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Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) develops from a complication with a nerve in your wrist. It starts when tissue swells and presses against the median nerve of your hand. If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, the pain can be debilitating and prevent you from enjoying your normal day to day activities.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is an inflammatory disorder caused by repeated stress, physical injury, or a medical condition. Several medical conditions increase the risk for carpal tunnel sydnrome, including:

Other risk factors for CTS include:

Occupational Hazards

If you use your wrists and hands repetitively in your occupation, you may be at a higher risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, especially if you have medical conditions that make your more susceptible to the condition or work in cold temperatures. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the top occupations associated with carpal tunnel syndrome are:

Due to the complexity of carpal tunnel syndrome, most hand specialists agree it’s caused by combination of factors that lead to nerve damage in the hand.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Prevention Tips

While there are no proven ways to actually prevent carpal tunnel, you can reduce the stress on your wrists and hands with the following carpal tunnel prevention tips:

Get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief Today from Atlanta Hand Specialist

Anyone with persistent or recurring numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness of the hand should speak to a hand expert at Atlanta Hand Specialist. If you receive the appropriate treatment early in the disorder, it’s reversible. However, over time the insulation on the nerve will weary away and permanent nerve damage can set in.

Contact Atlanta Hand Specialist today at 770-333-7888 or schedule your appointment online for carpal tunnel syndrome relief.

Exercises to Relieve Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects millions of Americans every year. While the exact causes of carpal tunnel syndrome are not clear, most experts know genetic factors, risk factors, and lifestyle factors all play a role in the onset and severity of the condition.

Regardless of the cause, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause stiffness, numbness, and pain. However, there are a few basic carpal tunnel exercises you can do at any time of the day to help relieve your symptoms and prevent further onset. Continue reading to learn a few simple, but effective carpal tunnel exercises you can do at home or work for relief.

Spider Fingers

Similar to the children’s nursery rhyme “The Itsy Bitsy Spider”, start this exercise with your hands together in a one similar to a praying position. Then spread your fingers apart as far as you can and “steeple” your fingers by separating the palms of your hands.

In this position, the fingertips of each hand are the only parts that should be touch. This motion stretches the nerve that gets irritated in CTS as well as your palmar fascia and other carpal tunnel structures.

The Prayer Stretch

The prayer stretch is a simple exercise that may help prevent some of the symptoms of CTS. Get started with your palms together in the prayer position. Your hands should be in front of your chest below your chin.

Begin the exercise by slowly lowering your hands toward your wait. Make sure to keep your palms together with your hands close to your stomach. Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds until you feel a mild stretch under your forearms. Repeat this exercise two to four times.

The Shake

This exercise is extremely simple and straightforward. Get started by shaking your hands just as if you have washed them and trying to let them air dry. You can perform this carpal tunnel syndrome exercise for approximately a minute every two hours.

The Wrist Flexor Stretch

Begin the wrist flexor stretch by extending your arm out in front with the palm facing upward. The next stop is to bend your wrist backward in a position so your hand is pointing toward the floor. Then gently bend the wrist back farther with the other hand until you feel a moderate to mild stretch in the forearm. Maintain this position for a minimum of 15 seconds to 30 seconds. Repeat the wrist flexor stretch exercise two to four times for optimum results.

The Wrist Extensor Stretch

The wrist extensor stretch is very similar to the wrist flexor stretch exercise. Get started by extending your arm out in front of you with your palms facing down. Then, bend the wrist downward, which will result in your fingers pointing toward the flow.

Gently take your other hand to bend the wrist back farther. You will feel a moderate stretch in the forearm. You can repeat this carpal tunnel exercise two to four times. Make sure to hold the position anywhere from 15 to 30 seconds.

Schedule an Appointment with Atlanta Hand Specialist for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief

If you are suffering from wrist pain or carpal tunnel syndrome, visit Atlanta Hand Specialist in Smyrna, Marietta, Canton, East Cobb, Douglasville and Lawrenceville.

Contact Atlanta Hand Specialist today at 770-333-7888 or schedule your appointment online for carpal tunnel syndrome relief.

Coping After Hand or Finger Amputation

An amputation is considered the complete loss or the partial loss of a digit or limb. Finger or hand amputations may be required as the result of a severe crush injury, malignant tumor, serious infection or accidental injury.

