It’s that time of year again and gardening is a great way to get physical activity while improving your surroundings. Unfortunately, many people are injured while using mechanical and non-mechanical gardening tools. Emergency rooms treat many outdoor garden enthusiasts due to tool-related accidents annually. Ensure you are using proper safety techniques to avoid paying a hospital visit.

Gloves: Wearing gloves will not only minimize blistering; they will also protect your skin from bacteria, fungi, fertilizers, pesticides, and such. Even the tiniest cuts can develop into a significant problem if left untreated. Leather or thick rubber gloves also shield your hands from poison ivy, thorns, insect bites, and skin irritants. Not to mention, gloves prevent fingernail damage and keep your hands sparkly clean.

Repetition: It’s best to avoid repetition that your hands or wrists aren’t used to such as digging, raking, trimming, pruning, or planting. Skin, tendon, and nerve irritation can occur, along with blistering. To minimize pain or other issues, rotate your tasks every 15 minutes with a small rest between them to ensure the same muscle is not repeatedly being exercised.

Tools: Tools are made for a reason! Utilize them, rather than your hands, for digging. Sharp objects or other debris can poke through deep soil and cut your hands. Remove objects from your work area before beginning to avoid damage to your hands or tools. Use the correct instrument based on the job you are trying to accomplish. Purchase brands with safety locks and ergonomic handles when possible. Unplug and disconnect equipment when not in use and remember to keep sharp items away from children.

Posture: Relative to your entire body position, ensure your wrist is at an angle that is adequate for using hand tools. When the wrist is in a relaxed or neutral position, grip strength is at its maximum. When the wrist is bent, grip strength can be reduced significantly.

If you experience severe injury, visit the emergency room as soon as possible. Remember to enjoy gardening by using your hands with care and with the assistance of proper tools.

Are you experiencing hand or wrist pain from gardening?

 Contact the experts at MI Hand & Wrist today for remediation.

Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand or upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy from therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Contact us today at www.michiganhandandwrist.com or call 248-596-0412.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

One of the most common human ailments, arthritis, comes from the Greek words artho and itis, which translates to “joint inflammation.” Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, which affects millions of people worldwide. Also referred to as a degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is caused by age, genetics, inflammation, stress, and overuse.

After years of research, there is no cure for osteoarthritis. Standard treatment involves NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) combined with topical medications, braces, weight loss, and exercise. Side-effects of NSAIDs are well-documented and include stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal issues, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Due to these facts, patients have begun turning to alternatives for relief. Turmeric is one popular option.

A well-known spice, turmeric is native to Asia and is related to ginger root. It is yellowish-orange and widely used in Indian and Asian cuisine. Turmeric has an extensive history in Chinese, Ayurvedic, and traditional Eastern medicine practices for many centuries. Curcumin, one of the active components in turmeric root, is thought to have the biggest role in health. It has many anti-inflammatory properties similar to NSAIDs. In excessive in vitro and in vivo studies, curcumin exhibits anticancer, antiviral, antiarthritic, anti-amyloid, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

A majority of these trials included 1,000 mg per day of curcumin, with adverse effects uncommon and mild but including nausea, acid reflux, and diarrhea. No serious side effects are listed in any studies. Caution should be used in patients who are on strong blood thinners such as Warfarin since turmeric can act as a mild blood thinner.

A new study suggested that curcumin is effective for combatting osteoarthritis. Researchers studied 139 people who exhibited moderately severe knee osteoarthritis and were prescribed NSAIDs. For one month, the participants were given either the NSAID or curcumin. Both treatments helped: 94 percent of those taking curcumin and 97 percent of those taking NSAIDs reported at least 50 percent improvement. None of the study subjects taking curcumin needed treatment for stomach trouble, compared to 28 percent of those who needed treatment after taking NSAIDs. Those taking curcumin lost nearly two percent of their total body weight in only four weeks. 

While the study was one of many, it’s important to consult with your doctor. A hand surgeon can assist in offering treatment options and develop a comprehensive care approach for osteoarthritis in the hand.

Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand or upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy from therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Contact us today at www.michiganhandandwrist.com or call 248-596-0412.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

With the transition to home offices, hand therapists are witnessing an increase in clients with arm, shoulder, and neck pain. Whether musculoskeletal or nerve in origin, people are working from their laptops, tablets, or cell phones. The daily breaks those people were accustomed to, such as a lunch break, interacting with coworkers in the office, stepping away from the desk, walking to-and-from a car, etc., are nonexistent while working from home. We are moving less and hunching over our electronics in home dining rooms or coffee tables to cope with the pandemic. These positions put stress on the upper extremities.

