Tips to Prevent Nerve Irritation of the Hand

There are three major nerves in the hands and wrists – the radial, ulnar, and median nerves. With 27 major bones, and a network of connective tissue and sensory and motor neurons that help to regulate feeling and movement, the hands, wrists, and fingers can be especially susceptible to overuse injuries, nerve damage, and inflammation.

Inflammation, strain from repetitive movements, trauma from an accident or injury, genetic and hereditary factors, and growths and tumors can place pressure on the nerves, resulting in symptoms like pain, tingling, tenderness, stiffness, and difficulty with movement and range of motion.

There are a number of nerve conditions that can cause hand and wrist pain and mobility problems. The Fitzmaurice Hand Institute in Phoenix offers the latest in technologically advanced diagnostic and treatment options for hand and wrist trauma and injuries, including the following conditions:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Thumb Arthritis
• Musician Hand Injuries
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
• Trigger Finger/Thumb
• Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
• Dupuytren’s Contracture
• De Quervain’s Disease
• Urgent Hand Injuries
• Lipomas and Masses

How to Prevent Nerve Pain in the Hands and Wrists

Pain, tenderness, and irritation are often caused by the repetitive motions necessary for certain occupations, physical activities, and sports. Depending on the extent and cause of pressure and inflammation on the nerve, conservative and self-care treatments, like rest and physical therapy, can often help to relieve pain, stiffness, and strain on the nerves.

Some of precautions that anyone can take to reduce the risk of developing hand and wrist nerve damage and joint pain include:

• Practice good posture
• Take regular breaks throughout the work day
• Practice proper technique when exercising, playing sports, and engaging in continuous physical activity
• Stretch, especially before and after physical activity and exercise
• Consult with a double board-certified surgeon with expertise in treating hand and wrist ailments if you experience mild to moderate signs of nerve irritation

Effective Treatment Options for Nerve and Joint Irritation

Some instances of pain and stiffness can be relieved with conservative treatments, including:

• Splinting and bracing
• Corticosteroid injections
• Over the counter and prescription NSAIDs
• Heat and cold therapy
• Physical therapy and strength training

Like all injuries and medical conditions, treatment for nerve problems depends on a number of factors, such as the cause, severity, and other individual factors like a person’s genetics, medical history, and general health profile.

Signs and Symptoms of Nerve Injuries

While some people are obviously more active than others, everyone uses their hands and fingers on a daily basis, therefore putting them at risk for injuries and strains. People who regularly engage in repetitive motions like typing, practicing a forward or back stroke in the pool or swinging a baseball bat or tennis racket for a few hours several times a week may be at a higher risk for developing nerve conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis.

That said, seemingly “safe” activities like picking up a baby multiple times a day or spending several hours every week behind the steering wheel of a car can also lead to painful nerve conditions like trigger finger and trigger thumb (also known as “mommy thumb” because of its prevalence among women who repeatedly pick up and carry babies and young children on a daily basis).

Nerve pain or damage in the hands and wrists can have a negative impact on a person’s overall quality of life, especially when it interferes with the ability to perform professional and everyday tasks like driving or lifting objects. Knowing what signs and symptoms to look for and seeking a timely diagnosis and treatment from a skilled physician are key to preventing permanent nerve damage and potential loss of function in the affected hand or wrist.

The most common signs and symptoms of nerve irritation in the hands and wrists include:

• Numbness and tingling/prickling sensation in the hand or wrist
• Pain or burning
• Sensitivity
• Stiffness
• Weakness and muscle atrophy
• Difficulty or pain performing regular activities like typing, lifting, or driving

Minimally Invasive Hand Surgery for Nerve Injuries in Arizona

The Fitzmaurice Hand Institute offers state-of-the-art treatment options for nerve conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger thumb, and emergency hand injuries. We also use our in-office ultrasound and MRI technique to provide a timely and efficient diagnosis of nerve conditions without waiting for results from a third party lab. Dr. Fitzmaurice also pioneered the EndoTech® system to offer minimally invasive hand surgery for common nerve injuries and chronic hand and joint pain.

EndoTech is an advanced endoscopic procedure that provides enhanced visualization of the nerves and joint space for greater precision and accuracy during surgery, which decreases many of the risks and complications associated with traditional operations. With EndoTech, patients enjoy shorter recovery periods and a faster return to everyday life. The typical EndoTech patient can generally return to work within a week of treatment in most cases.

