Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, tingling, and sometimes weakness in the hand and arm. The cubital tunnel is a narrow, tunnel-like passageway in the elbow that protects a main nerve to the hand. This nerve is called the ulnar nerve.

Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed or squeezed as it passes through the cubital tunnel. This compression can cause pain, numbness, and tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm. Often, these symptoms are more noticeable in the small and ring fingers.

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a less common condition than carpal tunnel syndrome, but it can still occur in people of all ages. It is more common in men than in women and can be more common in people who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes.

There are several treatment options for cubital tunnel syndrome. Treatment may include elbow splints, stretching exercises pain relievers, or surgery. Surgery typically involves decompressing the nerve to take the pressure off of it and sometimes the nerve is rerouted to relieve tension as well. Surgery is often effective in relieving the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome.

Trigger finger is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and a clicking sensation when you bend and straighten your finger. The tendons in your fingers are surrounded by a sheath of tissue called the tendon sheath. The tendon sheath helps the tendons move smoothly.

Trigger finger occurs when the tendon sheath becomes inflamed. This inflammation can cause the tendons to catch or lock when you try to bend or straighten your finger. Trigger finger is more common in women and in people who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes.

There are several treatment options for trigger finger. Treatment may include splinting the affected finger, steroid injections, or surgery.

Soft tissue masses and cysts – Soft tissue masses and cysts are lumps, bumps, or swellings that can occur in any of the tissues of the body. In the hand and wrist, they are commonly associated with joints, tendon compartments, connective tissues, or fat. Most soft tissue masses of the hand and wrist are benign (non-cancerous); however, a small minority can be cancerous.

Symptoms of soft masses can vary depending on the size and location of the mass. Smaller masses may not cause any symptoms. Larger masses may cause pain, stiffness, or difficulty moving the affected body part.

Most soft tissue can be diagnosed with a physical examination alone while others may require imaging tests, such as X-rays, Ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan. Treatment of soft tissue masses can vary depending on the size, location, and type of mass. Treatment may include watchful waiting, surgery, or other modalities.

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition that causes pain, swelling, and tenderness in the wrist and thumb. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is caused by inflammation of the tendons that connect the muscles of the forearm to the joints of the thumb. These tendons pass through a sheath along the thumb side of the wrist and often become inflamed in this area.

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is more common in women than in men and is more common in people who are between the ages of 40 and 60. The condition can also be seen In pregnancy or after childbirth.

There are several treatment options for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Treatment may include splinting the wrist, corticosteroid injections, or surgery. 

The hand, wrist, and elbow are delicate anatomically complex structures that are critically important to a person’s day-to-day function. As a result, these areas are susceptible to injury. There are many different types of hand, wrist, and elbow injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more serious fractures and dislocations.

Treatment of hand, wrist, and elbow injuries can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Minor injuries may only require rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications. More serious injuries may require immobilization, surgery, or physical therapy. Physical therapy Is often an important part of the recovery process as well, to assist in restoring an Injured hand, wrist, or elbow to more normal function.

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. Arthritis of the hand and wrist can cause pain in the affected joints. Arthritis of the hand and wrist is more common in women than in men and is more common in people who are over the age of 60.

There are several treatment options for arthritis of the hand and wrist. Treatment may include splinting, corticosteroid injections, or surgery. Surgery often involves replacing, fusing, or reconstructing an arthritic joint.

Finger arthritis affects the small joints in the fingers. Finger arthritis is caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the joints. The condition is more common in women than men and is more common in people who are over the age of 60.

The most common symptoms of finger arthritis are pain and stiffness in the affected joints. The pain may be worse with activity or in the morning. Finger arthritis can also cause the fingers to swell and appear red and inflamed.

Finger arthritis can be treated with medication, splinting, corticosteroid injections, or surgery. Surgery can provide pain relief and correct the deformities caused by arthritis but is a last resort form of treatment. Recovery from this type of surgery can take several months and often requires hand therapy/physical therapy to maximize range of motion and function.

