This article was written by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burak Sercan Erçin and is based on clinical experience. A specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery; prepared in accordance with current medical literature and personal surgical data. A consultation is recommended before making any medical decisions.
The hands and wrist are some of the most physically used body parts. We use our hands to help us cook, work, make music and art, etc. The problems start when our hands and wrists start to be painful from overuse or injuries.
Below are the most common hand and wrist disorders that may require hand surgery (Chiroplasty). Some of these conditions are: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Trigger Finger, Basal Joint (Thumb) Arthritis, Ganglion Cysts, and Hand & Wrist Traumas.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (TCL) ?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) narrows or presses on the median nerve that runs down the arm and hand. This condition is caused by TCL compression on the part of the median nerve that connects the wrist’s base to the hand. It causes numbness, tingling, loss of sensation, and even weakness in the thumb muscle.
In the early stages of carpal tunnel syndrome, the doctor may prescribe a night hand-support device or oral steroids as treatment. If pain persists, surgery is usually the next step. After the surgery, the symptoms disappear quickly, and full recovery can be expected within 6 months.
Who is at Risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Researchers believe that genetics is the most influential factor in this syndrome. However, early evaluation and diagnosis prevent the condition from worsening.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in women and elderly people. Those working in areas subject to physical impacts to the hands may be at increased risk as well.
How Can You Help Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
- Do not sleep in positions that can cause your wrists to bend and twist.
- Correct your posture whenever you work. Try using a wrist pad for your mouse and keyboard. Adjust your chair to a height that suits you as well.
- Always take frequent breaks during your work, especially if it involves repetitive activities such as lifting objects or writing.
- Try to stretch your hand, wrist, and fingers every hour.
- If you feel pain, apply cold ice to your wrists.
Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis)
What is Trigger Finger?
From its name, we can say that it is a condition where the fingers are stuck in a certain position, like a gun-pulling trigger.
Flexor tendons extend from the forearm muscles to the palm to make the fingers move. Inflammation and thickening occur when this entry point is irritated, causing the rim to close.
When the rim closes down, friction on the tendon causes a lump (mass) that grips the tendon and prevents it from slipping. This causes the finger to lock into a crease position otherwise known as a “trigger finger”.
Who is at risk for Trigger Finger?
- Trigger Finger is more common in women.
- Patients with diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are at higher risk.
- Repeated or prolonged gripping. This may apply to those who lift heavy objects or play musical instruments.
How Can You Treat & Prevent Trigger Finger?
- Finger spread: Pinch the tips of your fingers and thumbs. Put a rubber band around your fingers and try to keep your fingers apart. Repeat this movement 10 times.
- Picking up objects: Place various small objects such as coins, tweezers, or buttons on a table. Grasp one object at a time, grasping it with the affected finger and thumb. Repeat the exercise twice a day.
Basal Joint Arthritis
What is Basal Joint Arthritis?
Arthritis can take many different forms, but the most common one is osteoarthritis, which is caused by normal wear and tears that people can experience throughout their lives. This condition occurs when the cartilage that covers the joints between bones breaks down, causing the bones to rub against each other. This rubbing causes irritation, inflammation, pain, loss of movement, weakness, swelling, and stiffness.
Initial treatment for this disease typically includes over-the-counter medications, supplements, injections, splints, compression, etc. A hand surgeon may administer a corticosteroid injection to soothe inflammation and provide relief.
If initial treatment options fail, the most common surgery for basal joint arthritis is ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI). This surgery includes the removal of the bone at the base of the thumb to support the thumb in space. Recovery after surgery may take up to six weeks.
Hand Exercises to Help Prevent and Treat Basal Arthritis
- Gently form a fist with your thumb pointing outward. Extend your fingers and return them to the initial position. Repeat the process several times during the day.
- Bend your fingers one at a time in the palm of your hand, then straighten them again.
- Bend and hold your fingers to form an “o” and release.
- Put your hand on a flat surface. Lift one finger at a time and hold for a few seconds before returning to the rest position.
- Stretch your wrist up and down, applying light pressure on your wrist.
Ganglion Cysts
What are Ganglion Cysts?
Ganglion cysts are common masses in the hand and wrist. These cysts occur randomly and are not associated with any age, gender or lifestyle. Ganglion cysts are small sacs filled with a liquid or clear gelatinous substance.
In most cases, ganglion cysts are benign and painless. In some cases, however, the location of the ganglion cyst may interfere with hand and wrist movement; and the cyst causes significant pain and discomfort.
Ganglion cysts can be treated in different ways. If there is pain, temporary immobilization can relieve pain. Alternatively, a surgeon can remove the cyst by aspiration or drainage.
The hands and wrists are some of the most physically used body parts. We use our hands to help us cook, work, make music and art, etc. The problems start when our hands and wrists start to be painful from overuse or injuries.
Below are the most common hand and wrist disorders that may require hand surgery (Chiroplasty). Some of these conditions are: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Trigger Finger, Basal Joint (Thumb) Arthritis, Ganglion Cysts, and Hand & Wrist Traumas.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (TCL) ?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) narrows or presses on the median nerve that runs down the arm and hand. This condition is caused by TCL compression on the part of the median nerve that connects the wrist’s base to the hand. It causes numbness, tingling, loss of sensation and even weakness in the thumb’s muscle.
In the early stages of carpal tunnel syndrome, the doctor may prescribe a night hand-support device or oral steroids as treatment. If pain persists, surgery is usually the next step. After the surgery, the symptoms disappear quickly, and full recovery can be expected within 6 months.
