The hand is composed of many small bones called carpals, metacarpals and phalanges. The two bones of the lower arm, the radius and the ulna, meet at the hand to form the wrist. The distal radius is the most common fractured bone in adults. The Median and Ulnar nerves are the major nerves of the hand, and these nerves are responsible for movement, strength, and sensation. Both nerves can become compressed or irritated leading to compressive neuropathies, carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome. In addition, many flexor and extensor tendons cross the wrist and hand, and these tendons function to move the wrist and digits. These tendons commonly become inflamed, tenosynovitis, or they can catch or "trigger".
COMMON HAND PROBLEMS
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist. The most common symptoms include numbness and tingling in the hand, especially at night. In addition, common complaints include pain and clumsiness with use of the affected hand.
Ganglion Cysts are the most common mass found on the hand or wrist. These are fluid-filled sacs that arise from irritated tendon sheaths or joint linings. They commonly will resolve on their own or wax and wane in size.
Trigger Finger is caused by irritation of a sheath that surrounds the flexor tendon of the finger. This sheath can pinch the flexor tendon when attempting to flex the finger causing a snapping or locking sensation of the tendon.
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