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Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Hands

Rheumatoid arthritis affects the cells that lubricate and line joints, causing the tissue (synovium) to become inflamed and swollen. The swollen tissue stretches the ligaments and the tendons, causing the joints to deform and become unstable. Joint cartilage and bone also erodes. Your knuckle may feel hot and look red. Rheumatoid arthritis in the hands most often occurs in the wrist and knuckles. The disease is symmetric, meaning what occurs in one hand usually occurs in the other.

Signs and Symptoms of Hand Rheumatoid Arthritis

While common arthritis symptoms such as stiffness, swelling, and pain may occur, the classic features of rheumatoid arthritis include:

You may also experience numbness and tingling in your hands (carpal tunnel syndrome) because the swelling of the tendons causes pressure on the adjacent nerve. They may make a squeaky sound as they move joints (crepitus), and sometimes the joints snap or lock because of the swelling.

How is Hand Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?

Dr. Patel will perform a clinical examination, x-rays, and lab tests. He will also ask you questions about your symptoms and how the disease has affected your activities. Because Rheumatoid arthritis may have a hereditary component, he may ask if any family members suffer from similar symptoms.

Dr. Patel will also complete a detailed examination of your hands. The appearance of your hands will help him diagnose the specific type of arthritis.

An x-ray may reveal characteristics of Rheumatoid arthritis including:

There are also several blood tests that can confirm the clinical diagnosis.

Hand Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Treatment is designed to decrease inflammation, relieve pain, and maintain function. While there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, there are medications that slow the progression of the disease.

Hand therapy may help relieve pain and protect the joints. Exercises, splints, and adaptive devices can also help you cope with activities of daily living.

Rheumatoid arthritis can be a progressive disease. Surgical intervention may be necessary to maximize function and minimize deformity. In certain cases, Dr. Patel may recommend preventative surgery which could include:

Several types of procedures treat joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis including:

The procedure Dr. Patel recommends will depend on many factors including which joint is involved, the degree of damage present, and the condition of surrounding joints.

If you’re suffering from hand rheumatoid arthritis, don’t hesitate to call Atlanta Hand Specialist at (770) 333-7888. We have offices in Smyrna, Douglasville, and Marietta.

Find Expert Finger Surgery & Treatment Options at Atlanta Hand Specialist

Dr. Viralkumar Patel: Your Finger Surgeon in Atlanta

Finger surgeons in Atlanta such as Dr. Viralkumar Patel, the expert surgeon practicing at Atlanta Hand Specialist, are experienced at the skillful diagnosis and treatment of a number of hand and finger conditions. Common conditions that can be treated by finger surgeons in Atlanta include:

Dr. Patel is one of the many finger surgeons in Atlanta who can provide expert treatment for these conditions and more using state-of-the-art equipment and modern, cutting-edge facilities. Like many finger surgeons in Atlanta, he and his expert team can offer the highest quality hand and finger treatment to patients of all ages.

Finger surgeons in Atlanta can provide treatment for disorders that are not easily treated by more conservative means, allowing for a complete recovery and elimination of pain and other symptoms. Dr. Patel is one of the premier finger surgeons in Atlanta with experience treating all types of finger pain. Patients of all ages in the Atlanta area who suffer from finger pain can benefit from scheduling an appointment at Atlanta Hand Specialist.

To find more information about finger surgeons in Atlanta like Dr. Patel at Atlanta Hand Specialist, simply visit the website at http://atlantahandspecialist.com, or call (770) 333-7888 to learn more.

Osteoarthritis of the Hand

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage that covers the bone surfaces at the joints to wear out. It may be caused by simple “wear and tear” on joints, or it may develop after an injury.

In the hand, osteoarthritis most develops in three areas:

It often develops in the wrist as well.

Signs and Symptoms of Hand Osteoarthritis

Common symptoms include:

How is Hand Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

Your hand doctor will examine you to determine whether you have similar symptoms in other joints and assess the impact of arthritis on your life and activities.