Find the Right Hand Surgeon in Phoenix

For more information on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options for hand and wrist nerve injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome, contact the Fitzmaurice Hand Institute by calling (480) 351-6483 to schedule an appointment with double board-certified surgeon Dr. Michael Fitzmaurice in Phoenix today.

The post Tips to Prevent Nerve Irritation of the Hand appeared first on Hand Specialist In Phoenix AZ | Fitzmaurice Hand Institute.

The Best Treatment Options for Tendinitis

Tendons are a type of connective tissue that attaches the muscle to the bones and holds the joints together, while also allowing flexibility and movement. Tendinitis (also known as tendonitis) develops when a tendon becomes inflamed due to stress, strain, or other factors such as arthritis or diabetes, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Tendinitis can technically develop anywhere in the body, but is most common in the:

• Shoulders
• Hands and wrists
• Biceps
• Calves

Due to their proximity to the joints and similar symptoms, tendinitis is sometimes misdiagnosed as arthritis. Tendinitis treatment options typically range from conservative measures like rest and self-care to physical and occupational therapy in Scottsdale, depending on the severity of the inflammation, the symptoms, and the patient’s overall health.

Specific types of tendinitis:

• Wrist (De Quervain’s tenosynovitis)
• Patellar (knee)
• Achilles
• Elbow (tennis and golfer)
• Swimmer’s shoulder

What Causes Tendinitis?

The most common cause of tendon swelling and inflammation is strain from performing repetitive motions for a prolonged period of time, such as typing, operating machinery at work, playing sports like tennis or volleyball, performing certain exercises, or practicing a musical instrument. The impact or trauma experienced in an accident can also cause the tendons to become inflamed, resulting in tendonitis.

Other factors that can contribute to or increase the risk of tendinitis include:

• Arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), and gout)
• Side effect of certain types of medication
• Joint/bone deformities
• Diabetes/obesity

Participating in certain types of sports with continuous motions and overhead arm and hand movements can increase the risk of repetitive motion injuries like tendinitis. These sports include:

• Swimming
• Tennis
• Golf
• Bowling
• Basketball
• Baseball
• Running

The risk of developing tendinitis also tends to increase with age, as the joints and connective tissues become less flexible and more rigid with normal wear and tear over time.

Signs and Symptoms of Inflamed Tendons

The most common symptom of an inflamed tendon is a dull ache at the point where the tendon meets the bone, especially when moving or bending the joint. The area can also be tender to the touch with visible swelling. Mild swelling and inflammation from regular strain can typically resolve with rest, over-the-counter pain medication, and anti-inflammatories, like Advil and Motrin.

Diagnosis and Tendonitis Treatment in Phoenix

In many cases, depending on the severity and extent of the inflammation, tendinitis symptoms may clear up and resolve with simple rest and self-care methods. A temporary flare-up related to overuse after physical activity or long hours behind a computer can often be treated at home with conservative treatments like hot and cold therapy and/or over-the-counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen).

Other conservative and self-care treatment methods for mild to moderate tendinitis symptoms in Scottsdale include:

• Splints, braces, or slings can help limit movement and allow the swelling and inflammation to subside for mild to moderate cases of tendinitis that respond to rest and self-care.
• Prescription medication and corticosteroid injections are prescribed to help relieve pain and inflammation when doses of aspirin or ibuprofen aren’t strong enough.
• Physical therapy may be recommended for moderate to severe chronic tendinitis (where pain persists or clears up and then returns for a prolonged period of time). There are many different types of physical therapy that can offer relief depending on the location, cause, and severity of each case.
• Regenerative medicine, such as fat or amniotic stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma, or our Neurogen Nerve Support Supplements can help accelerate the healing the process, resulting in less downtime and faster results. In many cases, regenerative techniques used for tendinitis treatment allow patients to avoid surgery altogether.

Read more about regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy at WebMD.com.

Some of the most common forms of tendinitis treatment options include:

• Heat and cold therapy
• Sound wave and ultrasound
• Electrical stimulation
• Water therapy
• Laser therapy
• Massage therapy
• Custom orthotics
• Strength training
• Cortisone injections

Occupational therapy requires professional evaluation and an overall modification of lifestyle factors and activities that can contribute to injury or re-injury when physical activities are performed with poor technique and bad posture. It may also involve using better ergonomic practices in the workplace or assistive devices that can help to stabilize the wrists while typing on a computer or the knees during physical activity, for example.