Who is at Risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Researchers believe that genetics is the most influential factor in this syndrome. However, early evaluation and diagnosis prevent the condition from worsening.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in women and elderly people. Those working in areas subject to physical impacts to the hands may be at increased risk as well.
How Can You Help Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
- Do not sleep in positions that can cause your wrists to bend and twist.
- Correct your posture whenever you work. Try using a wrist pad for your mouse and keyboard. Adjust your chair to a height that suits you as well.
- Always take frequent breaks during your work, especially if it involves repetitive activities such as lifting objects or writing.
- Try to stretch your hand, wrist, and fingers every hour.
- If you feel pain, apply cold ice to your wrists.
Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis)
What is Trigger Finger?
From its name, we can say that it is a condition where the fingers are stuck in a certain position, like a gun-pulling trigger.
Flexor tendons extend from the forearm muscles till the palm to make the fingers move. Inflammation and thickening occur when this entry point is irritated, causing the rim to close.
When the rim closes down, friction on the tendon causes a lump (mass) that grips the tendon and prevents it from slipping. This causes the finger to lock into a crease position otherwise known as “trigger finger”.
Who is at risk for Trigger Finger?
- Trigger Finger is more common in women.
- Patients with diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are at higher risk.
- Repeated or prolonged gripping. This may apply to those who lift heavy objects or play musical instruments.
How Can You Treat & Prevent Trigger Finger?
- Finger spread: Pinch the tips of your fingers and thumbs. Put a rubber band around your fingers and try to keep your fingers apart. Repeat this movement 10 times.
- Picking up objects: Place various small objects such as coins, tweezers, or buttons on a table. Grasp one object at a time, grasping it with the affected finger and thumb. Repeat the exercise twice a day.
Basal Joint Arthritis
What is Basal Joint Arthritis?
Arthritis can take many different forms, but the most common one is osteoarthritis, which is caused by normal wear and tear that people can experience throughout their lives. This condition occurs when the cartilage that covers the joints between bones breaks down, causing the bones to rub against each other. This rubbing causes irritation, inflammation, pain, loss of movement, weakness, swelling, and stiffness.
Initial treatment for this disease typically includes over-the-counter medications, supplements, injections, splints, compression, etc. A hand surgeon may administer a corticosteroid injection to soothe inflammation and provide relief.
If initial treatment options fail, the most common surgery for basal joint arthritis is ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI). This surgery includes the removal of the bone at the base of the thumb to support the thumb in space. Recovery after surgery may take up to six weeks.
Hand Exercises to Help Prevent and Treat Basal Arthritis
- Gently form a fist with your thumb pointing outward. Extend your fingers and return them to the initial position. Repeat the process several times during the day.
- Bend your fingers one at a time in the palm of your hand, then straighten them again.
- Bend and hold your fingers to form an “o” and release.
- Put your hand on a flat surface. Lift one finger at a time and hold for a few seconds before returning to the rest position.
- Stretch your wrist up and down, applying light pressure on your wrist.
Ganglion Cysts
What are Ganglion Cysts?
Ganglion cysts are common masses in the hand and wrist. These cysts occur randomly and are not associated with any age, gender or lifestyle. Ganglion cysts are small sacs filled with a liquid or clear gelatinous substance.
In most cases, ganglion cysts are benign and painless. In some cases however, the location of the ganglion cyst may interfere with hand and wrist movement; and the cyst causes significant pain and discomfort.
Ganglion cysts can be treated in different ways. If there is pain, temporary immobilization can relieve pain. Alternatively, a surgeon can remove the cyst by aspiration or drainage.
Related Article: Common Hand and Wrist Disorders That May Require Surgery
Hand Disorder and Wrist Trauma
Different Types of Trauma to the Hand or Wrist
Traumas usually occur in the hand and wrist. Bones may crack or break due to various reasons such as physical activities (jumping, doing sports, etc.), traffic accidents, etc. These fractures may be non-displaced (bone is still in its place) or displaced (bone relocated to a different area).
Sometimes fractures can be treated with a simple splint or cast with outpatient care services. In other cases, the bones can be realigned by manipulating or restoring the bones.
Healing of Hand and Wrist Fractures
If you have broken your hand or wrist, it may take up to a year for them to fully heal. As it heals, the hand and wrist may become stiff or weak. Manual therapy by a physical therapist is essential for a full and successful recovery.
Normal activity can be resumed at a moderate & gradual pace, usually within three to four months after injury. If the pain persists because of hand trauma, a physical therapist can step in and help you relax.
Hand surgery in Turkey under the supervision of Dr. Burak
Hand and wrist disorders are treatable. Dr. Burak Sercan is more than happy to answer all of your questions and inquiries about your next reconstructive hand surgery in Turkey. Feel free to contact us by email, phone, or visit our contact page for more detailed information.
This content was written by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burak Sercan Erçin in line with clinical experience and current medical literature. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. A personal consultation with Dr. Erçin is recommended for individual assessment.
Faculty Member · Bahçeşehir University
Graduate of Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erçin completed advanced fellowships at Tampa General Hospital (USA) under Dr. Deniz Dayıcıoğlu in breast reconstruction and burn surgery, and at the clinic of Dr. Pedro Cavadas in Valencia, Spain in reconstructive microsurgery. After passing the EBOPRAS examination in 2018, he joined Bahçeşehir University as a faculty member and continues his private practice on Bağdat Avenue, Istanbul, specialising in face, breast and body aesthetics alongside complex reconstructive surgery.