DuPuytren’s contracture is a condition affecting the connective tissue underneath the skin of the palm surface of the hand and fingers. This tissue is called palmar fascia and it connects the skin to the bones and tendon sheaths of the hand. The condition causes the palmar fascia to thicken and often contract which may eventually cause the fingers to bend inward toward the palm of the hand. It is a slow progressive process for which there are treatment options available but unfortunately, no definitive cure exists.

Treatment focuses on improving finger position and function when the hand can no longer be placed “flat” on a tabletop surface. Options include injectable medication as well as surgical excision of the affected tissue.

The condition is more common in men than in women and is more common in people who are over the age of 60.

A ganglion cyst is a small, benign (non-cancerous) mass or tumor that typically develops on the hand or wrist overlying the joints or tendon sheaths. Ganglion cysts are made up of fluid-filled sacs that originate from a joint or tendon and can vary in size. Most ganglion cysts are harmless and do not cause any symptoms. However, some ganglion cysts can be large enough to cause pain, stiffness, or difficulty moving the affected joint.

Ganglion cysts are usually diagnosed by physical examination alone but may also require imaging tests, such as X-rays, Ultrasound or MRI. Treatment of ganglion cysts can vary depending on the size and location of the cyst. Treatment may include watchful waiting, aspiration (removal of fluid from the cyst), or surgical excision.

Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is used to diagnose and treat problems in the wrist joint. Wrist arthroscopy is often used to treat ligament
injuries between the bones of the wrist, ganglion cysts, and other conditions that cause pain or stiffness in the wrist.

The surgery is performed through small incisions in the skin. A camera is inserted into the joint through one of the incisions. The surgeon then uses small instruments to treat the problem.

Wrist arthroscopy is typically performed on an outpatient basis, which means that the patient does not have to stay in the hospital overnight. Recovery from wrist arthroscopy depends on the type of problem that is addressed and often involves a period of splinting/casting, followed by physical therapy to assist with the return to normal activities.

A distal radius fracture is a break in the end of the forearm bone, the radius, where it connects to the wrist. Distal radius fractures are caused by falls, car accidents, and other trauma to the hand or wrist. The most common symptom of a distal radius fracture is pain in the wrist and hand.

Distal radius fractures can be treated with splinting, casting, or surgery. Surgery is often necessary to properly align the bone and promote healing. Recovery from a distal radius fracture can take several weeks or months. Physical therapy may be necessary to regain range of motion and strength in the hand and wrist.

An extensor tendon injury is a tear or rupture of the tendons that attach the muscles to the bone. Extensor tendon injuries are caused by trauma, such as a fall or car accident. The most common symptom of an extensor tendon injury is pain and swelling in the affected area.

Extensor tendon injuries can be treated with splinting, immobilization, or surgery. Surgery is often necessary to repair the tendon and promote healing. Recovery from an extensor tendon injury can take several weeks or months. Physical therapy may be necessary to regain full range of motion in the affected area.

A flexor tendon injury is a tear or rupture of the tendons that attach the muscles to the bone. Flexor tendon injuries are caused by trauma, such as a fall or car accident. The most common symptom of a flexor tendon injury is pain and swelling in the affected area.

Flexor tendon injuries can be treated with splinting, immobilization, or surgery. Surgery is often necessary to repair the tendon and promote healing. Recovery from a flexor tendon injury can take several weeks or months. Physical therapy may be necessary to regain full range of motion in the affected area.

Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that affects the joints. Osteoarthritis is caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the joints. The condition is more common in people who are over the age of 60.

The most common symptom of osteoarthritis is pain and stiffness in the affected joints. The pain may be worse with activity or in the morning. Osteoarthritis can also cause the joints to swell and appear red and inflamed.

Osteoarthritis can be treated with splinting, corticosteroid injections, or surgery. Surgery is often necessary to correct the deformity and promote healing. Recovery from osteoarthritis can take several weeks or months. Physical therapy may be necessary to regain full range of motion in the affected joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the inflammation of the joints. The condition is more common in women than men and is more common in people who are over the age of 60.

