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  • Arthritis of the Finger Joints     PDF Booklet
  • Arthritis of the Thumb     PDF Booklet
  • Artificial Joint Replacement of the Finger     PDF Booklet
  • Artificial Joint Replacement of the Thumb     PDF Booklet
  • Boutonniere Deformity of the Finger     PDF Booklet
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome     PDF Booklet
  • Dupuytren's Contracture     PDF Booklet
  • Dupuytren's Contracture Surgery     PDF Booklet
  • Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release     PDF Booklet
  • Finger Fusion Surgery     PDF Booklet
  • Guyon's Canal Syndrome     PDF Booklet
  • Hand Anatomy     PDF Booklet
  • Mallet Finger Injuries     PDF Booklet
  • Mucous Cysts of the Fingers     PDF Booklet
  • Open Carpal Tunnel Release     PDF Booklet
  • PIP Joint Injuries of the Finger     PDF Booklet
  • Resection (Excision) Arthroplasty of the Thumb     PDF Booklet
  • Swan Neck Deformity of the Finger     PDF Booklet
  • Thumb Fusion Surgery     PDF Booklet
  • Trigger Finger and Trigger Thumb     PDF Booklet
  • Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries of the Thumb     PDF Booklet

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    • FAQs

  • I fell on the slippery streets this winter. There’s a tear in the radial collateral ligament of my thumb. The doctor doesn’t think surgery is needed and put me in a cast. How is this decision made?
  • How does arthritis in the hands cause carpal tunnel syndrome?
  • My 78-year-old mother has carpal tunnel syndrome in her right hand. It's so severe she can't hold a book or even the phone. What can be done for her?
  • The muscles on the back of my hand and the inside pad of my palm have shrunk. My grip is weak, and my hand seems clumsy. My doctor says it's from thoracic outlet syndrome. I've started doing exercises. Will the muscles heal, and will my strength come back?
  • One doctor thinks the symptoms in my arm and hand are coming from carpal tunnel syndrome. Another says the problem is thoracic outlet syndrome. Who is right?
  • I type all day at work. Is there any equipment that will help me avoid carpal tunnel syndrome?
  • I just got a split computer keyboard at work. What's the best way to set it up to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome?
  • I've seen some strange-looking computer keyboards around the office. These boards are actually split in half. I already have a wrist pad by my keyboard. Would it make a difference if I got one of the fancy new keyboards?
  • My symptoms from carpal tunnel syndrome have been hanging on for months. Now my doctor wants to give me a steroid injection in my wrist. I've heard steroids can be really harmful. Is this true?
  • I have carpal tunnel syndrome. My doctor insists that the symptoms in my thumb and fingers will eventually go away if I get another steroid injection. I've already had three shots into my wrist. What should I do?
  • I have carpal tunnel syndrome. My doctor suggested I get a steroid injection into my wrist to take away the swelling that is putting pressure on the nerve. Is it possible the medication could harm the nerve? What if the needle pokes into the nerve?
  • The problems I'm having from carpal tunnel syndrome are keeping me from doing my job. My brother-in-law had surgery for this same type of problem, and he got back to work almost right away. My doctor is urging me to be more patient and try a slower approach. I would rather just go ahead and get the surgery. How can I convince my doctor?
  • Since taking up piano playing, I've felt some weakness when I try to grip with my right thumb. I don't feel any pain or tingling. Could my problem be an early sign of carpal tunnel syndrome?
  • I've had problems off and on now for several years with my hand. My doctor says the weakness and numbness in my hand are from carpal tunnel syndrome. Can exercise prevent or reverse my symptoms?
  • I've been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. The pain and weakness in my hand are getting worse. What could happen if I don't get treatment for this problem?
  • Can carpal tunnel syndrome be caused by trauma to the hand or shoulder, such as falling down with the hand outstretched?
  • What does an injured ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb feel like?
  • How is the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb usually injured?
  • What can be done to fix the clicking I have from trigger thumb?
  • What does a trigger finger feel like?
  • When told I have trigger finger, I was at a loss as to how it could have started. What usually causes a problem like this?
  • A doctor examined my painful thumb and suggested I have surgery to fuse the middle joint of my thumb together. Won't this keep me from doing my normal activities?
  • The small cysts that appeared near the ends of my fingers were recently diagnosed as mucous cysts. What are mucous cysts, and where do they come from?
  • What does a mucous cyst feel like?
  • Pain from the mucous cysts on my fingers is nearly unbearable. I've tried everything and still the pain. What choices are there for surgery, and can surgery help?
  • Having lived 60 years of my life without them, I'm wondering why now all of a sudden I have small cysts growing near the ends of my fingers. What are these growths, and where did they come from?
  • Ever since I accidentally smashed the end of my finger with a hammer, I haven't been able to straighten the tip of my finger. My doctor called my problem mallet finger. Why can't I straighten my finger now?
  • Ever since my tip of my finger got smashed by a baseball months ago, I've not been able to straighten the very tip of my finger. I don't intend to have surgery for it; should I just live with it?
