Seven Conditions a Hand Specialist in Manhattan Can Treat

Do You Have One of These Hand Injuries?

Your hands and wrists are comprised of numerous bones, ligaments, and tendons; when healthy, these parts work together to enable some of your most intricate movements—grasping objects, writing, playing piano, and more. When you develop a hand injury or condition, everyday movements suddenly become more difficult or even impossible. Luckily, if you live or work in New York City, a hand specialist in Manhattan can diagnose and treat your injury.

When Rothman Orthopaedic Institute decided to expand its practice to New York, we wanted to provide a variety of specialty services to surrounding neighborhoods; care for hand injuries is one of those services. Although small in scale, some hand conditions can debilitate patients, especially those who play sports or work with their hands daily. These conditions require treatment from an experienced professional.

Seven Hand Conditions and How a Hand Specialist in Manhattan Treats Them

Below are several common hand conditions and injuries. While we provide accurate descriptions and medical information here, do not self-diagnose. Seek an evaluation from a Rothman Orthopedic Institute specialist if you suspect you have one of the following injuries.

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
   This condition is caused by increased pressure on the median nerve in the wrist and hand; because of this compression, the nerve does not function properly, and the patient experiences numbness, tingling, and pain. Carpal tunnel syndrome may occur due to a number of factors, such as heredity and repetitive use of the hand. Bracing, nerve gliding exercises, activity changes, and injections may relieve pain and associated symptoms. Sometimes, a small surgery is necessary when non-operative treatments are no longer effective.

2. Hand and Wrist Arthritis
   Cartilage functions as a “shock absorber” in every joint of the body. When cartilage is damaged or lost in a specific joint, bones may rub together painfully. Hand and wrist specialists often see cases of arthritis caused by either age, wear-and-tear, or an acute injury. While arthritis takes on numerous forms, osteoarthritis is the most common in the hand and wrist. Generally, this condition is managed through a combination of medication, activity, and splinting. Sometimes, joint replacement or arthrodesis surgery can also help.

3. Finger Fracture
   A fractured finger typically results from a hand trauma, such as slamming your finger in a door or breaking a fall by landing on your hands. Many cases of fractured fingers are addressed through a non-surgical approach; doctors will attempt to put the bones back in place by applying a splint or cast. Severe fractures may require the insertion of small devices, such as pins or screws, to hold the bones together.

4. Ganglion Cyst
   A ganglion cyst manifests above a joint, on either the back or front of the wrist or the base of a finger. It is described as a swelling of a clear, thick, jelly-like substance. While ganglion cysts may grow, shrink, and disappear on their own, splints and anti-inflammatory medication are sometimes recommended if the condition is painful or limits the patient’s activities.

5. Hand Fracture
   There are two types of bones in your hand: phalanges and metacarpals. The most common type of hand fracture affects the fifth metacarpal, a bone at the base of the little finger. While some hand fractures require surgery to stabilize the bones, your hand specialist may be able to gently manipulate the bones back into alignment.

6. Mallet Finger
   When the extensor tendon at the tip of the finger becomes damaged, the finger can droop. This condition is known as mallet finger. This commonly occurs when an object strikes the tip of a finger, impacting the extensor tendon and hindering the finger’s ability to straighten. Typically, doctors treat mallet finger with approximately six weeks of rest in a splint to keep the finger in a straight position.

7. Finger Dislocation
   Each of your fingers has three joints, excluding your thumbs which have two. A dislocation can occur during a fall onto your hand, a sports injury, or another traumatic accident. A hand doctor may use non-operative reduction or a splint to reposition the bones. If a joint remains unstable after dislocation, surgery is sometimes necessary to stabilize the joint.

To schedule an appointment with a hand specialist in Manhattan, or for more information about our services, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.