The use of our hands is crucial to just about everything we do in life. If you find yourself struggling with ongoing, unexplainable pain, you might be dealing with something a little more troublesome than just a mild strain. Even a slight, ongoing discomfort in the thumb or wrist can severely limit activities as basic as cooking, typing or caring for a child. These common symptoms, if ongoing, could be caused by one of numerous hand problems: 

• Discoloration  
• Swelling 
• Chronic pain 
• Numbness 
• Loss of mobility 

Temporary pain is normal and can result from exercise, manual labor, or many other common activities. The solution might just be a little rest and relaxation. However, you may need specialized care if you suffer from one of the following conditions. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome affects nearly 3 million people in the U.S. annually. It is typically caused by a compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a bone at the base of the wrist. Patients receive the best care at facilities such as MidAmerica’s Palos Hills and Mokena clinics, which have the latest diagnostics and specialists who focus on hand issues.  

A broad array of treatment options is available. What’s right for you will depend on your needs and individual profile. It may include: 

• Rest and avoidance of certain activities  
• Ice and wrist splints 
• Anti-inflammatory drugs 
• Corticosteroid injections 
• Surgery 

Dupuytren’s Contracture 

This condition refers to an unexplained thickening of the skin in the palm at the base of your fingers. In extreme cases it can develop into a hard lump or thick band, causing one or more fingers to pull sideways or curl in toward the palm. One research group estimate that it affects 5% of the population. While there isn’t a cure, there are many treatment options. These include steroid injections, radiation therapy, needle aponeurotomy and surgery. 

Thumb Arthritis 

Thumb arthritis is caused by inflammation of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint that connects the thumb (metacarpal) bone and wrist (carpal) bone. It is extremely common in people over 50 – particularly in women with a genetic predisposition. However, not everyone with signs of arthritis needs medical treatment. A physical exam and X-ray will help your doctor determine what’s causing the problem.  

The most common symptom of thumb arthritis is pain in the thumb that is exacerbated when you are pinching or gripping something, whether a pen or a tennis racquet. In some patients, a small bump will also form at the base of the thumb. However, this bump could be either a bone spur or the effects of osteoarthritis, which is associated with the wearing down of cartilage in the joint over time. 

Your treatment plan will depend on various factors and may include: 

• A soft brace 
• Ice and rest from activities 
• Anti-inflammatory medication 
• A steroid injection 
• Surgery 

If you suffer from thumb arthritis, consult with a hand specialist to determine the cause, severity, and best treatment option for you.  

Raynaud’s Phenomenon or Disease 

Discoloration or cold hands when there’s no clear reason for it is a symptom of Raynaud’s Phenomenon (sometimes referred to as Raynaud’s Disease). It can be caused by vasoconstriction – a condition in which the blood vessels in the hands shrink and block the flow of blood. Or by the opposite condition, in which the blood vessels are stronger than normal and restrict the flow of blood. 

Common symptoms of this condition include: 

• Discomfort or pain in fingers during cold temperatures 
• Longer than usual healing time for injuries on hands and fingers 
• Swelling in the fingers or hands 
• Pain from touching cold and frozen materials 
• Discoloration of the hands and fingers 

Specialized Care at MidAmerica’s Hand and Shoulder Clinic in Illinois 

An orthopaedic specialist who focuses on hand and wrist conditions will help you get to the root of the problem. To make an accurate diagnosis, a doctor will generally need to gather your medical history, including information about prior injuries or activities that could be the source of your pain.  

At MidAmerica’s Hand to Shoulder Clinic, diagnosing hand conditions is made simple through an excellent array of specialist options. The specialists at MidAmerica have extensive experience evaluating and treating injuries and musculoskeletal disorders that affect a broad range of hand and wrist conditions. Our clinics offer the latest technological advances and we are active in research that can lead to better treatments.  

If you’re seeking a treatment option to alleviate hand or upper extremity pain or discomfort, MidAmerica Orthopaedics can help you locate the right specialist for you. Make an appointment online or by phone to get started on your road to recovery.