from the wrist up to the arm. Hence, people with the carpal tunnel syndrome usually “shake out” their hands to relieve them of these symptoms.

There can also be weakness of the hand, making one drop objects. This can be brought about by either the numbness of the hand or the weakness of the thumb’s pinching muscles.

Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A review of one’s medical history and a thorough physical exam are needed to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome.

During the physical exam, the doctor may press down the median nerve inside the wrist to find out if it causes numbness. He/she may also test for numbness or tingling by bending and holding the wrist in a flexed position. Sensitivity in the fingers and hands may also be tested as well as muscle strength around the base of the thumb.

Additional tests may be required to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the condition. Some of these tests may include electrophysiological tests, x-rays, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

How It Is Treated

Although the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome develop gradually, they can get worse when the condition is left unmanaged. Hence, it’s very important to treat the condition as soon as it is diagnosed.

Nonsurgical Treatment

During the early stages of the condition, nonsurgical methods may be recommended for managing the symptoms. Some of the nonsurgical treatment options include the use of brace or splint at night for keeping the wrist in a neutral position, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroid injections, and nerve gliding exercises.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is only recommended if the nonsurgical treatment options are tried and there is still no relief from the symptoms.

The surgical procedure for carpal tunnel syndrome is called carpal tunnel release. In this procedure, the surgeon cuts through the ligament that is pressing down or causing pressure on the carpal tunnel. This creates more room for the median nerve and tendons passing through the tunnel. This procedure usually improves pain and restores hand function.