Diseases of the Hand

Though osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel are common, the hand is usually not a common site for diseases. Moreover, many of the diseases that do occur with the hand are not serious and can often be coped with. Still, these diseases cause pain and can lower the quality of life for those who are suffering from diseases like trigger finger and Dupuytren's contracture.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Carpal tunnel is pain, cramping and inflammation in the joints of the hands. Tendons in the hands swell and press down on nerves, causing pain. Carpal tunnel is caused by performing repetitive tasks with the hands over long periods of time. Carpal tunnel is treated with surgery, soft tissue injections, pain killers and hand rest. Taking frequent breaks and using wrist or palm supports can prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.

Osteoarthritis

• With osteoarthritis, pain and swelling occurs in the joints. The most common location of osteoarthritis is the hands. The cartilage padding that cushions bones can break down, causing the bones to rub together and damage surrounding tissue. Osteoarthritis is usually treated with medication and can also be cured with surgery. Osteoarthritis can be prevented by maintaining a healthy body weight, exercising and pacing yourself whenever engaging in activities that are demanding on the joints.

Tendonitis

• Tendons are the connective tissue that attach muscles to bones. Tendonitis is caused by the overuse of muscle tendons in your hands, which can cause inflammation and pain. Tendonitis can be prevented by not overusing muscle tendons and by stretching the hands frequently. When tendonitis occurs, the pain can be relieved with cold therapy, anti-inflammatory medicine and soft tissue injections into the joint.

Dupuytren's Contracture

• Thickening of the skin around the palm, lumps of tissue and cords of tissue are indicators of Dupuytren's contracture, which are knots of tissue under the palm that can force fingers to stay in a bent position. Those with Dupuytren's contracture also have a high chance of contracting plantars on the feet, scar tissue under the penis and pads of tissue that form on the knuckles. Some cases of Dupuytren's contracture do not need to be treated, since they never become severe. Severe cases of Dupuytren's contracture might require steroid injections and surgery.

Trigger Finger

• Some individuals have fingers that stay in a bent position whenever the individual tries to straighten them. This condition is called a trigger finger. These bent fingers are caused by damage to the tendon that opens and closes that finger. A small lump and pain on the palm can also occur. Some trigger fingers heal on their own and simply need rest and/or a finger splint. Corticosteroid injections and surgery can repair more severe cases of trigger finger, though many individuals choose to co-exist with their condition.