With adequate diagnosis and timely tendinitis treatment from a double board-certified surgeon in Scottsdale, such as Dr. Michael Fitzmaurice, most cases of tendinitis respond to conservative treatment and self-care, and the swelling and inflammation will clear up over time with no permanent injury or side effects. In order to prevent further injury or potential damage to the joint or surrounding soft tissue, any instances of pain that do not clear up with self-care or that clear up and then return frequently should be examined by a physician or specialist.

The Fitzmaurice Hand Institute in Phoenix offers advanced diagnostic and tendinitis treatment options for a range of nerve injuries in the hands and wrists, including:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Trigger Finger/Thumb
• Arthritis
• Tennis Elbow
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
• Musician Hand Injuries
• Dupuytren’s Contracture
• De Quervain’s tendinitis
• Lipomas
• Urgent Hand Injuries

Learn more about the technological edge that makes the Fitzmaurice Hand Institute different from other medical practices in the country offering tendinitis treatment.

Find a Hand Specialist in Arizona

Hand and wrist pain can interfere with and affect everything from job performance to everyday quality of life. For more information on tendinitis treatment options for tendinitis and nerve injuries and conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, contact the Fitzmaurice Hand Institute in Scottsdale by calling (480) 351-6483 to schedule an appointment with double board-certified hand surgeon Dr. Michael Fitzmaurice today.

Next, read Be Pepared for Summer Hand Hazards

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Be Prepared for Summer Hand Hazards

It’s summertime: The kids are out of school, you’re on vacation, and you’re ready to break out the grill and the watermelon. Before you get too wrapped up in celebrating your time-off with family and neighborhood get-togethers, be sure that you know the hazards involved and protect yourself and your loved ones against hand injury. Verifying that you have the right equipment, the knowledge to use it safely, and well-fitting protective hand gear can keep your summer leisurely and emergency-free.

If you do suffer a hand injury, the Fitzmaurice Hand Institute and Hand & Wrist Urgent Care are open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. We can see you, evaluate you, and treat you all on the same day.

Summertime Hand Injury Risks to Watch Out For

Mowing

If you haven’t switched to an eco-friendly, local-plant-based Arizona lawn and are still using a lawn mower, be sure to exercise caution. Tugging too hard on the starter rope of a power mower can cause shoulder-rotator-cuff tears and even shoulder dislocations. If a lawnmower is unbalanced or you drive it on a slope or over a rock, it can tip over and crush your hands, arms, or other body parts.

Sharpening the mower blades yourself can lead to tendon lacerations. Clearing rocks or other impediments may cause you to accidentally activate the blades, leading to cuts or even amputations. Be sure your mower is turned off before attempting to adjust the blades and always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance to avoid suffering a hand injury.

Gardening

Gardening gloves may look and feel bulky, but they can provide an extra layer of protection in case you’re distracted while clipping the hedges. Always wear gloves while gardening to protect yourself from blades, stones, glass, and thorns. Make sure your tool has a working safety mechanism so it won’t cut while not in use. The safety can also prevent children from using tools before they are ready and end up with a cut or other hand injury.

Grilling

If you have a charcoal grill, use long-handled matches or a flint to light the coals. Be sure to use gloves when opening the lid. And never attempt to turn or remove food with your bare hands or a regular fork. Use long tongs and barbecue forks to keep your fingers away from the flames or coals. Never toss lighter fluid, gasoline or kerosene on the grill to make it “flame.”

Cutting

Sharp knives cut more easily than dull ones, and therefore have less risk of slipping or jamming while you’re in the middle of cutting. However, a sharp knife can not only slice your hands but may amputate a finger. Always secure the item being cut on a cutting board, preferably one with grips. Cut off the ends of watermelons and other round fruit so that it can be stood on its end, minimizing the risk of the fruit rolling and the knife slipping while you’re cutting. Be sure to cut away from your body. Do not cut small fruit or avocados in your hands in order to avoid suffering a hand injury.

