What is Tendonitis?

Are you experiencing pain, stiffness, weakness, numbness and tingling in the wrist, hand and fingers? If so, you may have tendonitis. Tendonitis is the inflammation of tendons – the flexible bands of fibrous tissue that connect our muscles to our bones. Normally tendons glide easily when the muscles expand and contract. If a tendon becomes inflamed, however, this smooth gliding motion can become impaired, resulting in pain and discomfort.

The most common cause of tendonitis is overuse, which means that it can be prevented. Did you know that you can prevent many tendon and nerve issues by taking regular breaks from working, exercising your hands to promote strength and mobility, and practicing correct posture and form while working?Maintaining a healthy weight and good cardiovascular health is important too, as good blood flow to the tendons keep them from becoming inflamed.

Mild cases of tendonitis can be treated by a professional that specializes in upper extremities. Midwest Hand Therapy sees patients of all ages including athletes, musicians, office workers, as well as people recovering from reconstructive surgery.

Preventing inflammation may involve resting or immobilizing the hands, applying cold packs, anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injections, hand wrist and arm exercises, and occupational therapy.

Most nerve and tendon damage can be successfully treated when diagnosed early, which is why it is so important to seek medical treatment. If you are suffering from wrist or finger pain, contact Dr. Rehman at Midwest Hand Therapy for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation.

What Does a Hand Specialist Treat?

Drive around town and chances are you’ll see lots of buildings belonging to doctors and dentists – many of whom are specialists in their own specific fields.

At Midwest Hand Therapy and Macomb Hand Surgery we’re often asked “What is a hand specialist?” … “What exactly does a hand specialist treat?” And most importantly, “Can you help me with my specific condition?”

A hand specialist is a term used to describe a hand surgeon; you may have also heard of them referred to as “orthopedists.” Hand specialists specialize in the orthopedic or plastic surgery of the hand, fingers wrist and forearm. Some orthopedists, such as Dr. Rehman, also specialize in elbow and shoulder conditions.

Now, before you get nervous or think that a “hand surgeon” may not be the right doctor for you, understand that a hand surgeon does not just do surgery. They care for a variety of conditions with and without surgery. They truly are specialists of the hand.

Hand specialists treat:

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow
  • Fractures
  • Dislocations
  • Sprains
  • Strains
  • Phalanx & Fingertip Injuries
  • Crush Injuries
  • Tissue Loss
  • Amputations
  • Extensor Tendons
  • Flexor Tendons
  • Scar Management
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes
  • Tendon & Nerve Injuries
  • Joint Replacements
  • Sports Injuries
  • Replants
  • And More!

And, hand surgeons will often recommend non-surgical treatment such as hand therapy to treat many of the above-mentioned conditions. If you have experienced an injury or are currently experiencing discomfort, pain, or lack of motion, contact our team.

Even if something within your hand, wrist or forearm just “doesn’t feel right,” it is best to consult a hand specialist. A certified hand specialist can identify and treat the condition before it progresses into something worse.