What is Scapholunate Advanced Collapse?

The bands of connective tissue that join your bones, joints, and organs are called ligaments. There are over 900 ligaments in your body. Some of their purposes include: 

  • Facilitating proper joint movement
  • Preventing twisting joints
  • Ensuring bones stay intact
  • Minimize dislocating bones
  • Creating stabilized muscles and joints
  • Increasing joint strength

Scapholunate Advanced Collapse (SLAC Wrist) affects the wrist and occurs when damage or a tear to the scapholunate ligament results in pain or arthritis. SLAC Wrist can result from overworking or force on the wrist, such as falling onto an outstretched hand. 

The most common symptoms of SLAC Wrist are: 

  • Inability to put weight on your wrist 
  • Painful sensation
  • Weak grip 
  • Low range of motion 
  • Stiffness 
  • Tenderness

If a SLAC Wrist is not immediately treated, arthritis can eventually form in the joint. Symptoms of arthritis might also include swelling, bone spurs, grinding, popping, or cracking. 

Treatments for SLAC Wrist include: 

  • Anti-inflammatory medication 
  • Cortisone injection
  • Identifying and stopping all aggravating activity
  • Physical therapy
  • Surgical options such as SLAC reconstruction or total wrist arthrodesis

SLAC Wrist can be debilitating yet treatable. Physical therapy might be recommended following surgery if required. 

Do you think SLAC Wrist affects you or someone in your family? Contact the experts at MI Hand & Wrist to learn how we can help provide relief. 

Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand or upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy from therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Call us at 248-596-0412 for further questions. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems:https://www.cpsmi.com/

Common Hand and Wrist Injuries Due to Sports

Playing sports has significant health benefits to a person’s well-being. However, with any physical activity is the possibility of injury. Approximately 25% of all sports injuries are associated with the athlete’s hand and wrist. These damages can create barriers to completing daily tasks- on and off the field. It’s important to understand the symptoms of common hand and wrist injuries and know how to take proper care to limit downtime. Below we discuss the most popular sports-related injuries:  

Skier’s Thumb

Also known as ulnar collateral ligament tear, it is an acute injury of the ligament at the base of a person’s thumb. This injury occurs when the thumb is bent backward, causing the ligament that helps the thumb grasp to tear. Although this injury is most found amongst skiers while grasping a ski pole and falling, it can happen in any sport. Symptoms include pain and swelling at the base of the thumb with low mobility and weakness when attempting to grasp. Tears are best treated with rest and splinting for 4-6 weeks, but a complete tear or multiple injuries may require surgery to reattach tendons.

Finger Jam

This type of injury is also called the “basketball finger,” but it can occur in a range of sports like rugby, volleyball, or football that involves contact with a ball striking the end of an extended finger. The severity of the injury can range. A sprain or dislocation may be corrected by simply pulling on the finger. Symptoms to expect would be joint pain and swelling with the increased difficulty in bending the affected finger. Treatment consists of rest, ice, splints or buddy taping to an adjacent finger.

Scaphoid (Wrist) Fracture

A wrist fracture is an acute injury resulting from the break in one of the many small bones in the wrist. These injuries are not always easy to observe and diagnosed by untrained eyes. The most common cause of a wrist fracture occurs among snowboarders, rollerbladers, and football players, those who extend their arms when falling. Fractures happen when their hand and wrist get hyperextended, and the athlete’s weight is forced onto the palm. Injuries include pain and swelling in the area below the base of the thumb up through the forearm. The pain may increase with the movement of the thumb and wrist. Treatments will vary depending on the severity of the fracture, where most require splinting or casting, but others may result in surgery needed.

Wrist Ligament Tear

Wrist ligaments and cartilage can experience tearing for many different reasons. The two most common are acute trauma caused by a hard fall on an outstretched arm, causing the wrist to twist abnormally. Secondly, repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) can gradually pull on tendons and tear during exercise or other recreational activities.