  • What path does the ulnar take on its way to the hand?
  • Which finger position can cause injury to the volar plate, and what can happen with an injury like this?
  • What do injuries to the PIP joint of the hand look and feel like?
  • How do most injuries of the finger collateral ligaments occur?
  • What do mallet finger injuries look and feel like?
  • After identifying my finger pain as coming from severe arthritis, my doctor is now recommending I have surgery to fuse the two bones in my finger together. What does the doctor hope to achieve with kind of surgery?
  • What should I expect right after having my arthritic finger fused together?
  • What normally happens right after a person has a finger joint replaced?
  • Does the way I work with my hands on the job put me at risk of having carpal tunnel syndrome?
  • What does carpal tunnel syndrome feel like?
  • Why do I have to wait after carpal tunnel surgery before getting back to work as a house painter?
  • How does pressure inside the carpal tunnel of the wrist cause symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
  • I'm supposed to go in for a wrist injection for symptoms of carpal tunnel. Will this work, or should I hold out for surgery?
  • Why are some doctors beginning to do carpal tunnel surgery using an endoscope?
  • There's a new surgery I heard about for carpal tunnel syndrome. It doesn't require a big incision and allows patients to get back to their normal activities faster. What's the name of the procedure?
  • Is carpal tunnel syndrome caused by nerve pressure?
  • How does a wrist brace help fight symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
  • What does arthritis of the thumb feel like?
  • I broke several bones in my thumb when I was in high school. Could this be why I now have arthritis in my thumb joint?
  • There's a surgery for painful arthritis of the thumb joint. It has something to do with filling in the space where the joint rubs. What is this procedure, and why do doctors use it?
  • The new method of replacing an arthritic thumb joint with a small ceramic ball sounds inviting. I've heard people can get started with their rehabilitation faster and generally get better more quickly after having this type of joint replacement surgery. Is this true?
  • In considering my upcoming joint replacement surgery for thumb arthritis, my doctor mentioned a new method using a ball in place of the joint. Can you describe this ball and how the doctor puts it in?
  • What does my doctor hope to achieve by doing joint replacement surgery on my thumb?
  • What is Dupuytren's contracture, and who is mostly to get it?
  • Are there treatments for Dupuytren's contracture short of surgery?
  • What are the symptoms of Dupuytren's contracture?
  • After trying various treatments for Dupuytren's contracture, I'm now following the recommendation of my doctor to have surgery. What is the goal of surgery for this problem?
  • What can I expect after surgery for my Dupuytren's contracture?
  • After seeing my doctor for pain and tightness in my ring and pinky fingers, I was told I have Dupuytren's contracture. What are the causes of this condition?
  • Years ago I badly sprained my thumb. Could this explain the arthritis that showed up on my thumb X-ray?
  • I've been having problems off and on now for several years with my hand. My doctor says the weakness and numbness in my hand is from carpal tunnel syndrome. Can exercise prevent or reverse my symptoms?
  • I've never seen a non-white person with Dupuytren's disease in my practice. Does it ever show up in other ethnic groups?
  • Is Dupuytren's disease caused by your genes?
  • Is Dupuytren's disease the same as Dupuytren's contracture?
  • I am a construction worker responsible for drilling and work that requires the use of power tools. I notice my hands are starting to ache after long days of using the pneumatic drill. Are there any long-term effects of this kind of work?
  • I sliced open my hand and cut one of the tendons. The doctor wants to operate and repair it. Won't the tendon heal by itself?
  • My 10-year old daughter has cerebral palsy. Her hands are fisted together and she can't feed herself. I heard there is a way doctors can operate to hold the hand in a better position. Could this help my daughter feed herself?
  • After cutting with a pair of scissors, my index and middle fingers tingle for a few minutes. Does this sound like carpal tunnel syndrome?
  • For the past year I have had right wrist pain and trouble writing. Since I am right handed, this is becoming more and more of a problem. What should I do about this?
  • My 82-year old mother cut the tendon that bends her middle finger. She wore a cast after the doctor sewed the tendon back together. Now she's to gently bend and straighten her finger using her other hand. If she is not using the muscles to do the work, how can she expect to improve?
  • I am scheduled to have an operation to repair a torn tendon in my hand. The doctor works at a large teaching hospital. How will I know if they will be using new, untried methods on me?
  • I cut the tendon that bends my middle finger. It's been four weeks and my doctor still won't allow me to really exercise it. Wouldn't a good strength workout help my hand?
  • While waitressing, I felt such pain in my wrists and hands that I couldn't even pour a cup of coffee. My doctor says I have carpal tunnel syndrome and recommended surgery. Is there any way to avoid an operation?
  • Every time I've been pregnant, my hands have gone numb. The numbness used to start in the last few weeks of my pregnancy, but now with my fourth child coming, it is starting in my third month. Does this mean I will have it permanently? What can be done for it?
  • I am 55 and have pain at the base of my thumb. My doctor wants me to have surgery to fix the joint. Will this make the pain go away?