The appearance of your hands and fingers will help your doctor diagnose the type of arthritis. X-rays will also reveal certain characteristics of osteoarthritis such as narrowing of the joint space, the formation of bony outgrowths (osteophytes or “nodes”), and the development of dense, hard areas of bone along the joint margins.

Treatment of Hand Osteoarthritis

Anti-inflammatory or other analgesic medication may help relieve pain. Your doctor may also advise you to wear wrist splints at night and for selected activities. Soft sleeves may be of some benefit when rigid splints are too restrictive, especially when arthritis affects the joint at the base of your thumb. Heat modalities such as warm wax or paraffin baths might help with swelling.

You will need to use your hands as productively as possible to maintain motion in the fingers. Hand therapy may also be helpful.

A cortisone injection can often provide relief of symptoms, but does not cure the arthritis.

Hand Surgery for Osteoarthritis

Your hand surgeon will usually not advise surgery unless more conservative treatments fail. He may recommend surgery when you either have too much pain or too little function. The goal is to restore as much function as possible and to eliminate pain or reduce it to a tolerable level.

Joint fusion is one type of surgery in which the arthritic surface is removed and the bones on each side of the joint are fused together, eliminating motion from the problem joint. It may also be used to relieve pain and correct the deformity that interferes with function.

Joint reconstruction is another approach, in which degenerated joint surface is removed in order to eliminate the rough, irregular bone-to-bone contact that causes pain and restricts motion. The degenerated portion may be replaced with rolled-up soft tissue, such as a tendon, or with a joint replacement implant.

The type of surgery you undergo depends on the particular joint(s) involved, your activities, and your own needs. Your hand surgeon will help you decide which surgery will be most helpful.

If you’re suffering from hand osteoarthritis, call (770) 333-7888 to make an appointment with Atlanta Hand Specialist at any one of our multiple metro Atlanta locations.

Skilled GA Finger Surgeon Treats Conditions of the Fingers, Hands & Wrists

Find Expert Hand Care at Atlanta Hand Specialist

An expert GA finger surgeon such as Dr. Viralkumar Patel at the Atlanta Hand Specialist can treat a wide variety of common conditions affecting the fingers and hands, such as:

Dr. Patel and his talented staff have years of experience diagnosing and treating these conditions of the fingers and hands, and are dedicated to providing the highest quality patient care. With a state of the art facility and advanced technological equipment, the GA finger surgeon and staff at Atlanta Hand Specialist is capable of handling even the most challenging of cases.

A skilled GA finger surgeon will take care to listen to their patients’ concerns and conduct a careful examination before determining an adequate course of treatment. In order to provide the most excellent care, a GA finger surgeon will strive to keep their patients informed and educated about each and every step of their treatment.

To schedule an appointment with the expert GA finger surgeon at Atlanta Hand Specialist, please don’t hesitate to call (770) 333-7888 or visit the website at http://www.atlantahandspecialist.com.

Metacarpophalangeal Joint Arthritis

The metacarpophalangeal (MP or MCP) joints are large joints at the base of each finger. These complex hinge joints are important for both power grip and pinch activities.

Causes of Metacarpophalangeal Joint Arthritis

The MP joints are less often affected by arthritis than the smaller joints in the hand or the joints where the thumb joints the wrist (CMC).

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common arthritic condition affecting the MP joints. When this condition develops, the joint lining (synovium) produces chemical factors that inflame and destroy the cartilage and soft tissue, such as ligaments and tendons. The joint surfaces are ultimately destroyed and the fingers drift into a characteristic ulnar-deviated position in which they point toward the little finger.

Less commonly, other conditions produce pain, deformity, and loss of motion. Previous injury may result in gradual loss of joint cartilage (post-traumatic arthritis) with progressive pain and stiffness. There are similar findings with osteoarthritis. Post-traumatic and osteoarthritis usually affect the thumb, index, and middle fingers, with the degree for deformity much less severe than in rheumatoid arthritis. Gout, psoriasis, and infection are less common causes of MP joint arthritis.

