Hand & Wrist

Hand and wrist fractures are common injuries involving a break in one of the many bones within the hand and wrist. These fractures can significantly affect hand function and daily activities.

These fractures often result from falls, especially when a person tries to catch themselves with an outstretched hand. They can also occur due to direct trauma or in sports-related activities. Risk factors include osteoporosis, participating in contact sports, and engaging in activities that increase the likelihood of falls.

Wrist sprains are common injuries that occur when the ligaments of the wrist are stretched beyond their normal capacity, leading to tears or strains. These injuries are prevalent in both athletes and the general population, often resulting from falls, sudden twists, or direct impacts.

The most common cause of a wrist sprain is a fall onto an outstretched hand, which can overextend or bend the wrist ligaments abnormally. Sports activities, particularly those involving ball handling, falls, or collisions (like basketball, skateboarding, or snowboarding), increase the risk of wrist sprains. Additionally, repetitive stress on the wrist can predispose individuals to sprains.

Flexor Tendon Injuries involve damage to the flexor tendons, which are tissues that help control movement in the hand and fingers. These injuries are significant because they can impair the ability to bend the fingers or thumb, affecting hand function.

Flexor tendon injuries typically occur from cuts on the hand or fingers, often involving sharp objects like knives or glass. They can also result from sports injuries, crush injuries, or rheumatoid arthritis, which can weaken the tendons. Athletes, particularly those involved in contact sports, and individuals with occupations requiring manual labor are at higher risk.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is a condition characterized by pressure or stretching of the ulnar nerve, also known as the “funny bone” nerve, which runs in a groove on the inner side of the elbow. This syndrome is a common type of nerve compression injury.

The ulnar nerve can be compressed in several ways: leaning on the elbow for long periods, bending the elbow for prolonged times (like during sleep), or through direct trauma to the inside of the elbow. Certain activities or occupations that require repetitive elbow bending or pressure on the elbow increase the risk. Anatomical abnormalities or previous elbow injuries can also contribute.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It occurs when the two tendons around the base of the thumb become swollen and irritated, leading to pain and difficulty in thumb and wrist movement.

The exact cause of De Quervain’s is not well understood, but it is associated with overuse of the wrist and repetitive thumb movements, such as grasping, pinching, or wringing. New mothers are particularly susceptible, possibly due to lifting their babies repeatedly. Other risk factors include rheumatoid arthritis, direct trauma to the wrist, and activities or occupations that involve repetitive hand and wrist motions.

Dupuytren’s Disease, also known as Dupuytren’s Contracture, is a hand condition that gradually causes the fingers to bend towards the palm, restricting their ability to straighten. This non-painful but progressive condition primarily affects the ring and little fingers and can impede hand function.

The exact cause of Dupuytren’s is unknown, but it has a familial predisposition, indicating a genetic component. It predominantly affects individuals of Northern European descent and is more common in men than women, particularly those over the age of 50. Other risk factors include diabetes, smoking, alcohol use, and epilepsy.

Radial Tunnel Syndrome is a painful condition caused by pressure on the radial nerve as it travels through a narrow passageway near the elbow, known as the radial tunnel. This condition is often mistaken for tennis elbow due to the similarity in pain locations but involves nerve compression rather than tendon strain.

The syndrome typically arises from activities that require repetitive forearm movements or direct pressure on the radial nerve. These can include certain types of manual work, sports, or even prolonged computer use. Factors such as anatomic variations, muscle overuse, or injury can contribute to the development of this syndrome.

Trigger Finger, or Stenosing Tenosynovitis, is a condition where a finger gets stuck in a bent position and then snaps straight, much like pulling and releasing a trigger. It occurs when inflammation narrows the space within the sheath that surrounds the tendon in the affected finger.

The exact cause of Trigger Finger is not always clear, but it’s known to be associated with repetitive gripping actions which can irritate the tendon sheath, leading to inflammation. Risk factors include certain health conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as occupations or hobbies that require prolonged gripping or repetitive hand use.

A Distal Radius Fracture, commonly known as a broken wrist, involves a break near the wrist end of the long bone in the forearm known as the radius. This type of fracture is one of the most common bone injuries and frequently occurs from falls onto an outstretched hand.

The primary cause is trauma, such as a fall, sports injury, or car accident. Risk factors include osteoporosis, which weakens bones making them more susceptible to fractures, and engaging in activities like skating or cycling, where falls are common.

A Ganglion Cyst is a non-cancerous lump that commonly develops along the joints or tendons of the wrists or hands, though they can also appear on ankles and feet. These cysts are filled with a jelly-like fluid and can vary in size, sometimes becoming more prominent with repetitive joint movement.

The exact cause of ganglion cysts is unknown, but they are thought to arise from a flaw in the joint capsule or tendon sheath that allows the joint tissue to bulge out. Factors that may increase the risk of developing a ganglion cyst include joint or tendon injury, and certain occupations or activities that involve repetitive wrist motions.