Baseballs, Diving Boards, and Other Sports

Any sport that involves running, jumping, and/ or throwing risks injuries to your hands, fingers, shoulders, and arms. Always wear the recommended protective gear. Kids and adults should learn how to break a fall safely to avoid jamming or breaking hands, fingers or shoulders.

When playing water sports or diving, be sure there is sufficient water in the pool before jumping in. Keep fingers off the sides of the pools where other bathers may be running or walking.

Biking

Everyone knows that they could injure themselves by falling off a bicycle, but did you know that you can create stress and injuries to your hands, shoulders, and elbows if your bicycle isn’t properly adjusted? Common biking injuries include median and ulnar nerve neuropathies, elbow tendonitis, and other repetitive motion injuries, plus wrist and hand fractures.

Your handgrips should be designed to absorb shocks, minimizing the stress on the tendons and bones in the hands and fingers. Handlebars should be set shoulder width apart and have an 8- to 10-degree sweep.

Boating and Fishing

Just as with lawnmowers, the blades in a boat mower can cause lacerations and even amputations. Never touch the blades while in use. Be sure the motor is turned all the way off before making any adjustments in order to protect yourself and others against a potential hand injury.

Handle fishing hooks with care and be sure that young children are discouraged from baiting their own hooks.

Fireworks and Sparklers

The safest way to handle fireworks is to leave them to the pros and take your family to a community fireworks show. You and your kids could suffer a hand injury such as severe burns and/or amputations due to faulty or poorly managed fireworks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children sustain about 45% of fireworks injuries. Even after the 4th of July has passed, the danger is still there: Kids play with sparklers all summer long. But while sparklers may seem “safe,” they actually burn at more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, so keep them far from tiny fingers.

Be Prepared

Just as the airlines remind you of safety procedures before every flight, you should periodically review the safety recommendations on your equipment and tools, plus be sure that they have been properly maintained. Always have a first aid kit filled with supplies, and keep a fire extinguisher handy (don’t forget to replace if it’s close to the expiration date).

Warm up your body – including your shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, and fingers – before undertaking any sport or physical task, such as gardening or boating, that may involve pushing or pulling.

Know where the nearest medical center is. Keep your phone nearby and charged. Be sure to have pertinent medical and emergency numbers already stored on your phone in the event of a hand injury.

How to Handle a Hand Injury

If you suffer a hand, finger, wrist, elbow, arm or shoulder injury, take these immediate steps, and then follow up with emergency medical care at Hand & Wrist Urgent Care, if necessary:

For lacerations: Clean the injured area with soap and water, and/or diluted hydrogen peroxide. Protect with a lint-less bandage.

For amputations: Seek immediate medical care. Clean as above. Bandage with a lint-less bandage. Clean and ice the amputated finger tip or finger. (Note: Highly damaged tips and fingers cannot be re-attached.)

For first-degree burns: For superficial, 1st-degree burns that only affect the outer layer of the skin, soak the burned area in cool water for at least 5 minutes. Apply lidocaine or aloe vera gel. Treat with an antibiotic ointment and cover loosely in lint-less gauze. For 2nd or 3rd degree burns (blistering, peeling, bleeding), seek medical care immediately.

Learn more about first aid care for a hand injury at WebMD.com.

When to Seek Urgent Care

Everybody suffers minor injuries from time to time that can be easily handled with a home first aid kit. But how do you know your hand injury requires medical treatment? Here are some of the signs:

• The pain is worse than you’ve ever experienced before
• The pain feels “different” than other pains you’ve experienced
• The pain doesn’t resolve on its own
• You have a lot of swelling and/or discoloration
• You felt or heard a “pop” during the injury
• You feel numb in the injured area, neck, and/or back
• You cannot move your injured finger, wrist, hand or arm

Come to Hand & Wrist Urgent Care

If your summer hand injury requires more than first aid, the professional team at the Fitzmaurice Hand Institute can handle everything from diagnosis to treatment in one location You’ll find us at 8841 E. Bell Rd. #201 Scottsdale, AZ 85260. You can also call us at (480) 351-6483 or contact us online. We’re open from Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm.

If you have an emergency hand injury, visit Hand & Wrist Urgent Care in the same building, 8841 E. Bell Rd. Ste. #102 Scottsdale, AZ 85260. We will evaluate you within 10 minutes of your arrival. Walk-ins are welcome.