Total prevention of sports injuries may not be possible, but taking the proper precautions, will likely lower your risk. Always wear well-fitting sports equipment and protective gear like wrist guards and gloves. Sports tape can help make a big difference in keeping your muscles in check. Remember to warm up, stretch, and take breaks to allow proper body functionality.

Have an injury to your hands or wrist? Contact the experts at Michigan Hand & Wrist for a free consultation!  

Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand or upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy from therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Call us at 248-596-0412 for further questions.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com

Arthritis Surgery Expectations

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the term arthritis refers to over 100 conditions that affect the joints. Generally, arthritis is characterized by pain, inflammation, or swelling of a joint, surrounding, and other connective tissues. 

Typical arthritis treatments include anti-inflammatory drugs, physical or occupational therapy, assistive aids, and remedies without medication. If these treatments do not work, surgery might be recommended to help remediate the damaged joint, decrease pain, and improve joint functionality. 

Arthritis surgery benefits include: 

  • Minimizing joint pain
  • Increasing joint functionality
  • Reducing future joint damage
  • Lowering the patient’s use of medications
  • Increasing mobility
  • Improving daily activities
  • Bettering quality of life
  • Avoiding more intensive future surgeries

Some different types of arthritis surgery are:

  • Joint Resurfacing: replacing part of a damaged joint with an implant
  • Arthroscopy: fixing tiny tears within the joint’s soft tissue
  • Synovectomy: removing most – or all – of the inflamed joint tissue lining
  • Osteotomy: cutting off a piece of bone or adding a wedge near a damaged joint
  • Arthrodesis aka Fusion: joining two or more bones using pins, plates, or rods
  • Total Joint Replacement aka Arthroplasty: removing sections of damaged joints, replacing them with a metal, plastic, or ceramic prosthesis 
  • Joint revision: replacing an old, damaged joint implant and replacing with a new one

The complications associated with arthritis surgery include: 

  • Pain
  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Nerve damage
  • Joint stiffness
  • Reduced healing time

Do you experience pain or arthritis in your hands or wrists? Contact the Michigan Hand & Wrist experts to receive a consultation and get relief today.

Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand or upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy from therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Contact us today at www.michiganhandandwrist.com or call 248-596-0412.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com

All About Raynaud’s Discorder

Raynaud’s is a disorder that affects the arteries by restricting blood flow to toes and, most commonly, fingers. There are two types of Raynaud’s: primary and secondary.

Primary Raynaud’s (also called Raynaud’s disease) comes from an unknown origin and tends to be less severe than secondary Raynaud’s. Secondary Raynaud’s is sparked by another unknown illness, condition, or something else, often called Raynaud’s phenomenon. Causes of secondary Raynaud’s include:

  • Diseases/conditions that directly harm the arteries or nerves in the hands or feet
  • Damages to the arteries in the hands and feet caused by repetitive actions
  • Injuries to the hands and feet
  • Chemical exposures
  • Medicines that minimize blood pressure and narrow arteries

Raynaud’s attacks can be triggered by either cold temperatures or stress, marked by little- to no blood flow to the extremities. As flood flow diminishes, the skin might turn white and then blue for a short time. Once blood flow returns, the fingers (or toes) might turn red, throb, tingle, burn, or go numb.

People who have Raynaud’s typically do not experience long-term tissue damage or disability, though they can form skin sores or gangrene from extended attacks.

Roughly five percent of the American population experiences Raynaud’s, and for most, it’s a bother rather than a severe illness. Researchers continue to explore Raynaud’s.

Treatments for Raynaud’s include lifestyle changes, medicines, and in rare cases, surgery. Those with Raynaud’s can take preventative measures such as wearing a hat, mittens (not gloves), scarf, coat, and warm socks during cold weather. Warming up your surroundings before entering (warming up the car, for example) can help ease Raynaud’s. Avoiding stressful situations can also help reduce Raynaud’s symptoms. Certain medicines can be prescribed to Raynaud’s patients to minimize attacks as well.

Do you think you might suffer from Raynaud’s? Contact the experts at Michigan Hand & Wrist to schedule an appointment today.

Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand or upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy from therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Contact us today at www.michiganhandandwrist.com or call 248-596-0412.Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com

Tumbling on An Extended Hand

When falling while standing or walking, our first instinct is to lower our hands to soften the force. Did you know this simple act is also one of the most common culprits of hand and wrist injuries? Fractures, breaks, sprains, and more can result from these small yet impactful motions.

Lingering pain, swelling at the impact site, discomfort, etc., are all reasons for x-rays to be performed. Once diagnosed, the best course of action will be determined for recovery.

The navicular bone (also known as the scaphoid) is between the base of the thumb and the radius, which is one of the two long bones in the forearm. This bone is generally the most affected in falling injuries. Gripping can be especially painful in the presence of navicular fractures, along with pain and swelling near the thumb.

In older adults, fractures in the radius are common following a fall on the hand. Pain, swelling, and bruising indicate an issue with the extremity. Treatments for navicular fractures include casts, splinters, and a post-heal physical therapy session. Since the blood flow in that region is poor, hand and wrist pain can last weeks or months after a fall.

Some of the treatments and physiotherapy programs for sprains include:

  • Splints
  • Cold therapy
  • Exercises
  • NSAIDs
  • Injections

Rehabilitation is a vital aspect of healing navicular bone injuries since a long immobilization time is needed to recover in the first place.

If you’ve fallen on your hand or wrist, we can help! The experts at Michigan Hand & Wrist can assist in getting your healing underway.

Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand or upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy from therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Contact us today at www.michiganhandandwrist.com or call 248-596-0412.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Causes of Hand & Wrist Pain

Our hands and wrists are often an afterthought when it comes to self-care. Many people are not proactive in protecting their extremities from damage despite the fact that they are vital to a number of daily activities. Fine motor functions wouldn’t be possible without our hand-eye coordination; thus, pain in the area can easily affect your overall quality of life. Read on to discover some common culprits of hand and wrist pain and how to manage them.

Arthritis: osteoarthritis is when cartilage (cushions for your bones) deteriorates over time. It is typically uncommon in the wrist, though it may occur in those who have suffered injuries in the past. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the tissues. The wrists are commonly susceptible and both are usually involved. Basal (thumb) arthritis is recognized by pain at the thumb base and can be treated with splints, injections, and reconstructive surgery.

Tendonitis: an inflammation of the tendons, which connects muscle to bone. It is caused by repetitive use or sudden injury. Symptoms consist of pain in the tendon area, swelling, and loss of motion. Treatments include ice, rest, immobilization, and anti-inflammatory medications. Steroid injections are also sometimes recommended.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: affecting almost eight million people in America, this syndrome is marked by a numbness and tingling in the hand/arm, which is caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist. Symptoms include hand numbness, pin-and-needles sensation, wrist pain, and cramping. Splints are recommended in order to give the wrists a break, but anti-inflammatory drugs or surgery can be treatments as well.

Trigger finger: recognized when the tendons in the fingers or thumb become stuck in a bent position. Pain, popping sensation when using specific fingers, and stiffness are common symptoms. Treatment consists of immobilization, anti-inflammatory medication, restricting activities, and steroid injections.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: numb or tingling sensations in the ring and small fingers, forearm, and/or weakness in the hand are signs of this syndrome. Avoiding actions that cause the syndrome can help reduce symptoms. Wrapping a pillow or towel loosely around the elbow can help, as can wearing a splint at night while sleeping. Surgery is sometimes recommended in severe cases.

Ganglion Cyst: commonly found on the underside of wrists. Usually benign, they can quickly grow and change in size. Bigger cysts can be painful or limit wrist movement. Repetitive movements can cause the cysts to grow, while rest can help them subside. In severe cases, immobilization or non-surgical draining of the fluid is recommended. If the cyst returns, minor surgery for a full removal is sometimes required.