While every finger amputation will be different, most people are able to return to work, hobbies, and sports after treatment. However, your actual recovery time can vary based on your pain tolerance complications, and amputation type.

The best results are seen with patients who are highly motivated and looking to return to their normal life. Simply put, your dedication and motivation toward recovery can play major role in the rate you recover. Continue reading to learn more about adjustment after hand or finger amputation.

Finger or Hand Amputation Rehabilitation

Following your amputation, you will most likely begin rehabilitation. Although it may be uncomfortable, rehabilitation is an essential tool for adjustment. Your hand, physical, or occupational therapist will work to help you to perform and engage in the tasks of daily life as quickly as possible. In therapy, you may be asked to perform various exercises and tasks with the goal of:

In the end, your rehabilitation and therapy sessions will be vital in helping you become acclimated to the amputation. Depending on the severity of your finger or hand amputation, your treatment team may also include psychologists and social workers.

Caring for a Hand or Finger Amputation at Home

After a finger or hand amputation, it’s imperative you go to all of your appointments because follow-up care is an essential component of your safety and treatment. If you notice any problems or have concerns, you should call your physician or nurse immediately.

It’s also a great practice to know your test results and keep a list of all of the medications you take. To help you in the recovery process, make sure to:

Prosthetics Options

There are a wide array of prosthetic options available after a hand or finger amputation. These options are designed to bolster functionality by restoring length to the amputated hand or finger. The goal of the prosthetic device is to help you adjust to the amputation and to improve the overall cosmetic appearance of the hand.

Schedule an Appointment with Atlanta Hand Specialist

At Atlanta Hand Specialist, we offer complete and innovative solutions for hand or finger amputations. We will consider your lifestyle and several other factors to help you arrive at the most viable and effective amputation and prosthesis solution.

Contact Atlanta Hand Specialist today at 770-333-7888 or schedule your appointment online.

Swan-Neck Deformity

Swan-neck deformity is a condition explaining the deformed position of your finger. This condition is a complex ailment where the proximal IP (PIP) joint over straightens because of a lax ligament on the palmar side of the joint. The ligament on the palmar side of the joint is called the volar plate, which is designed to prevent over straightening. When a patient is experiencing a swan-neck deformity, the finger will have a hyperextended PIP joint and a bent distal IP (DIP) joint, making finger appear in a position that resembles a swan’s neck.

What Causes Swan-Neck Deformity?

The most common cause of swan-neck deformity is rheumatoid arthritis. The chronic inflammation on the PIP joint stretches the volar plate. As the volar plate becomes stretched and weakened, the PIP joint begins to hyperextend. This causes the extensor tendon to get out of balance, which makes the DIP joint to get pulled down toward the flexion.

Swan-neck deformity commonly results from an overlooked injury in childhood, adolescence or young adulthood. The finger can begin bending downward on its own and stay in a fixed over straightening position. If this happens, this condition can be extremely debilitating. Other causes of swan-neck deformity include:

Diagnosis and Treatment of Swan-Neck Deformity

In most instances, swan-neck deformity can be diagnosed from a physical examination. However, an X-ray may be ordered to allow the physician to examine joint alignment, check the condition of joint surfaces and determine if a fracture is present. After diagnosis is complete, physicians can use either non-surgical or surgical treatment options.

Non-surgical Treatments

Non-surgical treatments are based on restoring balance in the fingers and hand. The goal of non-surgical treatment is to realign the PIP joint and prevent hyperextension, which should restore DIP extension. Stints are commonly used to protect the joint from hyperextending and line PIP joints up.

Physicians may also prescribe physical and occupational therapy in order to restore function and alignment.

Surgical Treatments

If non-surgical techniques are unable to treat the swan-neck case, surgery may be used to reconstruct the hand around the PIP joint. Your physician may use soft tissue repair, PIP joint arthroplasty and/or finger joint fusion to remedy your swan-neck deformity.

Schedule an Appointment with Atlanta Hand Specialist

Swan-neck deformity is a debilitating condition that can affect every area of your life. The experts at Atlanta Hand Specialist offer several years of experience treating this condition and other conditions of the hands and fingers. We treat patients of all ages and offer multiple locations around the metro Atlanta area.

