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Common Hand Problems

The human hand has 27 bones covered with muscles, ligaments and sheaths. With the amount of work our hands do for us, it’s no wonder that they sometimes get achy. While some common hand ailments can be avoided with a little care, others may result from aging, physical activities or disease.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If you spend a lot of time on your keyboard, you may develop carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a compression of the nerve that passes through a small area of your wrist. The compression can cause pain, numbness or tingling. Using an ergonomic keyboard, changing the height of your keyboard or using a splint may help. In more severe cases, you may need to consult a hand doctor Houston about anti-inflammatory medication or even surgery.

Arthritis

Your genetic predisposition and age play a factor in whether or not you develop arthritis in your hands. Characterized by painful swelling in the joints, osteoarthritis specific to your hands can be treated with over-the-counter medication, heat, ice, rest and possibly cortisone injections.

Ganglion Cysts

Although the cause of ganglion cysts on the hands or wrist is not fully known, inflammation plays a part. This soft-tissue tumor is benign but irritating. If the cyst stays small, it can generally be ignored. However, if the fluid-filled sac increases in size, it is best to consult with a doctor about possible treatments.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tissue that connects muscles to bones. Different types of tendon disorders can affect the hands, including DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis that affects the thumb and trigger finger or trigger thumb that prevents the full extension of these digits. Treatment includes cessation of the activity that causes the pain, ice, steroids and sometimes even surgery.

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Our hands are amazingly functional, so it is troublesome when they start to hurt. Don’t dismiss early hand pain as you may be able to catch a chronic condition before it worsens and causes additional problems.

Jackson Thomas

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