Repetitive Strain Injury: muscles, tendons, nerves, and ligaments are affected, caused by improper technique or overuse of the fingers, hands, and wrists. More than three million cases per year are reported in America. Anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy are most commonly prescribed.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: marked pain on the thumb side of your wrist, swelling near the base of the thumb, inability to make a fist, strenuous to grasp objects, or difficulty moving the thumb. Treated with over-the-counter medications or steroids to reduce swelling, the exact cause hasn’t been proven.

For proper diagnosis of any of the above syndromes or diseases, contact the specialists at Michigan Hand & Wrist today. We not only diagnose, but we can also help you manage your symptoms and live pain-free.

Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand or upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy from therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Contact us today at www.michiganhandandwrist.com or call 248-596-0412.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Five Ways to Help Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel is prevalent in today’s society; people typically associate the syndrome with years of heavy typing, computer use, and other office tasks. However, Carpal Tunnel can affect anyone who performs repetitive hand movements. Approximately 500,000 people undergo surgery each year; it is one of the most common hand operations. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent Carpal Tunnel by reducing the amount of pressure on your hands and wrists.

  1. Stretch Often
    A few hand stretches per day helps to loosen up ligaments and tendons. Make a fist with your hand, then extend your fingers until they point straight out. Repeat this process ten times. To modify this stretch, you can also fan your fingers out horizontally as far as you can.
  2. Be Ambidextrous
    Try to use your non-dominant hand to pick up or transfer objects, open doors, hold drinking cups, etc. This helps reduce pressure on your dominant hand due to repetitive movements.
  3. Loosen Grip
    Most people don’t realize they are over-exerting their hands when they write/hold a pen or pencil, type on a keyboard, hold a steering wheel, use tools, and other everyday tasks. Try to loosen your grip on these objects.
  4. Stay Warm
    Cold climates or environments can contribute to pain and stiffness. If necessary, warm up your surroundings by turning up the thermostat, use a space heater, or wear fingerless gloves while working. The heat will help stimulate blood flow, thus improving circulation and keeping hands and wrists loose.
  5. Maintain Posture
    One of the simplest ways to prevent Carpal Tunnel is to maintain proper posture. When slouching, your shoulders pull your neck and shoulder muscles forward, which causes the nerves to tighten. This domino-effect also affects your hands and wrists.

Are you or a loved one experiencing symptoms of Carpal Tunnel? Michigan Hand and Wrist specializes in assessing and consulting patients dealing with hand and other upper extremity issues. Check out our previous blog post to learn more about Carpal Tunnel.

Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand and upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy with therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Contact us today at www.michiganhandandwrist.com or call 248-596-0412.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome FAQ

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?It is a condition in which there is excessive pressure on the median nerve in the wrist that stimulates feeling and movement to parts of the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to tingling, numbness, and muscle damage to the hand and fingers. What are the causes?Making the same hand and wrist movements repeatedly may cause the condition. It hasn’t been proven that typing on keyboards or using a mouse causes the condition, but these activities can contribute to tendonitis or bursitis. What are the symptoms?

  • Difficulty gripping objects
  • Numbness or tingling in the thumb, fingers, or palm
  • Pain in the wrist or hand
  • Pain extending to elbow 

 As the disease progresses, patients can develop a burning sensation or shooting pains in the forearm. Chronic carpal tunnel syndrome can also lead to atrophy of the hand muscles. How is it diagnosed?Often carpal tunnel takes the wrap for a myriad of conditions or diseases that involve pain of the hand and arm. The term is so well known but only 1 in 5 people with these symptoms actually have carpal tunnel syndrome. To establish a diagnosis, a clinician will evaluate your elbows, wrists, and arms for strength and flexibility imbalances, tissue adhesions, and muscle dysfunction. What are the treatment options?Current research supports the use of physical therapy to restore normal movements to the elbow, hand, and wrist. You can make changes in your home or at work to alleviate pain and pressure. Some medications, like Ibuprofen and Naproxen, are used to relieve symptoms temporarily. Corticosteroid injections can also be given in the carpal tunnel area to relieve pain. Surgery is usually a last resort option for those with chronic carpal tunnel syndrome, but has a very high success rate. If you are experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, the experts at Michigan Hand and Wrist offers comprehensive adult and pediatric care to treat this condition. Live your life pain-free and contact the experienced medical team at Michigan Hand and Wrist to begin your treatment.