The most common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is pain and stiffness in the affected joints. The pain may be worse with activity or in the morning. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause the joints to swell and appear red and inflamed.

Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with splinting, corticosteroid injections, or surgery. Surgery is often necessary to correct the deformity and promote healing. Recovery from rheumatoid arthritis can take several weeks or months. Physical therapy may be necessary to regain full range of motion in the affected joints.

Gout is a form of arthritis that affects the joints. Gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid in the blood. The condition is more common in men than women and is more common in people who are over the age of 60.

The most common symptom of gout is pain and swelling in the affected joints. The pain may be worse with activity or in the morning. Gout can also cause the joints to swell and appear red and inflamed.

Gout can be treated with medication, diet, or surgery. Surgery is often necessary to correct the deformity and promote healing. Recovery from gout can take several weeks or months. Physical therapy may be necessary to regain full range of motion in the affected joints.

Mallet finger is a condition that affects the fingers. Mallet finger is caused by an injury to the tendons or ligaments that attach the bone to the muscle. The condition is more common in people who are over the age of 40.

The most common symptom of mallet finger is pain and swelling in the affected area. The pain may be worse with activity or when the finger is moved. Mallet finger can also cause the finger to bend downwards at the joint.

Mallet finger can be treated with splinting, immobilization, or surgery. Surgery is often necessary to repair the tendon or ligament. Recovery from mallet finger can take several weeks or months. Physical therapy may be necessary to regain full range of motion in the affected area.

Jammed finger is a condition that affects the fingers. Jammed finger is caused by an injury to the bone, ligaments, or tendons in the finger. The condition is more common in people who are over the age of 40.

The most common symptom of jammed finger is pain and swelling in the affected area. The pain may be worse with activity or when the finger is moved. Jammed finger can also cause the finger to bend downwards at the joint.

Jammed finger can be treated with splinting, immobilization, or surgery. Surgery is often necessary to repair the bone, ligament, or tendon. Recovery from jammed finger can take several weeks or months. Physical therapy may be necessary to regain full range of motion in the affected area.

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition that affects the blood vessels. Raynaud’s phenomenon is caused by an overreaction of the blood vessels to cold temperatures or stress. The condition is more common in women than men and is more common in people who are over the age of 60.

The most common symptom of Raynaud’s phenomenon is a change in skin color. The skin may turn white or blue in response to cold temperatures or stress. Raynaud’s phenomenon can also cause the fingers or toes to feel numb and tingly.

Raynaud’s phenomenon can be treated with medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery. Surgery is often necessary to correct the underlying condition. Recovery from Raynaud’s phenomenon can take several weeks or months. Physical therapy may be necessary to regain full range of motion in the affected area.

A scaphoid fracture is a break in the bone. Scaphoid fractures are caused by an injury to the hand or wrist. The condition is more common in people who are over the age of 40.

The most common symptom of a scaphoid fracture is pain and swelling in the affected area. The pain may be worse with activity or when the hand or wrist is moved. Scaphoid fractures can also cause the fingers or thumb to bend downwards at the joint.

Scaphoid fractures can be treated with splinting, immobilization, or surgery. Surgery is often necessary to repair the bone. Recovery from a scaphoid fracture can take several weeks or months. Physical therapy may be necessary to regain full range of motion in the affected area.

Tennis elbow is a condition that affects the elbow. Tennis elbow is caused by an injury to the tendons or muscles in the arm. The condition is more common in people who are over the age of 40.

The most common symptom of tennis elbow is pain and swelling in the affected area. The pain may be worse with activity or when the arm is moved. Tennis elbow can also cause the elbow to bend downwards at the joint.

Tennis elbow can be treated with splinting, immobilization, or surgery. Surgery is often necessary to repair the tendons or muscles. Recovery from tennis elbow can take several weeks or months. Physical therapy may be necessary to regain full range of motion in the affected area.

A TFCC tear is a condition that affects the wrist. TFCC tears are caused by an injury to the tendons or ligaments in the wrist. The condition is more common in people who are over the age of 40.