Have a safe summer!

Next, read 10 Facts About the Snapping, Locking Condition Trigger Finger

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10 Facts About the Snapping, Locking Condition Trigger Finger

Tendons are tough bands of tissue that connect bone to muscle. The tendons in your hand are known as flexor tendons. When you move or bend your fingers, these flexor tendons move through lubricated tunnels called tendon sheaths, which also help keep the tendons in place. When either the flexor tendon or the tendon sheath becomes inflamed and swollen, the tendon cannot pass through the sheath very easily.

When you try to bend your finger, and it gets stuck as a result of these issues, this is called flexor tenosynovitis, or trigger finger. People who make repetitive gripping actions in their daily work or hobby are at a higher risk of developing this condition than others.

At the Fitzmaurice Hand Institute, we know that your hands and fingers are important to even the most mundane parts of your life, so we’re proud to offer the most effective and innovative treatments possible, including such regenerative medicine therapies as stem cell therapy or prolotherapy in addition to more conventional treatments.

Because this condition can affect your life so much, the following are 10 things you should know about trigger finger.

1. The Cause of Trigger Finger Is Unknown

Although no one is quite sure why you may develop trigger finger, there are known risk factors to be aware of:

• Being a woman (thought to be 5x more likely to develop this condition than men)
• Diabetes
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Being an adult in your 50s or 60s
• Rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory diseases

If any of the above conditions apply to you (especially two or more), then you are at higher risk of developing this condition.

2. It Can Happen in Any Finger

No finger is off limits, although the thumb and middle finger are perhaps the most commonly affected digits.

3. Bending a Trigger Finger Actually Makes a Sound

Many people don’t realize that moving a finger affected by this condition causes an actual sound. When your tendon becomes too inflamed and swollen to fit easily into its tendon sheath, an audible “snap” or “pop” is made when bending your affected finger.

4. It’s Painful

We’re talking about tendons, which are made of tough, thick tissue. Any issue that swells and inflames them so much that they don’t fit into their specially designed sheaths is going to cause pain. When it’s severe enough that your finger gets stuck in a bent or locked position that takes your other hand to help straighten out, then you can imagine how painful that can be.

5. Most Frequently Occurs In Your Dominant Hand

Trigger finger typically occurs in a patient’s dominant hand. This makes sense considering that continued movement of the affected digits often worsens the inflammation and swelling.

6. Trigger Finger Is Different from Tendinitis or Tendinosis

It’s important to understand that there are distinctions between trigger finger and tendonitis or tendinosis because treatment varies among the three.

• Tendonitis is an inflamed, swollen tendon, usually due to damage to the tendon, such as a micro-tear from injury to or overuse of the tendon.
• Tendinosis results from chronic degrading of your tendon fibers over time, a natural result of aging.
• Trigger finger is damage to the protective sheath covering your tendon, which causes swelling of the sheath and limits movement of your tendon through it.

It’s possible for you to have tendonitis or tendinosis AND trigger finger simultaneously, which could create even more complications.

7. About a Quarter of All Cases Get Better Without Treatment

It is often the case that medical conditions with unclear causes can be unpredictable in how they respond to treatment. In fact, some conditions come and go with no symptoms or warning. In about 25% of all cases of this condition, the symptoms, pain, and swelling disappear without treatment or warning.

Unfortunately for the remaining three-quarters of those with this debilitating condition, treatment is necessary to alleviate your pain and locked finger.

8. Surgery is NOT the Only Option for Treatment

Although trigger finger surgery is nearly 100% effective in correcting this issue, it isn’t the only effective conventional treatment available. In fact, your first option should be one of the following:

• Rest and pain medication as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) effectively reduce pain and swelling.
• A splint strapped to the affected finger restricts movement to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and aid recovery.
• Corticosteroid injections reduce swelling and are still effective after decades of successful use.

Although trigger finger surgery on the affected sheath, which allows the tendon to move freely again, is a relatively minor procedure, it’s generally used only after other treatments have not worked.

9. Prolotherapy is a Viable Treatment

Prolotherapy is a decades-old regenerative medicine therapy that uses an irritating agent to stimulate the healing process. When injected into the inflamed, swollen area, the agent regenerates damaged tissue, helping to strengthen and repair the tendons for free movement of your finger once again.