Do I Have Wrist Tendonitis?

Are you experiencing difficulty and pain when moving your wrist? One of the most common causes of wrist pain is a condition called wrist tendonitis, also known as tenosynovitis. It’s characterized by irritation and inflammation of the tendons around the wrist joint, and is a fairly common condition. So, how do you know if you are experiencing wrist tendonitis?

Symptoms

  • difficulty moving wrist
  • pain in area of inflammation
  • swelling of surrounding soft tissue

How to Diagnose

Wrist tendonitis is most often diagnosed by looking for the characteristic symptoms. Symptoms are universal, but a more specific analysis is required to determine the precise location of the inflammation. A trained physician can perform stretch tests to determine exactly which tendon is the source of discomfort. One form of wrist tendonitis, called ‘DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis’, is the inflammation of the tendon at the base of the thumb. This form of tendonitis most commonly afflicts new mothers and is diagnosed using a specific test called ‘Finkelstein’s’ test’. This is just one example of the many forms of wrist tendonitis. Depending on the specific source of pain, there are a number of different treatment options available.

Treatments

Immobilization

Splinting the wrist is the first step towards treating wrist tendonitis. By restricting the tendon and allowing it to rest, inflammation and pain should decrease. 

Anti-inflammatory Medications

Anti-inflammatory medications are effective at decreasing inflammation and swelling in the soft tissue, which is the primary cause of the pain. This treatment, however effective, is not a permanent solution to an ongoing problem. 

Cortisone Injection

Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory that is administered through injection directly at the source of pain. Again, this treatment may be only temporary and can weaken the tendons over time. 

Surgery

If the previously listed methods of treatment were deemed ineffective and the problem is recurring a doctor might recommend a surgical procedure. Through surgery, areas of the tendon and inflammatory tissue can be removed, allowing the tendon to move freely. If you are experiencing wrist pain it is highly recommended that you visit an orthopedic surgeon immediately. They can correctly diagnose your condition and recommend the correct treatment plan for your specific issue. For the most respected orthopedic surgeons in Michigan contact Michigan Hand and Wrist, P.C. and discuss with them your individualized treatment plan.

Is Hand or Wrist Surgery Right For You?

Dealing with hand and wrist pain can be endlessly frustrating in its ability to prevent you from interacting with the world around you.  Every daily activity can become a struggle.  Managing and treating wrist pain should always be a priority, but how do you know if surgery is a viable option?  Here are some of the most common conditions that can be treated with surgery:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the hand and results in a pain, tingling, numbness, swelling, and weakness.  Surgery can relieve the pressure on the nerve by creating a small incision on the transverse carpal ligament and relieving the pressure. 

Recovery from this surgery usually takes about four to six weeks and may require hand therapy.

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow, also commonly referred to as golfer’s elbow, is a type of painful tendonitis that results in pain on the outer side of the elbow and forearm.  Symptoms are typically most severe while gripping and lifting with the hand in specific positions.

Chronically irritated tissues can be removed though surgery, with the main goal to relieve pain. Surgery alleviates the symptoms of tennis elbow in around 70-90% of patients.

Ganglion Cyst

Ganglion cysts, which are small fluid-filled lumps, grow out of the tissues surrounding a joint.  While most commonly occurring on the back or underside of the wrist, they can appear on a number of joints on the hand. 

While mostly harmless, a ganglion cyst can put pressure on the nerves that pass through the joint, causing pain, tingling, and muscle weakness. If a ganglion cyst is recurring, or doesn’t respond to nonsurgical treatment, a procedure can be performed that removes the ganglion, as well as the involved joint capsule that’s considered its root.

To learn more about how hand and wrist surgery can help you eliminate your pain, contact the award-winning orthopedic surgeons at Michigan Hand and Wrist, P.C. and discuss with them your individualized treatment plan.