Here are a few tips and tricks to help minimize your chances of experiencing hand, wrist, shoulder, arm, and neck pain.

External Keyboard
Purchase an external keyboard to place on your lap or a desk with a keyboard-roll out tray. Since external keyboards can be moved, this gives your arms a change in position. Muscles can rest and aren’t necessarily in one position. If you experience numbness in the small and ring fingers, it’s recommended that you straighten your elbows while typing. It’s essential to have your wrists below your elbows while typing to avoid pain or future issues.

Raise Your Laptop
Neck pain and headaches can come from a tilted head forward and downward to view a screen. This position also puts tension on the nerves and muscles in your neck, shoulder, and upper back. To avoid this, set your laptop on a stack of big books to raise your laptop to eye level.

Body Position
Are you sitting slumped on your tailbone, leaning forward? Scoot back, so you sit directly on your sit bones and balance your trunk over your hips. This posture aligns the spine and allows muscles to work more efficiently. Ensure your forearms aren’t resting at an angle and hanging over the edge of your desk. If they are, pull your laptop closer to the edge of the desk and move your chair back, so your forearms aren’t touching the desk. This simple gesture relieves unnecessary pressure on your arms while typing.  Relax your shoulders and allow them to glide down if they are elevated and forward or off-balance. Raise your breastbone to open the chest. A computer camera can sometimes be helpful to determine your best posture.

Move More
When we sit in static positions, our bodies become stiff. Stretch your arms, extend your elbows, wrists, and fingers, and roll your neck and shoulders every 20 to 30 minutes. Stand up, jump around, dance, or do some squats. If you lose track of time while working, set a timer to remind yourself to keep moving.

Breathe Better
While under intense work patterns, people tend to take shallow, quick, incomplete breaths. The absence of deep breathing causes us to feel anxious, stiff, and distracted. Pay attention to your breath and take slower, more deep, complete breaths. Breathe in through the nose and pull a steady stream of air through to your stomach and allow the breath to relax before exhaling.

Set Reasonable Expectations
In our frantic world, working in a different environment and taking care of children during your workday can create chaos. Set reasonable expectations and take frequent movement and hydration breaks. Be kind to yourself; practice self-care. Your work is important, but taking care of yourself allows you to perform better in every aspect.

If you are having arm, shoulder, or neck pain and need assistance, contact the specialists at Michigan Hand & Wrist today.

Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand or upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy from therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Contact us today at www.michiganhandandwrist.com or call 248-596-0412.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

A common question doctors and physical therapists often hear from patients is whether to use hot or cold therapy on an injury. Both are inexpensive and extremely effective modalities that can assist in healing and speeding up recovery.

Hot Treatments
Heat can come in the form of heated packs, warm compresses, hot baths, or other forms of hydrotherapy. These hot therapies warm up the skin and tissue, which stimulates blood flow in the affected area. Increased blood flow improves range of motion and flexibility by delivering oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and joints. By reducing tension, muscles can relax, which helps to relieve pain. Gentle stretching and other anaerobic exercises performed at home can also increase the treatment’s effectiveness. People beginning physical or occupational therapy sessions typically benefit most from hot treatments.

Cold Treatments
Ice packs, gel packs, cold wraps, cold baths, or other forms of hydrotherapy are all viable options for cold therapy. By cooling the skin and soft tissues, inflammation is reduced, slowing down blood flow and preventing swelling in the affected area. Following exercise or therapy, cold treatments are particularly effective. People who suffer from sprains, strains, fractures, or other injuries generally benefit most from cold therapy. Also, cold treatments are useful for reducing arthritis swelling.

While both treatments are beneficial in certain instances, it is imperative to mind the following safety tips before applying either therapy.

1. Never place either treatment directly on the skin. Always use a thin towel or cloth between the hot or cold application and your skin to act as a barrier.
2. Always treat the affected area for 15 minutes or less. Remove the application and let your skin normalize to room temperature (about 10 minutes) before re-applying the treatment. Never fall asleep or leave either hot or cold treatment on your skin for a prolonged period.
3. Check the temperature before applying it to your skin. Hot treatments should not be scalding, and cold should be barely uncomfortable but not unbearable.
4.  While undergoing treatment, check your skin every five minutes to ensure there is no excessive redness, swelling, burning, freezing, or overall inadequate sensations.

For more information about hot or cold therapy or to speak with someone who can advise whether either treatment would be right for you, call the specialists at MI Hand & Wrist today.

Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand or upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy from therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Contact us today at www.michiganhandandwrist.com or call 248-596-0412.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Tumors within the hand can be many different shapes and sizes. Technically, tumors can be cancerous, but most are benign. Common hand and wrist tumors are both above and below the skin.

