With the changes in schedule summer brings, sometimes it’s difficult to keep up the exercise routines we’ve committed to. With a little bit of creativity, you can stay in shape and entertain your kids at the same time. A bonus: the more flexible and strong each family member is, the less likely they are to be injured in a sporting event.
Morning Family Stretch
Set aside five to ten minutes each morning for the whole family to do some stretching exercises. Stretching helps to get the blood flowing and warms up the muscles for the activities of the day. Make this a daily routine for your family; it is healthful and a quiet bonding experience to help balance the hectic life most kids have.
Kids Make Great Dumbells (and their giggling will keep you going)
Try this Russian Twist: While seated on the floor with your knees bent, hold your child in front of you, engage your core and twist from side to side. Repeat 10 to 20 times. This is a great one for arms and abs.
Squat Press: Stand while holding your child in front of you with your feet hip distance apart, arms extended, but elbows not locked. Slowly lower into a squat like you are sitting in a chair and then slowly stand back up straight. Be sure to keep your knees in line with your ankles. Repeat this 10 to 15 times. Great for the arms and lower body.
Throw a Dance Party
Push the furniture out of the way, round up your family’s favorite tunes, and crank up the speakers for a blast of exercise that will get everyone involved. Dancing is super fun and a great cardio workout. Make one afternoon or evening a week your “Dance Party Night” from now till the kids go back to school.
Family Competition
We’re all about competition in our culture, and most kids are involved in at least one organized sport by the time they are a few years old. Motivate your family by setting weekly goals, and create a chart and point system that helps your family track their activity or eating habits throughout the day. See who can be the healthiest!
All these suggestions should help, but if you or your child are injured in one of your organized sports—or at the company baseball game—be sure to reach out to Dr. Rehman and her team of rehabilitation professionals. Specialists in hand, arm and shoulder rehabilitation, they can help resolve tendonitis, golfer’s or tennis elbow, hand and wrist pain, and many other conditions. To learn more, contact Dr. Rehman’s office at 586-532-0803 today!
The quintessential game of summer in America is baseball, and we all have our favorite Tiger. Kids and adults alike love to engage in the sport, and baseball teams and games abound – from organized Little League events to the match-up between competing departments at the company picnic. It’s all fun and games, but accidental injuries can happen, and then what?
A forceful blow to the tip of a finger – as can occur when catching a flying baseball—can create an injury called Mallet Finger (also sometimes known as Baseball Finger). When this injury occurs, the tendon attached to the end of the fingertip is damaged by the blunt force trauma of the flying baseball. Often, the finger cannot be extended fully, and pain, redness, tenderness and swelling are also present.
The hands and wrists are comprised of delicate bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles, all working together to allow the hands to perform the finest of movements. If an injury like this occurs, choose a specially-trained hand doctor, an orthopedic surgeon, to evaluate your condition and prescribe the right treatment. Reach out for treatment soon after the injury occurs, to make sure you can attain a full recovery and the injury does not become permanent.
A physical exam will be conducted, and sometimes an X-Ray may be needed to insure the bones in the finger are not fractured. Treatment typically involves straightening the finger and placing it into a split to keep it stabilized. This splint may need to be worn up to 6 weeks. This will allow the tendon to reattach to the finger or, if a piece of bone has been pulled off, to allow the bone to heal. The finger will most likely be swollen, so apply ice packs 20 to 30 minutes 3 to 4 times per day, or until the pain is gone. To reduce pain and swelling, elevate your hand on a pillow when you are lying down, or place it on the back of the chair or couch if you are sitting. Physical therapy exercises may be prescribed, and the more faithful you are in performing these, the sooner you can expect to heal.
You should expect to wear the splint for at least 6 weeks after the injury. If you wear the splint as the doctor has recommended, you may be able to return to your activities sooner. Not wearing the splint could lead to permanent damage and deformity to the finger.
Contact Dr. Rehman and her team of specialists today if you are experiencing pain or tenderness in your hands, wrists, arm or elbow. She is an orthopedic doctor who specializes in treating these areas of the body, and is a Board Certified and experienced hand surgeon, in the event that surgery is required. Call her office today at 586-532-0803 for more information.
Bumps on the hand or wrist are most often ganglion cysts: a fluid-filled sac that bulges up. They can appear quickly, and disappear just as quickly. But sometimes the cysts remain, and are unsightly or cause impaired function or pain in the hand or wrists. Why these cysts develop is still unknown, but they are more common in younger people from ages 15 to 40, and they are more common in women than in men. One theory posits that they are caused by repetitive motion of the hand or wrist. Gymnasts have been noted to experience the problem more frequently, due to the extra stress and pressure on their hands and wrists.
Treatment for ganglion cysts is often non-invasive, and may involve the use of wrist splints to immobilize the hand, thus allowing the overworked area to rest. Sometimes this can reduce the cyst. If the cyst is quite bothersome or painful, an aspiration procedure may be performed. In this procedure, the affected area is numbed and a needle is inserted into the fluid-filled cyst, withdrawing the fluid. This can relieve the pressure that may have been placed on nerves or tendons, causing the tingling or pain in the hand or wrist. If the cyst grows back, sometimes this procedure can be repeated with success.
