Hand Fractures Treatment & Forearm Fractures Treatment

Like any other bone in the body, the bones of the hand and forearm are susceptible to breaks or fractures, often as a result of falls causing pain, swelling and limited functioning. There are several different types of fractures which can affect the main body of the bone or just the surface, and can include a small crack, a shattering or a complete break through the skin. Fractures of the hand are common because of its many bones and frequent use.

After a confirmation of a fracture through X-ray, the affected area is often protected and held in place with a splint or cast. Treatment depends on the type and location of the fracture, but often involves surgery to set or repair the bone. Wires, pins, plates or screws may be needed to hold the bone in place which may or may not be removed.

Ulnar Nerve Neuropathy

Ulnar neuropathy is an inflammation of the ulnar nerve, which controls the muscles in the forearm and hand. This allows us to feel the sense of touch, texture and temperature throughout most of our hand and forearm. When this nerve is damaged, often at the wrist or elbow, patients may experience pain, numbness and weakness.

Treatment of ulnar nerve neuropathy depends on the severity of the condition, but may include medication, exercises, splints and sometimes surgery. Dr. Rehman will discuss your options with you to help treat symptoms of ulnar nerve neuropathy.

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a condition that involves one of the fingers becoming stuck in a bent position and then rapidly straightened like the trigger of a gun. This condition is caused by a narrowing of the sheath that surrounds the tendons in the finger, and is common in people who perform repetitive gripping actions. It is also more common in women and people with diabetes. Trigger finger causes stiffness, pain and may eventually lead to an inability to completely straighten the finger.

Mild cases of trigger finger can often be treated through conservative home methods such as rest, finger exercises and avoiding repetitive movements. More severe cases may need anti-inflammatory medication, steroids or surgery. Dr. Rehman will help you decide which treatment is best for you depending on your individual case.

Dupuytren's Contracture

Dupuytren’s contracture is a rare hand deformity in which knots of tissue form under the skin that can pull fingers into a bent position. This makes it difficult for the fingers to straighten and can interfere with normal hand function. Dupuytren’s contracture is not usually painful but can lead to other conditions such as plantar fibromatosis. Although the cause of this condition is not known, it may run in families and can be influenced by tobacco and alcohol use.

Mild cases of Dupuytren’s contracture that do not have much effect on hand function may not require any treatment and can simply be monitored through regular checkups. More severe cases may benefit from surgery.

DeQuervain's Disease

DeQuervain’s disease is an inflammation of tendons in the thumb that causes pain and swelling in the thumb and wrist. The swollen tendons can place pressure within the narrow tunnel of the thumb and cause pain. This condition may be caused by overuse, trauma, repetitive motion or other diseases, and is much more common in women than in men, as well as people that have diabetes or arthritis.

This is also commonly seen in new moms, hair dressers and people who do repetitive work. Treatment for this condition focuses on relieving pain and minimizing swelling. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroids, splints and rest. Surgery to make more room for irritated tendons may be recommended for severe cases.

Fingernail Injuries / Infections

Minor fingernail injuries and infections are common problems that affect most people at some point in their lives. These ailments can range from splitting, brittle nails, to ingrown nails to fungal infections, and may be caused by trauma, poor hygiene, disease or heredity.

Many of these conditions can be treated at home by applying ice, trimming the nail or draining the blood from underneath the nail. For more serious conditions, it is important to seek medical attention to prevent complications and permanent damage.

Fingernail lacerations due to a crushing injury to the finger will need to be repaired. This can be associated with distal phalanx fracture.

Sometimes a cyst on top of the nailbed can cause the nail to be depressed and leave the nail with grooves.