Schedule your appointment with Atlanta Hand Specialist today.

Mallet Finger

Mallet finger or baseball finger is an injury to the relatively thin tendon that straightens the end joint of your finger and thumb. With mallet finger, the end joint of your fingertips will bend, but will not straighten by itself. You may be able to physically push your finger straight, but will not naturally hold this position.

What Causes Mallet Finger and Baseball Finger?

The most common cause of mallet finger is when some unyielding object (such as a baseball) hits your thumb or finger and causes it to bend back further than intended. When this happens, the force of the blow tears your extensor tendon. Mallet finger can also occur by a minor force –  such as tucking in a bed sheet. After force or impact has occurred, patients are unable to straighten the thumb or fingertip on their own.

What Happens When You Have Mallet Finger?

A mallet finger injury can either pull the tendon away from where it attaches to the finger bone or outright rupture the tendon. In some instances, a tiny piece of your bone is jerked away with the tendon, which is called an avulsion injury. The most common fingers to be injured are the small finger, ring finger and long finger on your dominant hand.

Symptoms of Baseball Finger or Mallet Finger

If you have mallet finger, your finger may be bruised, swollen and painful. Your fingertip will noticeably droop and will only straighten if you push it in place with your other hand. If your nail is detached or if there is blood beneath the nail, it’s vital to seek medical attention to avoid infection. These may be indicators of a cut in the nail bed or a broken finger bone with an open fracture. Each of these injuries places you at risk of infection.

Treatments for Mallet Finger

A mallet finger injury requires the attention of a hand surgeon or hand specialist in Atlanta. Your visit will include a physical examination and an x-ray to determine if the injury forced your bones out of alignment. If you leave this condition untreated, it may result in deformity and stiffness. In children, mallet finger can affect the cartilage, which controls bone growth.

In either case, the hand experts at Atlanta Hand Specialist can treat most mallet finger conditions with non-surgical treatments, such as a splint. If your joints are out of line or if there is a large fracture fragment, your physician may consider surgical repair.

Schedule an Appointment with Atlanta Hand Specialist

Mallet finger or baseball finger can be frustrating and painful, but Atlanta Hand Specialist offers multiple treatment options to remedy this condition. The physicians and staff at Atlanta Hand Specialist provide innovation solutions for a wide range of conditions affecting your hands, arms, fingers, and thumb. We treat patients of all ages and offer multiple convenient locations around the metropolitan Atlanta area.

Schedule your appointment today with Atlanta Hand Specialist.

Boutonniere Deformity

There are several tendons running along the top and side of your fingers that are working simultaneously to help it straighten and bend. The central slip of tendon on the top of your finger is connected to the middle bone in your finger. If this integral tendon is injured, you may be unable to straighten your finger fully, which explains boutonniere deformity. If boutonniere deformity is left untreated, the condition may worsen and result in impaired function and deformity.

What Causes Boutonniere Deformity

In most instances, boutonniere deformity is caused by a “jammed finger” or an impactful blow to the top side of the middle joint in a bent finger. This ailment can also be the result of a cut on the top of your finger. If the cut is deep enough, it can actually sever the tendon from its connection to your bone. When this happens, the tear looks similar to a French “boutonniere” or buttonhole. In rare instances, the bone could start protruding through the opening. A third cause of the boutonniere deformity is arthritis.

Symptoms of Boutonniere Deformity?

Patients can begin developing signs of boutonniere deformity immediately after an injury to the finger. In some cases, symptoms can develop anywhere from one to three weeks later. Some of the most common symptoms of boutonniere deformity include:

Diagnosing and Treating Boutonniere Deformity

Boutonniere deformity is one of many injuries that can be caused by jamming your finger. Because of this, it’s imperative to consult the hand experts at Atlanta Hand Specialist for a proper diagnosis. During the diagnosis, your hand specialist will examine your hand and fingers. You may be asked to straighten and bend the fingertip of the affected finger. Your physician may also request x-rays to determine if there are any broken bones.