Diagnosis of Metacarpophalangeal Joint Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis causes longstanding pain, swelling, and deformity in multiple joints of both the upper and lower extremities. You may also notice a characteristic ulnar drift of your fingers with loss of motion, particularly extension (straightening) of the fingers.

In cases of osteoarthritis and post-traumatic arthritis, you may experience deep, aching joint pain that is worsened by grip and pinch activities. You may not have an obvious finger deformity, although swelling, especially in the spaces between large knuckles, may be present.

Dr. Patel can confirm the presence of MP arthritis thru x-rays. Special x-rays may also be necessary to look carefully at the metacarpal head may also be helpful, particularly in milder cases.

Treatment Options for MP Arthritis

There are various treatment options available, based on the degree of the joint destruction and the symptoms you are experiencing.

If you are experiencing progressive pain, deformity, and motion loss despite medical management, you may be a candidate for surgical treatment.

MP Joint Fusion or Replacement

Patients with severe joint destruction may benefit from either a joint fusion or joint replacement. Although thumb function improves after an MP joint fusion, the fingers may lose motion. Because of this, a joint replacement is usually preferred.

Salastic hinged implants offer reasonable pain relief and function, and have been particularly successful in older, more sedentary patients with low demand on the use of their hands. More recent types of implants that try to replicate the joint surface may offer benefits to younger individuals and patients with more active, vigorous lifestyles.

If you’re suffering from metacarpophalangeal joint arthritis, make an appointment with Atlanta Hand Specialist. Call (770) 333-7888 today. We have offices in Smyrna, Douglasville, and Marietta.

Atlanta Finger Specialists Treat Finger Disorders, Conditions, & Injuries

Meet Dr. Patel, One of the Expert Atlanta Finger Specialists, Today

The fingers are so important to performing everyday tasks, and so when they are injured or suffer from a painful condition or disorder, it is important to seek treatment from expert Atlanta finger specialists.

Atlanta finger specialists like Dr. Viralkumar Patel, the practicing physician at Atlanta Hand Specialist, can offer skillful treatment for an array of finger conditions and disorders, such as:

Atlanta finger specialists like Dr. Patel are known for their specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of all conditions affecting the fingers. While a general practitioner may be able to treat some hand disorders, only one of the skilled Atlanta finger specialists has the knowledge necessary to provide an expert treatment plan.

At Atlanta Hand Specialist, patients will receive expert care courtesy of one of the premier Atlanta finger specialists, all in a comfortable yet modern environment. Atlanta residents can schedule their appointments today.

To learn more about the Atlanta finger specialists offering treatment and services aimed at relieving finger pain at Atlanta Hand Specialist, visit the website online at http://atlantahandspecialist.com today or call the offices at (770) 333-7888 to speak with a knowledgeable staff member.

Arthritis at the Base of the Thumb

When a joint is normal, cartilage covers the end of the bones and works as a shock absorber to allow smooth, pain-free movement. In osteoarthritis (OA), the cartilage layer wears out. This lack of cartilage results in direct contact between the bones, causing pain and deformity.

The base of the thumb often develops OA. The basal thumb joint, also called the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, is a specialized saddle-shaped joint that is formed by a small bone in the wrist (trapezium) and the first bone in the thumb (metacarpal). Thanks to its shape, the joint allows the thumb to have a wider range of motion. OA affects this range of motion and can cause severe pain.

Who Gets Basal Thumb Arthritis?

Basal thumb arthritis is more commonly seen in women over the age of 40. The exact cause remains unknown, but genetics, previous injuries such as fractures or dislocations, and generalized joint laxity may predispose someone to develop of this type of arthritis.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms?

Pain at the base of the thumb is the most common symptom. This pain can be aggravated by activities that require pinching, such as opening jars, turning door knobs or keys, and writing. Severity can also progress to pain at rest and pain at night.