Warts
These extremely common bumps are non-cancerous and spread due to the human papillomavirus (HPV) easily. Warts are mostly harmless but can be embarrassing, rough or dry, and itchy. Many wart-removal procedures exist, and it is possible to remove them at home effectively. Pumice stones, over-the-counter freezing kits, or certain chemicals are all viable options.

Ganglion Cysts
Some of the most common tumors in the hand, ganglion cysts, can fluctuate in size and appearance. They might be soft or firm, appearing on the wrist or base of a finger. Sometimes these cysts can appear to be smaller than a pea. The cause of these tumors is unknown, and they might be painful. Treatment options include aspiration or surgical removal.

Giant Cell Tumors
The second most common tumors are usually solid and not filled with liquid. Over time, they may slowly grow larger. These tumors are not cancerous.

Epidermal Inclusion
Also benign, these tumors can form where a cut or puncture previously occurred. A soft, waxy material called keratin is what makes up most of the tumor.

One condition that is commonly mistaken for a tumor is Dupuytren’s contracture. This condition causes firm pits, bumps, and cords in the palm, making it difficult to flatten completely. However, it is not technically a tumor.

A specialist should examine hand or wrist tumors to ensure they are benign. Hand surgeons can help devise treatment options through x-rays or bone scans. While sometimes the best option is to leave it alone, other times surgery might be required. There are also many non-surgical options.  

To make an appointment with a hand and wrist specialist to examine a tumor or growth, contact the Michigan Hand & Wrist experts today.

Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand or upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy from therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Contact us today at www.michiganhandandwrist.com or call 248-596-0412.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Chilly weather means the start of winter sports for many athletes. While most people generally associate sports injuries with warmer months, realistically, they can happen any time. It is essential to understand what to do if you find yourself in a situation that might result in bodily harm.

Sledding
For many of us, this pastime seems harmless; however, the dangers of sledding are linked to running into objects at high speeds or falling off the sled. Concussions and broken bones are common results of these accidents.

• Wear a helmet
• Ensure your path is totally clear
• Face forward in a seated position; do not glide down the hill head-first
• Sled during the day or in well-lit areas at night
• For extra protection and warmth, pile on layers of clothing

Skiing & Snowboarding
Zipping down a hill at lightning-fast speeds with little to no protection can be an accident waiting to happen. Many body parts are at risk of injury while skiing or snowboarding.

• Learn the proper form and technique before you take to the slopes
• Fit your gear adequately and wear a helmet
• Choose ski runs that are appropriate for your ability
• Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks if you are tired
• Stretch before hitting the slopes
• Avoid using your arms to break your fall

Ice Skating
Enjoyed by figure skaters and hobbyists alike, ankle sprains, fractures, wrist and hand injuries, along with ACL tears are frequently found on the rink.

• Ensure your skates fit properly
• Stretch before skirting across the ice
• Pay attention to your balance and maintain correct posture
• Avoid performing tricks unless you have been adequately trained
• Watch for ice chips, cracks, and other hazards
• Protect your hands and wrists by keeping them near your body when falling
• Wear a helmet as a learning beginner

Ice Hockey
This sport often involves collisions with other players, pucks, sticks, boards, plexiglass, and more. Injuries resulting from ice hockey include sprains, tears, strains, fractures, dislocations, concussions, muscle pulls, broken teeth, spine injuries, and muscle pulls. The list of damages done to your body can be extensive, so it is imperative to take the proper precautions.

• Wear all protective equipment, making sure none of it is damaged
• Master basic ice skating skills (forward, backward, quick stop, etc.)
• Stretch and warm up before play
• Stay hydrated and ensure you are in good physical condition
• Know where to look: understand the rules of ice hockey
• Treat injuries as soon as possible
• Before a collision, avoid leading with your head or arms

Winter sports injuries can be preventable despite being fairly common. Follow safety guidelines to prevent getting hurt while still having fun.

If your hands or wrists have been injured during a sporting event, contact the specialists at MI Hand & Wrist today for a full evaluation and treatment plan.

Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand or upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy from therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Contact us today at www.michiganhandandwrist.com or call 248-596-0412.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Our hands and wrists are often an afterthought when it comes to self-care. Many people are not proactive in protecting their extremities from damage despite the fact that they are vital to a number of daily activities. Fine motor functions wouldn’t be possible without our hand-eye coordination; thus, pain in the area can easily affect your overall quality of life. Read on to discover some common culprits of hand and wrist pain and how to manage them.