The most common symptom of a TFCC tear is pain and swelling in the affected area. The pain may be worse with activity or when the wrist is moved. TFCC tears can also cause the wrist to bend downwards at the joint.

TFCC tears can be treated with splinting, immobilization, or surgery. Surgery is often necessary to repair the tendons or ligaments. Recovery from a TFCC tear can take several weeks or months. Physical therapy may be necessary to regain full range of motion in the affected area.

An ulnar nerve entrapment is a condition that affects the nerve. Ulnar nerve entrapments are caused by an injury to the nerve or by pressure on the nerve. The condition is more common in people who are over the age of 40.

The most common symptom of an ulnar nerve entrapment is pain and numbness in the hand or fingers. The pain may be worse with activity or when the hand or fingers are moved. Ulnar nerve entrapments can also cause the hand or fingers to feel weak.

Ulnar nerve entrapments can be treated with splinting, immobilization, or surgery. Surgery is often necessary to relieve the pressure on the nerve. Recovery from an ulnar nerve entrapment can take several weeks or months. Physical therapy may be necessary to regain full range of motion in the affected area.

Tendon and ligament repair is a type of surgery that is used to treat injuries to the tendons or ligaments. The surgery can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Wrist ligament tears
• Hand and finger ligament tears including those of the thumb and large knuckles.
• Elbow ligament tears

The surgery is typically performed in the outpatient setting with the patient returning home after the surgery. Most frequently there will be a period of splinting and/or casting to allow early healing to occur. This is followed by a period of hand therapy/physical therapy to maximize the range of motion and function.

The recovery time from tendon and ligament repair surgery can take several months but does vary depending on the type of injury that was treated. The patient may be able to return to their normal activities within 3-6 months.

A small joint injection involves injecting a corticosteroid medication combined with a local anesthetic into one of the small joint spaces of the hand or wrist to alleviate pain from injury or degenerative conditions such as arthritis. These joints include:

• Wrist joint
• Basal thumb joint
• Small joints of the fingers and hands

The injection is typically performed during an office visit and takes only a few moments to complete. The patient may experience some pain and swelling in the affected area after the procedure. The pain and swelling should resolve within a few days.

Joint contracture release is a type of surgery that is used to treat joint contractures. Joint contractures are stiffening of the joints that can limit the range of motion. Joint contractures can be caused by:

• DuPuytren’s Contractures of the fingers
• Arthritis
• Burns
• Fractures
• Injuries
• Surgery

Contracture release surgery of the hand and wrist is typically performed in the outpatient setting with the patient returning home on the day of the procedure.

Hand therapy/physical therapy after surgery may be necessary to help the patient regain full range of motion and function of in the affected joint or joints.
The recovery time from joint contracture release surgery varies depending on the type of contracture that was treated. The patient may be able to return to their normal activities within 4-6 weeks.

Tendinopathies are a type of injury that can be caused by the overuse of tendons. Tendons are the thick, fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones. Tendinopathies can occur in any tendon in the body, but they are most common in the tendons of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers.

Tendinopathies can be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term). Acute tendinopathies are typically caused by a single event, such as an accident or concentrated period of overuse. Chronic tendinopathies are usually caused by repetitive motions, such as those often seen in athletes.

Symptoms of a tendinopathy include:

• Aching or burning pain in the affected area
• Swelling in the affected area
• Stiffness in the affected area
• Weakness in the affected area
• Tenderness in the affected area

The pain of tendinopathy is typically worse with activity and improves with rest. The symptoms of tendinopathy can vary depending on the severity of the injury.
Tendinopathies are typically treated with a combination of rest, ice, physical therapy, steroid injections, and finally surgery when symptoms do not resolve.

Tendon decompression is a type of surgery that is used to treat tendinopathies and involves enlarging the space available for a given tendon. Tendon decompression surgery can often be performed as a minor office-based surgical procedure.

Hand therapy/physical therapy may sometimes be necessary to help the patient regain full range of motion in the affected area. The recovery time from tendon decompression surgery varies depending on the type of tendinopathy that was treated. The patient may be able to return to their normal activities within 3-6 weeks.