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Hand & Wrist

Hand & Wrist Arthritis

What is Ankle Arthritis?

There are 33 joints connecting the 26 joints in the ankle and foot. The ankle is the largest joint, and is a hinge joint connecting the lower leg and the foot. These joints are lined with articular cartilage, the smooth, white tissue lining the ends of each bone, and can break down over time from injury or the natural aging process. This process is known as degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis.

How do you know if you have Hand or Wrist Arthritis?

Symptoms can include hand or wrist pain, inflammation and stiffness. X-rays are often needed to confirm the diagnosis of arthritis.

What are the treatments for Hand or Wrist Arthritis?

Nonsurgical options historically included rest, modified activities, weight loss, medication, and physical therapy. Surgical management for arthritis includes joint fusion and comes at the expense of function. Many patients are not ready for surgery and there are a number of strategies to help manage pain until you are ready or the disease is severe enough to warrant surgery.

The goal of treatment is to control the pain and often includes medication, bracing, therapy, and a cortisone injection. Dr. Sussman offers alternatives to surgery, including platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections and stem cell injections. Learn more about the alternatives to surgery here.

Trigger Finger

What is a Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger occurs when the finger flexor tendon or pulley becomes thickened. This can cause catching of the tendon as it glides through the pulley. In most cases, we don’t know why people get a trigger finger. Patients can experience pain and catching, or in severe cases, the tendon can lock and get stuck.

How do you know if you have a Trigger Finger?

Often trigger finger is a clinical diagnosis, but the diagnosis can be confirmed with ultrasound to rule out any secondary causes for the triggering (ie a cyst or bone spur).

What are the treatments Trigger Finger?

In the majority of cases, trigger fingers resolve without treatment. Surgery is often recommended for cases that do not respond to conservative management. Percutaneous trigger finger release is an alternative to open surgery. Percutaneous trigger finger release is a quick procedure, less painful, and has shown significantly better results in rehabilitation than open surgery. Learn more about the alternatives to surgery here.

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

What is a de Quervain's tenosynovitis?

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is an overuse injury of the 2 tendons in the wrist and thumb. Patients can experience pain at the base of the thumb, swelling and a catching sensation. Pain can impact pinching, grasping and other thumb or wrist movements.

How do you know if you have de Quervain's tenosynovitis?

Often de Quervain's tenosynovitis is a clinical diagnosis, but it can be confirmed with ultrasound.

What are the treatments de Quervain's tenosynovitis?

In the majority of cases, de Quervain's tenosynovitis will resolve with symptomatic treatment to reduce inflammation. In some case, surgery is recommended. Percutaneous de Quervain's tenosynovitis release is an alternative to open surgery is a quick procedure, less painful, and has shown significantly better results in rehabilitation than open surgery. Learn more about the alternatives to surgery here.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is an painful condition caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist when it passes bony tunnel, or carpal tunnel, at the wrist. Patients can experience pain at the wrist and a sensation of tingling, numbness or burning in the thumb, index and middle fingers. Learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome here.

How do you know if you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Patients can experience pain at the wrist and a sensation of tingling, numbness or burning in the thumb, index and middle fingers. Some patients will have weakness in the hand, and patients can have trouble gripping or holding objects. Often Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a clinical diagnosis, but it can be confirmed with ultrasound measurements at the wrist or and nerve study (NCS/EMG).

What are the treatments Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

In the majority of cases, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome will resolve with braces, stretches and avoiding repetitive activities. In some case, surgery is recommended. A new technique allows for a carpal tunnel release with ultrasound guidance. This technique allows us to see all the critical anatomy in the wrist and hand, and is an alternative to open surgery. It is less painful , the incision is so small it is closed without sutures, and has shown a faster return to work or activities, with most patients returning within 3 to 6 days.