Arthritis: osteoarthritis is when cartilage (cushions for your bones) deteriorates over time. It is typically uncommon in the wrist, though it may occur in those who have suffered injuries in the past. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the tissues. The wrists are commonly susceptible and both are usually involved. Basal (thumb) arthritis is recognized by pain at the thumb base and can be treated with splints, injections, and reconstructive surgery.

Tendonitis: an inflammation of the tendons, which connects muscle to bone. It is caused by repetitive use or sudden injury. Symptoms consist of pain in the tendon area, swelling, and loss of motion. Treatments include ice, rest, immobilization, and anti-inflammatory medications. Steroid injections are also sometimes recommended.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: affecting almost eight million people in America, this syndrome is marked by a numbness and tingling in the hand/arm, which is caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist. Symptoms include hand numbness, pin-and-needles sensation, wrist pain, and cramping. Splints are recommended in order to give the wrists a break, but anti-inflammatory drugs or surgery can be treatments as well.

Trigger finger: recognized when the tendons in the fingers or thumb become stuck in a bent position. Pain, popping sensation when using specific fingers, and stiffness are common symptoms. Treatment consists of immobilization, anti-inflammatory medication, restricting activities, and steroid injections.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: numb or tingling sensations in the ring and small fingers, forearm, and/or weakness in the hand are signs of this syndrome. Avoiding actions that cause the syndrome can help reduce symptoms. Wrapping a pillow or towel loosely around the elbow can help, as can wearing a splint at night while sleeping. Surgery is sometimes recommended in severe cases.

Ganglion Cyst: commonly found on the underside of wrists. Usually benign, they can quickly grow and change in size. Bigger cysts can be painful or limit wrist movement. Repetitive movements can cause the cysts to grow, while rest can help them subside. In severe cases, immobilization or non-surgical draining of the fluid is recommended. If the cyst returns, minor surgery for a full removal is sometimes required.

Repetitive Strain Injury: muscles, tendons, nerves, and ligaments are affected, caused by improper technique or overuse of the fingers, hands, and wrists. More than three million cases per year are reported in America. Anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy are most commonly prescribed.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: marked pain on the thumb side of your wrist, swelling near the base of the thumb, inability to make a fist, strenuous to grasp objects, or difficulty moving the thumb. Treated with over-the-counter medications or steroids to reduce swelling, the exact cause hasn’t been proven.

For proper diagnosis of any of the above syndromes or diseases, contact the specialists at Michigan Hand & Wrist today. We not only diagnose, but we can also help you manage your symptoms and live pain-free.

Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand or upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy from therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Contact us today at www.michiganhandandwrist.com or call 248-596-0412.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Faster and longer-term relief from carpal tunnel can be achieved by using ultrasound-guided release. This treatment makes carpal tunnel release surgery safer and less-invasive than conventional open or endoscopic surgeries. Improvements in hand function and comfortability are also possible with ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release (UGCTR.)

Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital investigated the long-term implications of UGCTR. They found patients had sustained improvements due to the smaller incisions and faster recovery up to one-year post-surgery.

Sarah I. Kamel, M.D., Assistant Professor of Radiology, said, “Our study demonstrates that ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release can be performed safely, with high patient satisfaction and significant long-term relief. The rapid post-operative recovery and longstanding relief of symptoms suggest that ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release may be advantageous to traditional surgical methods of transverse carpal ligament transection.”

Patients were required to fill out three questionnaires designed to assess their hand’s pain and function levels. Researchers used this data as a tool to measure and judge the outcomes. The patients provided answers pre-procedure, two-weeks post-procedure, and 1.7 years later. 

While two patients required follow-up surgery within eight to ten days following the first procedure, no patients experienced immediate complications. The team made two adjustments to avoid these outcomes in the future. They now include more extensive pre-procedural cleaning that extends around the forearm prior to draping. They perform two passes of the ligament transection to potentially decrease the risk of remnant tissue that may contribute to incomplete release.

These results point to the UGCTR procedure’s efficacy, but future investigations into follow-up and cost analysis are necessary. “Ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release quickly improves hand function and reduces hand discomfort, with persistent improvement at one year. Ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release may be a safe, effective, and less-invasive alternative to traditional open or endoscopic surgery, particularly in patients for whom traditional surgery may be high-risk or contraindicated,” said the team.

For more information on ultrasound guidance following carpal tunnel surgery, read the full journal report by the American Journal of Roentgenology. For carpal tunnel guidance, contact the professionals at Michigan Hand & Wrist today.

Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand or upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy from therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Contact us today at www.michiganhandandwrist.com or call 248-596-0412.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.