Do I Have Tendonitis?

The tendons in the body are the flexible bands of fibrous tissue that connect the muscles of our body to our bones. Normally the tendons glide smoothly when muscles stretch or contract. But inflammation in the tendons can cause the gliding motion to be impaired, causing pain and discomfort. At Macomb Hand Surgery we specialize in treating the hands and fingers, wrist, elbow and shoulder with a variety of methods. If you are experiencing pain, numbness, weakness, stiffness or tingling in these areas, you may have tendonitis.

Sometimes tendonitis can be caused by overuse of a muscle or limb; golfers or tennis players may experience tendonitis. Warming up the limb before use, stretching the muscles, and taking frequent breaks from the repetitive activity can rest the muscle and reduce the likelihood of tendonitis. Many tendon and nerve issues can be prevented by regular breaks and exercises to strengthen the muscle. Practicing the correct form while performing the activity can also prevent the injury and damage that leads to tendonitis. Maintaining a healthy weight and a regular exercise program is also helpful, as good blood supply to the tendons helps them to stay lubricated and reduces the chance of injury.

A variety of approaches will be used at Midwest Hand Therapy to treat your tendonitis. First, a thorough evaluation by Dr. Rehman, a Board Certified Orthopedic surgeon, will be performed. The treatment team may then implement solutions such as rest or immobilization of the affected area, the application of cold packs, anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injections, hand, wrist or arm exercises and/or occupational therapy.

Most nerve and tendon damage can be treated successfully if intervention is undertaken early. If you are experiencing pain, stiffness or numbness in your upper extremities, contact Dr. Rehman today.

Common Summertime Injuries of the Wrist and Hand

The hands and wrists contain so many bones, ligaments, tendons and joints, it is no wonder these areas are commonly injured in summertime fun! But with proper care, treatment and rest, athletes can typically expect a full recovery.

Injuries can be defined as two types: traumatic injuries or overuse injuries. Traumatic injuries usually involve muscle sprains or strains, tendon inflammation or ligament tears, or broken bones. The most common sports-related fractures occur to the fingers. Overuse injuries tend to be more chronic, and can include tendon inflammation, nerve damage, and even stress fractures.

If you injure your hand or wrist, and a physician is not on-site, be sure to seek medical attention immediately if you are experiencing:

  • Severe pain or severe swelling
  • Numbness
  • A feeling of coldness or a grayish cast to the skin of the affected area
  • Abnormal twisting or bending of the hand or finger
  • A clicking or grating noise when you move the afflicted appendage
  • Bleeding that does not slow or lasts longer than 15 minutes

In the case of minor injuries, home treatments such as rest, elevating the afflicted limb, applying ice and/or compression can alleviate some of the symptoms. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can also be used to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain and stiffness.

Reduce the chances of an injury by stretching the fingers before activities, and use wrist guards and gloves for protection. To reduce the likelihood of overuse injuries, as are common in golf and tennis, be sure to take frequent breaks, utilize proper form and techniques, and wear protective gear if possible.

Hopefully your summer will be full of nothing but fun! But if you do sustain an injury, contact Dr. Rehman and her team at Midwest Hand Therapy to get you back in the swing before summer is gone!