Failing that, and if the cyst is quite bothersome or creating pain, a surgical procedure may be required. In this case a special orthopedic surgeon such as Dr. Rehman will perform a procedure to remove the ganglion and its root. This is typically an outpatient procedure, and the patient can go home later in the day. Splints and dressings are required, and often Occupation Therapy is prescribed to return full strength and range of motion to the hand and wrist. Because the structure of the hands and wrists is so delicate, it is best to have a specially trained doctor, such as a hand surgeon, perform this procedure.
If you are experiencing pain, stiffness or tenderness in your hands, arms, should or elbow, contact Dr. Rehman today at 586-532-0803. Her team of orthopedic experts will implement a comprehensive treatment plan to help you attain a full recovery.
These terms can be easily confused when discussing conditions or injuries to the body. First remember: both tendons and ligaments are part of the musculoskeletal system, comprised of all the bones, muscles and connective tissues in your body.Tendons and ligaments are two types of connective tissues; they are both comprised of dense layers of collagen fibers.
Ligaments attach bones to bones
Tendons attach muscles to bones
Ligaments are the connectors, linking bones together at the various joints throughout the body. They allow for all the range of motion that joints can perform. Just look at the amazing variety of movements your hand and fingers and wrist can do. The ligaments in your body support, strengthen and stabilize the joints.
Tendons are the connectors that allow your muscles to be attached to the bones of your body. They aid in the overall movement of your body by transmitting force from the muscle to the bone. They vary greatly in size and shape, depending on the size of the muscle and the size of the bone to which it is attached.
Both tendons and ligaments are very sturdy for the most part, but excessive pressure, forceful trauma or even repetitious movements can cause damage and injury to these important structures.
Pain is the number one signal that a problem is occurring in the tendons or ligaments of the body. Other conditions that can also be present are redness, heat and/or swelling. If you are experiencing chronic or acute pain in the joints of your body, seek treatment from a board certified osteopathic doctor such as Dr. Rehman. A thorough evaluation will be conducted, and a multi-modality treatment program may be recommended to help you get back to living an active, pain-free life.
Unusual prickling sensations can happen in any part of the body, but the hands are wrists are especially likely for this condition to develop. Sometimes the sensations go away quickly, like when you sit on your feet and they “fall asleep”. But if numbness and tingling are on-going issues, the underlying cause could be more serious.
Common conditions that can cause numbness and tingling in the hands are:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Caused by compression of the Median nerve that runs through your wrist, this often is the result of repetitive motion activities. Certain occupations are more at risk for this condition: butchers and meat packers, sewing and finishing workers, data entry personnel and some assembly line workers. Repetitive bending and straightening of the wrist causes tissues around the tendons to swell and impact the Median nerve.
Flexor Tendon Injury: Flexor tendons in the hand are responsible for helping us bend the fingers. An injury or a trauma to one of these tendons can result in a tingling or burning sensation.
Ganglion cysts: These are noncancerous, fluid-filled lumps that can develop along joints or tendons, putting pressure on nerves and causing a tingling sensation in the hand.
Skier’s Thumb: So called because it is a common snow skiing injury, in this situation an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament results in not being able to pinch the thumb and fingers together, and can involve numbness or tingling.
Since numbness and tingling are signals that something is not right with the nerves in the affected area, it is best not to self-diagnose or self-treat. The hands and wrists are delicate structures that can perform amazingly complicated maneuvers, and we want to keep them that way! If you are experiencing tingling or numbness in the fingers or hands, contact a Board Certified Orthopedic doctor such as Contact Dr. Rehman for a full evaluation and comprehensive treatment plan. She has a team of hand specialists that work with her, who can get you back to full mobility and make those annoying sensations go away for good!
Going for that pop fly can be a game changer, but so can a finger injury. Getting the tip of your finger hit by a speeding ball can be painful and put an end to summer fun, if not diagnosed and treated properly.
Not just restricted to baseball, this type of injury is known in the medical community as “mallet finger”. It happens when the tip of a finger is hit with some force by any blunt object, and it can result in the tendon being partially or completely torn. One of the key indicators of this injury is the inability to fully extend the finger – the last joint will appear bent or will fold in toward the palm. Pain or swelling at the tip of the finger, or numbness at the tip can also be symptoms.
It is important to seek proper medical attention immediately after such an injury. Those who don’t risk having the inability to extend their finger become a permanent condition. Typically splinting of the finger will be employed, thus allowing the tendon to heal. X-rays may be needed to make sure a fracture is not present and to insure the joint is properly aligned for healing. If either of these conditions is present, surgery could be required.
Always seek out a Board Certified orthopedic doctor such as Doctor Rehman, for a full evaluation and comprehensive treatment plan. Her team of specialists each has more than ten years of experience rehabilitating conditions of the hand, arm and shoulder. A full recovery is your desired outcome, and you will have the best chance to achieve that by working with Dr. Rehman and her team. If you are experiencing pain in the hand or fingers, contact Dr. Rehman today.