In more severe cases, the joint progressively deteriorates and becomes mal-aligned. This causes a bump to develop as the metacarpal moves out of the saddle joint. This shift can limit motion and cause weakness, making a pinch difficult. The joint above the CMC may compensate by loosening, which causes it to bend further back (hyperextension).

How is the Diagnosis Made?

Your doctor will make a diagnosis through a physical evaluation and a review of your medical history. Pressure and movement such as twisting will cause pain at the joint. You may also experience a grinding sensation. X-rays will be used to confirm the diagnosis, although symptoms and severity often does not correlate with x-ray findings.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Less severe thumb arthritis usually responds to non-surgical care. Arthritis medication, splinting, and limited cortisone injections may help relieve pain. Your hand doctor may also provide a variety of rigid and non-rigid splints which can be worn while sleeping or during activities.

If you are suffering from advanced disease or non-surgical treatment has failed, you may be a candidate for surgical reconstruction. There are a variety of surgical techniques that can successfully reduce or eliminate pain.

Surgical procedures include:

If you’re suffering from thumb joint pain, make an appointment with Atlanta Hand Specialist. Call (770) 333-7888 today. We have offices throughout the entire metro Atlanta area.

Get Help for a Nerve Injury at Atlanta Hand Specialist

Visit our office in Smyrna, Georgia, for nerve injury treatment to relieve pain

A nerve injury can be caused by pressure, stretching or cutting. At Atlanta Hand Specialist we treat nerve injuries affecting the hand, wrist, arm and elbow. As with any condition, the type of injury you have experienced will determine your treatment options.

Depending on the type and severity of the nerve injury, you may need prescription or over-the-counter medicines to relief pain. You may also need physical therapy to prevent stiffness. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

If the nerve injury was not caused by cutting, your nerve may be able to heal on its own. Dr. Viralkumar Patel, our board certified general surgeon with certification in the sub-specialty of surgery of the hand general surgeon and fellowship-trained hand surgeon, will carefully monitor your nerve to determine if it is healing properly. While the healing process can take up to two years, if the nerve is healing properly, there is a good chance you will not need surgery.

If a nerve has been cut or damaged beyond repair, Dr. Viralkumar Patel will surgically remove the damaged section of the nerve and reconnect the healthy nerve ends (nerve repair) or implant a piece of the nerve from another part of your body (nerve graft) to heal the nerve injury.

Dr. Patel can successfully repair nerve injuries at our Smyrna, Georgia, office, including:

During your consultation for nerve injury treatment in Atlanta, we will also discuss options that can help restore function to the affected muscles. As you recover for your nerve injury, a brace or a splint, electrical stimulator, or physical therapy can help speed recovery and improve function.

To learn more about Atlanta Hand Specialist‘s nerve injury treatment options, please call (770) 333-7888 or contact us online to schedule an appointment at our Smyrna, Georgia, office.

Animal and Human Bites

Whether they are by animal or human, bites are extremely painful and can be quite dangerous. If not properly treated and cared for, animal and human bites can lead to infection. It is important to recognize signs and symptoms of infection and seek treatment right away.

Factors that contribute to infection include:

Animal Bites

Infection is a major concern with animal bites. In the U.S. alone, about 1% of dog bites and 6% of cat bites end in hospitalization. Because cat bites often result in deep puncture wounds that quickly heal over, drainage can become blocked resulting in infection. With proper care and treatment, most animal bite patients completely recover.

Although rabies in domesticated pets is very rare these days, it is an extremely fatal infection that spreads amongst animals in the wild. Your risk of coming in contact with a wild animal infected with rabies is fairly low in the United States, however, if you are bitten by a wild animal report it immediately to your public health department. The department of public health often times will need your assistance locating the animal so they can confine it and test for rabies.

