Introduction
Our hands do so much for us every day — from holding our morning coffee to typing on our computers and helping us communicate with gestures. But when hand diseases or conditions start to creep in, life can quickly become challenging. If you’re dealing with a hand disease, you’ve probably noticed how much we rely on these complex structures for just about everything.
At Cutting Edge Surgery, we’re here to help you get back to living life with less pain and more movement. Whether it’s something relatively common or more serious, understanding the various hand diseases and their treatments is the first step in finding the relief you deserve.
What Are Hand Diseases?
Hand diseases encompass a broad range of conditions affecting the bones, joints, tendons, and nerves of the hand. These can include arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, ganglion cysts of the wrist and fingers, tendon diseases, and Dupuytren’s contracture. While some of these issues may arise from wear and tear, others can stem from viral infections, such as hand, foot, and mouth disease, which is more common in younger children but can also affect older individuals. Each condition presents unique symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to significant pain, and requires appropriate treatment.Common Hand Conditions
Arthritis
One of the most common culprits behind stiff and painful hands is arthritis. When the joints in your hand get inflamed, simple tasks like turning a doorknob or writing can feel impossible. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two main types affecting the hands. Treatment often starts with medication to reduce inflammation and ease the pain, but in severe cases, surgery may be the best option.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Do your fingers ever feel numb or tingly? You might be dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome. It happens when the median nerve, which runs through your wrist, gets pinched or compressed. The result? A sensation like pins and needles or even sharp pain. If you’ve noticed these symptoms, it’s time to see a doctor. Treatments vary, from wrist splints and exercises to surgical interventions in more advanced cases.
Dupuytren’s Contracture
Have you noticed your fingers starting to curl inward, almost like they’re stuck in a fist? Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition where the tissue under your skin thickens, making it hard to fully extend your fingers. While this condition isn’t painful, it can severely limit your hand’s function over time. Treatment can range from enzyme injections to surgery to release the tightened tissue.
Viral Infections – Hand Foot and Mouth Disease
While it might sound strange, hand foot mouth disease doesn’t just affect kids. In fact, it’s highly contagious and can spread quickly in close-contact settings like child care centres. This viral infection causes sores in the mouth, rashes on the hands and feet, and can lead to fevers and sore throats. Most cases are mild, but in rare instances, complications can arise. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is typically diagnosed based on the patient’s age, symptoms, and the visible rash rather than laboratory tests.
How Does It Spread?Hand, foot, and mouth disease spreads primarily through person to person contact. That means anything from touching the same surfaces to sharing eating utensils can put you at risk. Good hygiene practices — like washing your hands frequently — can go a long way in preventing the spread.
TreatmentMost cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease clear up on their own after a week or two. There’s no specific treatment, but doctors recommend rest, staying hydrated, and avoiding acidic foods that can irritate mouth sores. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help manage discomfort. Mouth disease treated involves managing symptoms at home, such as allowing blisters to dry out naturally without attempting to burst them.
Symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease typically starts with flu-like symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, and a general feeling of being unwell. These initial symptoms are usually mild and can last for a few days. However, after a couple of days, new symptoms may develop, including:
- A rash on the hands and feet, which can be painful and blister-like
- Sores in the mouth, which can be painful and make it difficult to eat or drink
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Sore throat
- Sore mouth
- Mouth sores
In some cases, especially in older children and adults, symptoms may be very mild and may not include all of these symptoms. It’s important to monitor the progression of the disease and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.
Treatment Options for Hand Diseases
If you’re suffering from any of the above conditions, don’t despair — there are treatment options available for nearly every hand disease.
Non-surgical Treatments
In many cases, hand diseases can be managed without surgery. This might include:
- Medications: Anti-inflammatories or steroids to reduce swelling and pain.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises designed to improve strength and flexibility in your hands.
- Splints and Supports: Wearing a brace to stabilise your hand and relieve pressure on affected areas.
Surgical Treatments
For more severe cases, surgery might be the best option. Depending on the condition, this could involve:
- Joint Replacement Surgery: Often used in advanced arthritis cases to restore movement.
- Nerve Decompression: For conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, this surgery releases pressure on the nerve.
- Tendon Repairs: Reconstructive surgery may be needed if a tendon in your hand is torn or severely damaged.
How to Prevent Hand Diseases
While some conditions are out of your control, there are a few steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing hand diseases:
- Keep Moving: Regular exercise, especially stretches and strength training, can help maintain flexibility in your hands.
- Protect Your Hands: If you work with tools or engage in physical activity, use protective gloves to avoid injuries that could lead to long-term problems.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Washing your hands regularly can prevent the spread of infections like hand, foot, and mouth disease, especially in children.
When to Seek Medical Help
It’s easy to brush off hand pain or stiffness as something that’ll go away on its own. But if you’re noticing that the discomfort is getting in the way of daily life, it’s time to see a specialist. Whether it’s mild symptoms or more serious signs like persistent pain, numbness, or loss of function, early diagnosis can make all the difference in your recovery.
Conclusion
Your hands are essential to your daily life, and you shouldn’t have to live with pain or limited mobility. At Cutting Edge Surgery, we’re committed to helping you regain function and get back to doing the things you love. Whether it’s through non-surgical treatments or cutting-edge surgery, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.