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!
With the advent of winter and the recent snowfalls, avid sports fans are ready to get out and have some fun! Sledding, ice skating and skiing are all attractive activities for a Michigan winter, but common injuries can occur.
What is the biggest problem when skiing? Falling down! And sometimes when you fall down, you forget to release your poles. When this happens, an injury to the thumb can occur. It is sometimes called Skier’s Thumb, and also called Gamekeeper’s Thumb. When a fall occurs and you fail to release your poles, or you try to use them as leverage, injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) can occur. This ligament is located in the joint where the thumb meets the hand; the UCL’s job is to assist your thumb and fingers to pinch objects. This type of injury is not only painful, but frustrating as well.
If you notice the following symptoms after an injury on the slopes, seek immediate attention from a qualified doctor who is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery:
Pain or swelling at the base of the thumb
Difficulty picking up objects
Tingling or numbness of the thumb and/or hand
Instability of the thumb at its base
Bruising at the base of the thumb
It is best to seek treatment as soon as possible after such an injury. Skier’s Thumb can turn into a chronic condition if damage is done that is left untreated. Most often, treatment by your doctor will consist of the application of ice packs, 4-6 weeks of immobilization, and the continued use of anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce swelling during the healing process. If quite severe, surgery may be required. Typically an outpatient procedure, the surgeon enters at the base of the thumb through small incisions, removes the damaged tissue and will re-attach the ligament to the bone.
Dr. Rehman is an experienced, Board-certified Orthopedic doctor who specializes in hand injuries. Contact her today for a thorough evaluation and treatment plan for your injury, so you can get back on the slopes before winter is gone!
A tissue loss amputation is a procedure that is performed by a hand surgeon to manage an injury to a digit or the hand. Amputations may be immediate or post-trauma depending on the particular condition. Every case is unique but we identified some common factors in determining if amputation is required. When it comes to digital amputations, there are four types of injuries.
Type I include distal tip amputations – these involve only a small portion of the nail bed. When these injuries are free of exposed bone or tendon, they can be treated with irrigation and dressings. These injuries typically heal well with positive cosmetic and fully functional results.
Type II involve any injury that encompasses <50% of the nail bed and a significant portion of the finger tip. Often these injuries are treated with a shortening and closure of the wound. If such a large portion of the nail bed is compromised, it is unlikely that maintaining the nail will produce positive results. Removing the nail bed will avoid conditions like hook nail – which can be painful and result in significant complications down the road.
Type III injuries are amputations through the distal interphalangeal joint, aka your second knuckle. In clean injuries replantation can be considered but there are many factors in predicting the success of such an endeavor. Recovery from this type of amputation is significantly greater than Type II as more nerves are involved as well as a compromised grip.
Type IV injuries spare a significant amount of dorsal tissue – if the tissue area lost is less than 1x1cm and the bone and tendon are not exposed, these injuries can heal with flushing and wrapping. In instances where the loss is greater, local flaps may be applied to cover up the exposed areas. Unlike other areas, grafts do not take well in Type IV injuries and are typically not used.
Should you have the unfortunate circumstance of requiring this type of treatment make sure that you are seeing a board certified surgeon who specializes in hand surgery. The digits and hands are such a sensitive area that seeking appropriate treatment as soon as possible is critical. Questions? Contact us today!
A crush injury occurs when a body part is “crushed” by a high degree of force or pressure. These injuries often occur from being squeezed between two heavy objects, or having something very large or heavy fall on oneself.
Crush injuries can result in bleeding, bruising, fractures, wounds and lacerations and can also have very serious side effects such as compartment syndrome (increased pressure that causes serious muscle, nerve and tissue damage), nerve injuries, and secondary infections.
Because hand function is vital for most of our daily tasks, crush injuries often occur to the fingers, hands, and wrists. These body parts are simply at higher risk– adults injuring themselves at work is a common cause, and the majority of hand trauma injuries seen in the ER are children with crush injuries to their fingertips (after accidentally being slammed in doors).
If you have experienced a crush injury, you should immediately have yourself examined by a doctor. Not all injuries can be seen, especially if the skin is still intact. An X-ray will help determine if there are broken bones or fractures. Depending on the severity, a crush injury may require a splint or cast for proper healing. If the injury is very serious, surgery may be required.
Moderate to severe crush injuries usually require rehabilitation and hand therapy to ensure the patient’s fingers, hand or wrist resumes its original mobility, comfort, and functionality. Depending on the extent of the injury or trauma, strength training may take several weeks or even months. At Midwest Hand Therapy, it is always our goal to not only heal, but also to help prevent future injury. Range of motion hand exercises and special hand strength training tools are often incorporated into a crush injury patient’s recovery program.
If you are currently recovering from a crush injury and have questions or concerns, please contact our team. If you have recently experienced a crush injury, as advised earlier, seeking immediate medical attention is highly recommended.
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