Wrist & Hand Archives - AM Healthcare Group

Tenosynovitis

markt — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 14:40:05 +0000

What is Tenosynovitis?

The most common cause is overuse of the tendon but it can also be caused by Arthritis and infection

Symptoms

Tenosynovitis is inflammation on the sheath that covers a tendon. As well as swelling, pain and tenderness are also present, which can cause the joint moved by the tendon to become stiff.

Treatments

Resting orthoses are used in the early stages to reduce pain and inflammation by reducing the excursion (movement range) and glide of tendons.

The post Tenosynovitis appeared first on AM Healthcare Group.

Radial Nerve Palsy

markt — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 14:38:28 +0000

What is Radial Nerve Palsy?

Also known as wrist dropped, it is mainly caused by damage to the radial nerve. Most causes are due to injury, long term pressure on the nerve or swelling of surrounding tissues. Some of the most common causes are due to improper use of crutches, fractures of the humerus (the bone of the upper arm), and pressure on the arm whilst sleeping, in a coma or when a person is intoxicated (Saturday night syndrome)

Symptoms

It can affect the back of the hand and forearm as well as the thumb, index and middle fingers’ dorsal (back) aspect. It can manifest as muscle weakness with an inability to extend the wrist, numbness, absent or decreased sensation, pins and needles, burning sensation or pain.

Treatments

A dynamic wrist hand orthosis will position the wrist and hand suitably to enable the unaffected muscles to work against resistance.

The post Radial Nerve Palsy appeared first on AM Healthcare Group.

Dupuytren’s Contracture

markt — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 14:36:07 +0000

What is Dupuytren’s Contracture?

Dupuytren’s is a condition which affects the hands and fingers due to thickening of the “Connective tissue”. This thickening causes the finger(s) to contract, causing it/them to bend towards the palm. The cause of the contracture is unknown but it seems to run in families. This would suggest there is a strong genetic component to it. This condition seems more common in Northern European countries and is associated with diabetes epilepsy and alcohol dependence syndrome.

Symptoms

Small lumps, which can be painful, develop on the palm of the hand. As the disease progresses, it causes the tendons which bend the fingers to shorten. The ring finger is typically the most commonly affected finger followed by the little finger. In severe cases, the middle finger can be also affected.

Treatments

Orthotic treatment is usually carried out after tendon release, in the form of:
• A Resting Wrist Hand Orthosis, to avoid the scar tissue from contracting. The orthosis is worn all day for few weeks and then only at night to maintain the stretch.

The post Dupuytren’s Contracture appeared first on AM Healthcare Group.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

markt — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 14:25:41 +0000

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?

CTS is caused by compression of the median nerve at the “carpal tunnel” area of the wrist. It can be caused by a combination of factors, such as an injury that causes swelling, hypothyroidism, Rheumatoid Arthritis, mechanical problems of the wrist joint and genetic causes. Other external factors such as tumour or ganglions can cause pressure on the nerve.

Symptoms

The symptoms will tend to be mild at first and become worse over time, with numbness, tingling and a burning sensation of the thumb, index and middle fingers, this tends to be worse during the night and patients may experience a swelling sensation of the hand. Reduction of grip strength can also be present and if left untreated muscle wastage around the thumb and affected fingers can be seen.

Treatments

• Resting wrist hand orthoses for night use to keep all joints in a resting neutral position.

• An elasticated wrist Orthosis to position the wrist in a slightly extended position to open up the carpel tunnel and reduce compression on the nerve.

The post Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) appeared first on AM Healthcare Group.

Wrist Fractures

markt — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 13:52:35 +0000

What is Wrist Fractures?

The most common cause of wrist fractures are from falls. As a person falls, the hand is automatically brought out to cushion the fall (called the saving reaction), causing the wrist to bend backwards.

Symptoms

The wrist joint is usually painful and swollen and it may be deformed.

Treatments

Following other medical intervention (plaster cast and/or surgery) there may be a need to support or immobilise the wrist. This may be achieved using:

• A thermoplastic Wrist Hand Orthosis (WHO)

• An elasticated / neoprene wrist support

The post Wrist Fractures appeared first on AM Healthcare Group.