10. Stem Cell Therapy is Effective

Stem cell therapy for hand and wrist injuries is a modern twist that is effective in treating trigger finger. Using image guidance, such as ultrasound, stem cells are grafted to the injured tissue, causing a healing inflammatory response that helps your pain start disappearing within one to two weeks, although complete results won’t be known for one to two months.

Learn more about this condition by visiting WebMD.com.

Got a Painful Trigger Finger? We’ve Got Just Your Therapy!

Trigger finger is a painful condition that affects your life in different ways. Visit the Fitzmaurice Hand Institute in Phoenix today for a consultation about this or other hand issues. With our expert knowledge and treatment options ranging from conventional surgery to cutting-edge stem cell therapy or prolotherapy, we can help you resume a pain-free, happy life.

Next, read our blog, 5 Exercises to Prevent and Relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The post 10 Facts About the Snapping, Locking Condition Trigger Finger appeared first on Hand Specialist In Phoenix AZ | Fitzmaurice Hand Institute.

Five Exercises to Help Prevent and Relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Like many conditions that affect the nerves (particularly those in the hands and wrists), carpal tunnel syndrome is a progressive condition with symptoms that worsen and become more intense over time. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and risk factors for temporary and permanent carpal tunnel syndrome can help patients get an early diagnosis and prevent the condition from getting worse.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and What Causes It?

Sensation and motor function to the fingers (except for the pinky and outer facing portion of the thumb) are controlled by signals that run through the median nerve, which passes from the forearm through the wrist. Inflammation can cause the nerve to swell and become compressed inside of the carpal tunnel, which can cause pain and other symptoms, including mobility problems.

Though commonly believed to be a repetitive motion injury, the direct cause of median nerve compression is less understood, and can result from a range of stimulants, from heredity and genetics to the hormonal changes and surges commonly associated with pregnancy.

The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are numbness and tingling in the fingers and wrists, and this tingling can travel up the forearm as well. The pain and numbness can become constant and eventually lead to weakness and problems with movement, specifically with gripping or pinching movements with the thumb.

Protect Your Hands and Wrists with Preventive and Strengthening Stretches and Exercises

A pinched nerve in one or both wrists can interfere with everyday activities like gripping a steering wheel, typing, and holding a cell phone or other handheld device. Dr. Fitzmaurice advises patients to incorporate regular stretching and strength training activities for the hands and wrists into a regular exercise and wellness routine in order to help prevent and offset pressure on the median nerve.

The following exercises can help you stay healthy and active day after day.

Wrist Flex

Extend arms out in front of the body with the palms facing up towards the ceiling. Bend one wrist outwards toward the floor (palm side up), using the other hand to gently flex the wrist back, creating a gentle stretch in the forearm. Perform two to four repetitions, holding the position for 15 – 30 seconds each.

Prayer Stretch

Place the palms together in the prayer position at chin level. Slowly lower the hands, keeping the palms together and close to the stomach, to waist level for a gentle stretch in the forearms. Perform two to four repetitions, holding the position for 15 – 30 seconds each.

Mirror Spider Pushups

The somewhat odd name notwithstanding, “spider pushups” are an excellent exercise to help stretch the median nerves and prevent the strain of carpal tunnel syndrome. With the palms facing together in prayer position, slowly separate the palms and spread the fingers, making sure to keep the tips of the fingers touching at all times, creating the “steeple” position. This simple exercise stretches several components, including the carpal tunnel, the median nerve, and the palmar fascia. Because it requires minimal movement, it can be performed at a desk at work or even while sitting in traffic.

Shake it Off

Giving the hands and wrists a vigorous shake, simulating the motion of air drying the hands after washing them, helps to alleviate cramping and numbness. Performing this motion for a minute or two several times a day can help to keep the flexor muscles and median nerves loose and relaxed throughout the day.

Arm Yourself

Stretch one arm straight in front of the body with the palm facing the floor. Use the other arm to stretch the down-facing palm at the wrist as far as comfortably possible. Hold the position for up to 20 seconds, repeating the stretch on both sides.

What to Do if You Think You Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Dr. Fitzmaurice advises patients to make an appointment at the Fitzmaurice Hand Institute in Phoenix for persistent pain or numbness in the hands, fingers, or wrists. If left untreated, some injuries and conditions could result in permanent nerve damage, causing pain and mobility problems. Depending on the severity and cause of symptoms, many cases of carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve injuries to the upper extremities can be treated with minimally invasive outpatient surgery, which has significantly lower risk of side effects and complications and faster healing and recovery rates than traditional open surgery.