If you want to keep the full range of motion in your finger, it’s important to seek treatment immediately. There are two different treatment options for boutonniere deformity:

Non-surgical Treatment

Non-surgical options are the preferred solution for boutonniere deformities. A few of the most common treatment options are:

Surgical Treatment

Although non-surgical methods are preferred, certain instances require surgery, such as:

Contact Atlanta Hand Specialist

If you suffer from boutonniere deformity, the hand experts at Atlanta Hand Specialist offer treatments for relief. The staff and physicians at Atlanta Hand Specialist treat patients of all ages for conditions affecting hands, arms, fingers and thumbs. We offer several convenient locations around the metro Atlanta area.

Schedule your appointment online today to see a hand expert at Atlanta Hand Specialist.

Atlanta Hand Specialist in Marietta, Georgia

At Atlanta Hand Specialist in Marietta, Georgia, we provide industry-leading medical treatments for conditions affecting the wrist, elbow, fingers, thumb and hand. Our board-certified physicians and surgeons offer a vast array of treatments in a warm and comfortable environment. Our ultimate goal is to provide effective solutions, so you can live a fully engaged and active life. We achieve this goal by utilizing the most advanced equipment and keeping a group of highly skilled physicians on staff at all times.

Conditions Treated at Our Marietta Office

Wrist Problems

Our experienced physicians and surgeons provide solutions for all wrist complications, including fractures, wrist sprains and ganglion cysts.

Hand Conditions

Problems with your hand can prevent you from writing, working, and simply enjoying life. Trust the qualified professionals of Atlanta Hand Specialist in Marietta to provide the most viable solution.

Elbow Ailments

Whether you suffer from elbow bursitis, tennis elbow, arthritis in the elbow or any other painful or nagging problem, our medical team will remedy your elbow ailment and guide you to the road of recovery.

Finger Complications

The board-certified medical professionals at Atlanta Hand Specialist offer relieving treatments for fingertip injuries, trigger finger and other types of finger complications.

Additional Hand Conditions

In addition to the wrist, finger, hand and elbow conditions listed above, we also provide additional general treatments in our Marietta office, including arthritis, amputations, replantations, and more.

Why Atlanta Hand Specialist?

Although today’s general practitioners have the ability to treat certain hand conditions, most conditions require the expertise of a hand specialist or a hand surgeon. The medical field surrounding upper extremities and hand conditions is constantly evolving at a rapid pace. As a result, it’s imperative to choose a hand surgeon or hand specialist who is dedicated to the practice.

The hand surgeons and hand specialist in Marietta, GA work diligently to stay up to date on all of the latest advancements in the field. Since the well-being of your hands and upper extremities are directly related to your livelihood, it’s vital to choose a physician who can provide treatment based on the latest research and best practices.

Schedule an Appointment with Atlanta Hand Specialist in Marietta, Georgia

At our Marietta office, we use state-of-the-art technological solutions to provide a higher level of care. We utilize on-site imaging, casting options, and provide therapy at our convenient location in Marietta, Georgia. Our office is conveniently located in Marietta, Georgia near the intersection of Cobb parkway North and Canton Road Connector NE. You can visit us at:

729 Church Street NE, Suite 104

Marietta, Georgia

30060

 

Stiff Joints

The joints are composed of tissue, ligaments, and cartilage between bones, which cushion and support our bodies as we move and bend.

Stiff joints are characterized by joints that have a reduction in mobility. People who experience this may have difficulty moving their joints or complete loss of motion. Stiffening joints are often a sign of pain or a symptom of an underlying condition.

What Causes Stiff Joints?

Usually certain activities and times of the day cause joint stiffness, but an underlying disease can also be the source. Arthritic, traumatic, or infectious conditions can cause stiff joints. Common diagnoses within these types of conditions include:

Symptoms of Stiff Joints

Although symptoms of stiff joints will vary greatly due to the broad list of causes, it is usually associated with loss of motion ranging from slight to severe. Most stiff joints accompany joint pain and swelling, redness, warmth, and tingling. Many people feel stiff joints in their hands and fingers, wrists, knees, elbows, jaw, and shoulders.

The duration of symptoms will also vary because some causes may be temporary while others are lifelong.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Stiff Joints

If you are experiencing stiff joints, it is important to take notes on your experience. See a physician at Atlanta Hand Specialist if pain is moderate to severe or lasts more than two weeks. In order to diagnose you, doctors may ask:

Based on your medical history, medications and the above questions, a doctor may be able to assess why you are experiencing stiff joints. Depending on what is causing the discomfort, a variety of treatments for stiff joints are available.

