Hand Conditions
Arthritis
Illness that can cause pain and swelling in the joints.
Symptoms (vary depending on the type of arthritis)
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Decreased grip strength
- Bump formation
Diagnosis
- Patient history
- Physical examination
- Pressure and movement tests
- X-ray
Treatment
- Pain medication, topical agents, splinting, injections, therapy, and surgery
- Common surgical procedures include:
- Removal of arthritic bone
- Joint reconstruction
- Bone fusion
- Bone realignment
Dupuytren’s Disease
Abnormal thickening of the tissue just beneath the skin of the palm.
Symptoms
- Small lump(s) and pits within the palm.
- Discomfort
- Difficulty placing the hand flat on an even surface
Treatment
Fracture
Break or crack in a bone.
Symptoms
- Visibly out-of-place
- Limited movement
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Intense Pain
Diagnosis
- Physical examination
- X-ray
Treatment
- Restoring the fractured pieces of bone to their natural positions and splinting or casting the bone to ensure the bone remains in the correct position during the healing process
Ganglion Cysts
Lumps, resembling a water balloon, within the hand and wrist that occur adjacent to joints or tendons.
Diagnosis
- Physical examination of the location and appearance of the lump
- X-rays to look at other joints
Treatment
- Typically cysts are only observed unless they limit movement or become painful
- Splints and anti-inflammatory medication can be used to decrease pain
- Aspiration, placing a needle into the cyst, can be performed to remove the fluid
- Surgery
Tendon Injuries
Tendons connect muscles to bones and enable the muscles to bend and flex. When a tendon is cut, its cut ends pull away from each other and prohibit muscle movement.
Tendonitis
The inflammation and irritation of the tissues that connect muscles to bones.
Symptoms
- Pain
- Restricted movement
- Area is swollen, red, warm, or lumpy
Treatment
- Rest
- Support Brace
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy
- Massage therapy
- Ultrasound: Breaks down scar tissue around the tendon
- Surgery
Tenosynovitis
The inflammation of the fluid-filled casing that surrounds a tendon.
Symptoms
- Difficulty moving a joint
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Pain
Diagnosis
Treatment
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Steroid injection
- Surgery
Trigger Finger
A condition in which a finger or thumb gets stuck in a bent position.
Symptoms
- Finger stiffness
- Clicking noise when the finger is moved
- Potential bump or tenderness at the base of the affected finger
- Finger gets stuck in a bent position for a period of time
- Inability to fully straighten the affected finger
- Pain
Diagnosis
Treatment
- Rest
- Splinting
- Finger exercises
- Massage therapy
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Steroid injection
- Surgery
For more details on The Hand and Upper Extremity Center at Geauga Medical Center or for a physician referral please call 440-285-7757.