Learn more about this hand and wrist condition by visiting WebMD.com.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Phoenix

If you are experiencing persistent pain, numbness, or tingling in your wrists, hands, or fingers, you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome or another hand injury. For more information on prevention, minimally invasive outpatient hand and wrist surgery, and recovery options, contact board certified hand surgeon Dr. Michael Fitzmaurice to schedule an appointment at the Fitzmaurice Hand Institute in Phoenix today!

Next, read our blog, The Fast-Acting Results of Carpal Tunnel Treatment.

The post Five Exercises to Help Prevent and Relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome appeared first on Hand Specialist In Phoenix AZ | Fitzmaurice Hand Institute.

The Fast-Acting Results of Carpal Tunnel Treatment

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects your hands or arms, causing numbness, uncomfortable tingling and an eventual weakness of the hand. According to Mayo Clinic, a pinched nerve in the wrist causes carpal tunnel syndrome.

The carpal tunnel is a small passage located on the inside of your wrist. This tunnel covers the nine tendons of the hand and fingers as well as a main nerve to the hand. A number of ligaments and bones enclose the tunnel.

Factors that contribute to the pinching of the nerve include underlying health problems. In addition, certain harmful patterns of hand use and the anatomy of your wrist are possible causes. Luckily, many people who develop this condition can find efficient treatment that alleviates the tingling and numbness while restoring proper hand and wrist function.

Types of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

The treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome varies from one patient to another and depends on the degree and duration of carpal tunnel symptoms suffered. In cases where numbness is slight, a mere shake or movement of the arm can remove numbness and you will experience wrist pain relief.

People who use computer keyboards daily are at risk for this condition. These individuals should try to avoid activities that worsen the symptoms. In the case of persistent symptoms, both non-surgical and surgical procedures are viable treatment options. This is especially true if you suffer an underlying health problem, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Traditional carpal tunnel treatments include corticosteroid injections and wrist splints. In addition, a doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also referred to as NSAIDs). Other options include stem cell treatments, chiropractic therapy, and acupuncture procedures.

Stem Cell Treatments (NeuroRejuvenation)

In recent years, stem cells have become a very popular way to treat various joint and ligament pain. At the Fitzmaurice Hand Institute, our regenerative medicine experts are excited to offer various stem cell treatments for the treatment and alleviation of joint pain. At our hand and wrist center, we provide patients with a stem cell treatment that obtains stem cells from a patient’s own fat cells. We call this treatment NeuroRejuvenation.

During a NeuroRejuvenation procedure, local anesthesia is administered to a patient and a mini liposuction is performed in order to remove the necessary fat cells. From here, the fat is placed in a centrifuge, which separates the stem cells from other tissues. These stem cells are then expertly administered into a patient’s joints and ligaments, ultimately providing pain relief and a higher quality of life.

There are many benefits to a NeuroRejuvenation stem cell treatment. Most notably, recovery and nerve regeneration is enhanced during this procedure. Additionally, since these stem cells are taken from a patient’s own body, no embryonic stem cells are used at any point in the procedure.

Wrist Splints

Wrist splints help keep the wrists in the most neutral position possible. While the splints do not apply pressure on the carpal tunnel, they prevent the wrist from bending. If the wrist bends, it can exert pressure on the median nerve and aggravate pain and other symptoms.

After four weeks of wearing the splint, you should expect positive results after which you can remove it. Ask your doctor to recommend a reputable supplier. Alternatively, purchase one from a large pharmacy or order online.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are steroid medications that introduce hormones to help reduce inflammation, pain, numbness, and other symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. They are ideal if a wrist splint does not work.

Depending on the severity of your condition, Dr. Fitzmaurice may prescribe corticosteroid tablets to be taken orally. Otherwise, an injection directly into the carpal tunnel may yield results faster. The doctor should administer one injection first and observe the symptoms. If they recur, additional injections may be necessary.