Seek Emergency Treatment if You Experience Any of the Following Symptoms:

Animal Bite Examination

Dr. Patel will examine the wound and ask you about the injury. He will need a complete history of the bite which includes:

If you have not had a booster tetanus shot within the past 10 years, it’s crucial to update your status.

Because tooth fragments can break off in the skin and bone, Dr. Patel may take an X-ray of the site and check for further damage to the bones and joints. Patients who leave infection untreated for too long may experience osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis is the spread of the infection to the bone and can also be observed through X-ray.

Red streaks on the forearm can predict lymphangitis or inflammation of the lymphatic channels. Dr. Patel will look for signs of these red streaks and also look for enlarged lymph nodes on the inner side of the elbow.

If the wound proves to be infected, the next step will be to identify the type of bacteria that is causing the infection. It is necessary to know what is causing the infection in order to properly prescribe the most effective antibiotic and treatment.

Animal Bite Treatment

A common bite sites for animals are the hands. These bite require careful cleansing and treatment. Dr. Patel will wash the wound and possibly trim away any dead tissue or damaged skin that could be a source of infection.

The antibiotic you are prescribed depends on:

While some animal bites can be treated with oral medications, others might require the patient to receive antibiotics via IV.

It is vital patients follow-up on a regular basis with the physician until they are cleared of infection in order to fully recover.

Human Bites

Human mouths contain high amounts of bacteria, making infection very probable if your human bite is not treated properly. Early treatment is essential in order to avoid complications and prevent the infection from quickly spreading.

Sometimes human bites are not an obvious bite. For example, during a fistfight, a person’s fist might be driven into another person’s mouth. If the skin is broken, bacteria can settle into the soft tissue. If left untreated, the infection can essentially destroy the knuckle joint. Complications such as this are easily avoidable with early diagnosis, antibiotics and if needed additional treatment such as surgery.

If you recently sustained a bite, don’t wait to make an appointment with Atlanta Hand Specialist. Call (770) 333-7888 today.

 

Pain in the Hands Can be Caused by a Number of Hand Disorders & Injuries

Seek Relief for Pain in the Hands at Atlanta Hand Specialist

The hands are such an important part of the body, allowing people to perform simple tasks. Pain in the hands can make regular daily life more difficult, or even impossible, so it’s important that sufferers of pain in the hands seek treatment.

Pain in the hands can be caused by a wide variety of disorders and common conditions, such as:

At Atlanta Hand Specialist, Dr. Viralkumar Patel and his team of skilled professionals can treat pain in the hands, no matter the cause. Dr. Patel will conduct a thorough evaluation of a patient’s hands to determine the course of treatment necessary to relieve the patient’s pain in the hands. Each treatment for pain in the hands is geared specifically for a patient’s individual needs.

More information about the various treatment options for pain in the hands available to patients at Atlanta Hand Specialist can be found online at AtlantaHandSpecialist.com. Patients with questions may also call (770) 333-7888 for more information or to schedule an appointment to discuss their pain in the hands.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Do you have pressure on your wrists? Many people have symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome without knowing it. Find out how the condition is caused and what treatment you’ll receive from Atlanta Hand Specialists for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

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Wrist & Hand Fracture

If you have shooting pain in your hand or wrist, you may have a wrist or hand fracture. Fracturing, or breaking, the bones in the wrist or hand is extremely easy because of their size and structure. Read on to learn how wrist and hand fractures are treated by Dr. Patel and the Atlanta Hand Specialists.

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Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is caused by stressing the tendons and getting your thumb or finger stuck in the bent position. Inflammation and localized pressure are common signs for trigger finger. Seek treatment from the Atlanta Hand Specialists about trigger finger and your treatment options available.

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Ganglion Cyst

Tender lumps found on the hand or wrist can be a cyst. Ganglion Cysts are commonly filled with fluid, and form because of tendon or joint irritation. Find out more about how Ganglion Cysts are treated by the specialists at Atlanta Hand Specialist.

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More Common Conditions

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