A vast number of daily activities can become quite difficult and tricky when your hands aren't doing well. Lose the function of one finger or your thumb, and even mundane activities for example unscrewing a bottle or brushing your teeth become difficult.
Obviously that your ability to work may also be greatly affected. Hand problems are commonly due to overuse, sporting or other injuries, many of which are usually short-lived and get better on their own. Here, I list some common causes and signs and symptoms of hand and wrist problems, and methods to deal with them:
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis - a form of wear and tear of your joints - is more common in older age, but rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may begin when you're younge. Typical features include joint pain and swelling, which vary from day to day. In rheumatoid arthritis, you may experience additional symptoms, for example feeling tired and unwell. Paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medication often help, but do see your doctor for more assessment because rheumatoid arthritis often needs more intensive treatment.
Carpal tunnel: Tingling in the tips of your thumb, index, middle and one half of your ring finger as well as over the thumb-side of your palm and back of your hand suggests carpal tunnel, which is due to pressure on a nerve running through your wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common if you are overweight or pregnant, or if you do a lot of manual work, but in many instances the cause is unknown.
Symptoms in many cases are worse at night and get better whenever you shake your hands. You may have become clumsier with fine hand movements, and in severe cases you may have lost your full grip strength. Certain hand movements and positions may also make your symptoms worse. Consult your doctor if you suspect carpal tunnel; treatment options include splints, steroid injections or a surgical procedure.
Dupuytren's contracture: Painless lumps in the palm of your hand and issues with straightening one or more fingers - which appears like 'clawing' - are closely related to this condition. Dupuytren's contracture is a reasonably common problem that affects the hands, and experts think that the condition is linked to excessive alcohol intake, diabetes and the use of vibrating machinery, however the condition can also occur for no particular reason.
If you can't use your hands properly consequently, see your doctor for more assessment. In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to straighten your fingers.
Tendonitis: Tendon inflammation (called tendonitis) is generally due to overuse through activities for example DIY projects, typing or housework. Resting the affected wrist or hand and using anti-inflammatory gels or medication - speak to your pharmacist for advice on over-the-counter preparations - can help to cope with your symptoms. Sometimes, a wrist splint may relieve the pain. If at all possible, try to avoid activities that make your pain worse until your symptoms settle.
Wrist fractures are typical, particularly as you get older. Go to A&E for further assessment if you have a fall or another injury causing pain in your wrist that doesn't get better or perhaps is severe, particularly if your wrist looks in poor condition.
If you feel tender in your wrist close to the base of your thumb, this can be due to a fracture of the bones of your forearm or of the scaphoid bone, which - if missed and not treated properly - can lead to long-term problems with your wrist. If your troubles are severe or persist, you suffer significant lack of function or you're just not sure what are you doing, do get your doctor to consider a look.
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03102011
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