Carpal Tunnel Surgery

If the above treatments do not work, carpal tunnel surgery is usually the only other alternative. Traditional carpal tunnel surgery is ideal when you still suffer symptoms after a couple of weeks or months of nonsurgical treatment. In addition, Dr. Fitzmaurice will recommend surgery when your severe symptoms hamper you from doing daily activity.

Pain that disturbs sleep, a persistent loss of feeling, poor coordination of fingers and decreased strength of the thumb need surgical remedy. Also, pursue surgery when nerve tests indicate damage to your median nerve.

Open Carpal Tunnel Surgery

During an open carpal tunnels surgery, doctors make a large incision on the transverse carpal ligament in the wrist. This incision releases pressure from the median nerve and rids you of the carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. A surgeon will then make an incision on the base of the palm. The opening allows the surgeon to see and access the transverse carpal ligament. After releasing the underlying pressure, the doctor then closes the skin with a couple of stitches, leaving the cut ligament gap open. It fills up with tissue in due course.

Doctors can conduct an open carpal tunnel surgery under local anesthesia and discharge you to go home the same day. Before going home, a surgeon will wrap your hand and ask you to make another visit two weeks later to remove stitches. Usually, the pain and discomfort will have subsided by the time of your second visit.

EndoTech® Carpal Tunnel Surgery

EndoTech® is an exciting procedure offered by Dr. Fitzmaurice at the Fitzmaurice Hand Institute. This technology allows for better visibility for higher patient safety, smaller incisions in the treatment area (and less associated pain), and faster recovery with much less downtime. During this procedure, doctors use a thin flexible tube called an endoscope, which has a tiny camera attached to one end. Dr. Fitzmaurice then guides the endoscope via a small cut in a patient’s wrist or palm and is able to see the underlying structures. He then inserts tiny cutting tools via the same incision or another small one.

At this point, Dr. Fitzmaurice will cut the transverse carpal ligament, a process that releases pressure from the median nerve. As the symptoms of the syndrome diminish, the doctor closes the small incisions. The healing after an EndoTech® carpal tunnel surgery is typically faster than an open carpal tunnel surgery and often leads to better patient outcomes.

What to Expect After Carpal Tunnel Treatment

If your dominant hand was the one involved in the surgery, you will need 6-12 weeks to resume daily activities. If the operation was done on your less dominant hand, you may need just a few days of rest before resuming work. In this case, try to learn to work with the other hand.

You should not lift heavy objects or do a lot of work for three months after the procedure. The ability to return to work depends on the activities of your day-to-day employment. For faster healing, dedicate more time and commitment to physical therapy to rehabilitate the functions of your hand.

General Precautions During Healing 

After surgery, you will experience reduced or no numbness and pain on the operated hand. In very rare cases, complications arise where a patient experiences a recurrence of symptoms. Since the surgeon cuts the transverse carpal ligament, you may have loss of strength when gripping or pinching things. Otherwise, only one in 100 patients report nerve damage after surgery. Few patients report effects of general anesthesia and infection.

Contact a Hand Specialist in Phoenix Today

If you are looking for the most reliable remedy for wrist pain relief, contact The Fitzmaurice Hand Institute and schedule an appointment. Dr. Fitzmaurice will conduct tests to determine the proper procedure. Following treatment, you should resume normal daily activities.

Next, read our blog, How Cells From Fat Tissue Can Rejuvenate Your Hands and Help Relieve Arthritis Pain.

The post The Fast-Acting Results of Carpal Tunnel Treatment appeared first on Hand Specialist In Phoenix AZ | Fitzmaurice Hand Institute.

Cartilage Repair Treatment May Prevent Joint Replacement

Interventions aimed at repairing and restoring the cartilage, a rubbery connective tissue that acts as a cushion between the bones of joints, may prevent osteoarthritis and ultimately the requirement of joint replacement, health experts have said.

Knee or hip joint replacement surgery, known as arthroplasty, may put people at increased risk of heart attack immediately following the operation, new research published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology, showed.

"Cartilage defects have a tendency to progress, leading to symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) and ultimately resulting in the requirement of a joint replacement. Hence, interventions aimed at repairing and restoring the cartilage is needed, especially in younger individuals," leading cartilage scientist from Britain Professor Anan Shetty said in his keynote address at the launch of Delhi Cartilage Club (DCC) here over the weekend.

Read more on... Cartilage Repair Treatment May Prevent Joint Replacement