Physical therapy and exercise may help alleviate joint stiffness. Over-the-counter medications, ice packs, and moist heat (like hot showers or heated towels) can help with symptoms.

Serious underlying conditions may require long term treatment, lifestyle changes, prescription medications, or even surgery.

Contact Atlanta Hand Specialist

Usually stiff joints can be treated at home, but sometimes a serious illness or disease may need to be diagnosed. If you are experiencing stiff joints, it is important to receive an expert opinion to avoid future complications.

Atlanta Hand Specialist has six convenient locations around the Atlanta area. Contact our office at (770) 333-7888, or schedule an appointment online.

Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s Elbow is tendinosis of the elbow (medically known as medial epicondylitis). Muscles along your forearm attach to your elbow and through overuse small tears form in the tendons.

People who play golf and other racquet sports are susceptible to this condition because they repeatedly clench their hands and wrists in the same motion.

The pain is not actually caused by these motions themselves, but from the tendons that are caught on the bone being stretched over and over again, causing them to become inflamed.

Causes and Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow is not specifically caused by playing golf, though this is one sport that commonly results in the condition. Other sports and occupations that can cause this type of condition are:

When the muscles that control wrists and fingers are damaged, it results in golfer’s elbow. These muscles are repeatedly stressed through improper lifting and holding techniques in sports and other activities.

Those who develop golfer’s elbow usually experience pain on the inner side of the elbow, sometimes down into the forearm to the hands. Golfer’s elbow is also associated with:

Diagnosis & Treatment of Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow can be diagnosed through examination of your medical history and a physical exam, along with questions about your current activities. To make sure there are no other underlying conditions, you may undergo an x-ray.

Nonsurgical treatments include over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, application of heat or ice, and wearing an elbow brace. Additionally, a doctor may recommend occasional strengthening exercises or stretches along with plenty of rest so that your elbow can repair itself.

Get Treated for Golfer’s Elbow

If you are experiencing any pain in your elbow or believe you may have golfer’s elbow, contact a professional at Atlanta Hand Specialist. We have six convenient locations surrounding the Metro Atlanta area.

Schedule an appointment by booking online or call our office at (770) 333-7889.

Elbow Bursitis

Elbow Bursitis, or Olecranon Bursitis, is commonly referred to as ‘Popeye elbow’, ‘Gamer’s elbow’, and ‘Student’s elbow’. This condition occurs when the olecranon is swollen due to the bursa becoming inflamed or infected. The bursa is a fluid-filled sac within the joint that promotes cushioning for the elbow.

Elbow bursitis makes the elbow appear very swollen, puffy, and red with an abnormal bulge.

Causes and Symptoms of Elbow Bursitis

Elbow bursitis is caused by trauma, pressure, infection, or medical conditions in the bursa. Common causes of elbow bursitis include:

Symptoms of elbow bursitis include:

Diagnosis & Treatment

By going over your medical history and giving a physical exam, a doctor can determine whether or not you have elbow bursitis. Additional x-rays may be required if it is suspected you have sustained a serious injury like a fractured or broken bone.

If necessary, fluid can be drained as a means of treatment, but also can be tested if infection is suspected. The elbow’s skin is usually loose and stretchy, meaning if swelling occurs the condition has been present for a while. It is important to seek medical attention upon noticing any significant swelling. Occasionally the bursa can spontaneously rupture to drain itself, or if infected, it can leak into the bloodstream and cause a serious illness.

Compression bandages can help stabilize joints and ice packs can be applied to reduce swelling. Medicines like anti-inflammatories can be taken orally and hydrocortisone can be injected to decrease inflammation. Chronic bursitis can be treated with different sitting techniques, antibiotics and surgery.

Treat Elbow Bursitis at Atlanta Hand Specialist

The doctors at Atlanta Hand Specialist treat a variety of conditions related to the hands, fingers, wrists, elbows, and joints. If you believe you may have elbow bursitis, contact our team of specialists today. Book an appointment online or call our office at (770) 333-7888.

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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