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Most people don't want to deal with hand pain when getting through everyday duties. It can make tasks like picking up objects and typing difficult and uncomfortable, and serious cases can require visiting a hand surgeon. Luckily, understanding more about the issues that these essential body parts experience can help catch them early before they worsen. Here are some common disorders, their symptoms, and available treatments.

What Are Common Hand Conditions? 

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This well-known hand condition occurs due to irritation or pinching of the wrist's median nerve. Carpel tunnel syndrome can arise due to various factors, including repetitive hand use, obesity, diabetes, or pregnancy. If you suspect this issue affects you, pay attention to any signs of numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain. People often feel these effects on their thumb, index, and middle finger, making it difficult to grip objects. 

Nonsurgical treatments call for resting the hand and wrist or a splint. For more serious cases, a hand surgeon can cut the ligament that applies pressure on the nerve.

2. Arthritis

hand surgeon

The leading cause of hand pain, arthritis, afflicts 58.5 million adults in the United States every year. The term describes the inflammation of one or more points. You may experience rheumatoid arthritis, a disorder that affects the lining of the joints in your hands and feet, causing them to swell. 

Another type of this condition is osteoarthritis, which occurs when cartilage deteriorates over time. A common symptom is a deep pain at the base of the thumb.

Anti-inflammatory medication, a brace, or steroid injections can treat arthritis. If you get surgery, the doctor can remove damaged cartilage and insert an artificial joint.

3. Trigger Finger

Stenosing tenosynovitis, or trigger finger, causes fingers or the thumb to lock into a bent position. When the digital sheath becomes irritated and swollen, the flexor tendon within can get stuck. The condition's name refers to a trigger-like snapping noise that occurs when straightening the finger. Rest and over-the-counter medications can ease pain and stiffness. If these remedies fail, a hand surgeon may need to release the tendon.

 

If you're experiencing hand pain, count on the reliable doctors at Independence Healthcare in Soldotna, AK. This health care provider offers a wide range of services in their multiple clinics, including orthopedics, medical imaging, and physical therapy. Their experienced team can customize a care plan that fits your specific needs, whether you need help with joint conditions or fractures. Call (907) 262-6454 to schedule an appointment with a hand surgeon, or visit their website to learn more about their services.

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