  • I've heard that a procedure called "arthrodesis" can reduce the pain of arthritis in the base of the thumb. Is this surgery safe for people over 50?
  • I am 55, and I have arthritis at the base of my thumb. My doctor wants to operate. Will surgery make my arthritis worse?
  • How can my recent "minor" injury to the base of my thumb cause me so much pain and difficulty with even the lightest activities?
  • After severely injuring the base of my thumb, I find it difficult to do everyday activities. My doctor suggests I have surgery to rebuild the thumb joints. How successful is a surgery like this?
  • A damaged joint can sometimes become arthritic, right? Could I avoid arthritis in the base of my thumb if I follow my doctor's advise to have my injured thumb ligaments rebuilt?
  • Due to ongoing problems of trigger finger, my doctor has recommended surgery. I've been given the option of having an "open" surgery or a new way known as a "percutaneous" technique. What are the differences?
  • I am going in for trigger finger surgery. I've been given the option of either having an "open" procedure or a newer "percutaneous" method. Which is best?
  • After examining my trigger finger, my doctor suggested a cortisone injection? Is this the best treatment for my condition?
  • What part of the hand or forearm is the most susceptible to injury?
  • What age group is most at risk for hand injuries?
  • I had surgery to restore movement in two fingers that had been permanently bent because of Dupuytren’s. Now I have a lack of feeling in the tip of one of those fingers. Will this go away?
  • I was diagnosed with Dupuytren’s last week. The doctor recommended physical therapy, and so far I have received exercises to stretch the finger and a splint to hold it straight. Why doesn’t the doctor just fix it with surgery?
  • My husband had Dupuytren’s in his ring and pinky fingers on one hand. This was corrected with surgery and has not returned. I am pregnant with our first child. Do I need to worry that our child will have this problem?
  • What are the most common causes of a broken forearm or hand?
  • I injured my thumb while snowboarding. Apparently one of the ligaments in the thumb is ruptured completely. The doctor is recommending surgery, but my thumb doesn't hurt and I don't want to miss the rest of the season. How long can I put off surgery?
  • I was recently diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. The doctor also mentioned tenosynovitis. What is this? Is it related to carpal tunnel syndrome?
  • I have had carpal tunnel release surgery done on both wrists. Now my symptoms are back, and the doctor is recommending a second surgery. How will this help?
  • I've been having trouble with symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome off and on for three years. Should I have surgery for this problem?
  • I've heard that a damaged joint can sometimes become arthritic. Could I avoid arthritis in the base of my thumb if I follow my doctor's advice to have my injured thumb ligaments rebuilt?
  • I am 63-years old and have two painful conditions in my wrist and hand. One is carpal tunnel syndrome and the other is arthritis at the base of the thumb. Are these connected? Which one caused the other?
  • For ten years, I've had problems with my left thumb. The doctor tells me I have basal joint arthritis. Recently, I started having numbness and tingling in that same hand. The doctor diagnosed this as carpal tunnel syndrome. I may have to have a bone removed from the base of the thumb. How will this help?
  • What is a normal grip strength for a 66-year-old male in good health?
  • My son injured his thumb in a wrestling tournament. He finished the season, but still has constant pain. Is it too late to treat this problem?
  • I had a fall from horseback riding and fell on my thumb. The radial collateral ligament was torn. The doctor did surgery to repair it, but advised me there could be “residual symptoms.” What would these be?
  • I have diabetes type 2 and a bad case of carpal tunnel syndrome. Can I have a carpal tunnel release seeing that I have diabetes?
  • I'm going to have carpal tunnel surgery next week. How soon can I go back to playing bridge? I'm scheduled to be in a bridge tournament 10 days after the operation.
  • For the last 10 years, I've worked as a medical transcriptionist. I've never had any problems until just now. My thumb has started to ache every time I lift it off the keyboard. I love my job and don't want anything to keep me from doing it. Why is this happening now all of a sudden?
  • I have arthritis at the base of my thumb. The pain is about a six or seven everyday on a scale from zero to 10. I don't want surgery. What are my other options?
  • Last year I had tendonitis in my wrist and elbow. Now I have carpal tunnel syndrome. Did the tendonitis cause the carpal tunnel?
  • When I place my hand palm down and lift my index finger up, I notice the tendon splits into two parts. I can see both parts moving. No one else seems to be able to do this. Do I have two of the same tendon?
  • Can you explain this to me? I had no injury and no accident, but I ruptured a tendon in my thumb. How is this possible?
  • I've worked in the same factory for almost 10 years and never had a problem. Now all of a sudden, I've got carpal tunnel syndrome. Why is this happening after all these years?
  • Have you ever heard of thyroid problems causing carpal tunnel syndrome?
  • What is the "snuff box" in the wrist? The doctor says I have a tendonitis of this box.
  • I am a full-time nurse on a pediatric unit. For two months I've had a painful spot on my wrist every time I use my thumb. Trying to lift the babies and children has become hard. I've had the painful area injected with cortisone twice, and I'm wearing a splint. Is there anything else that could help?
  • What is drummer's palsy? The doctor thinks my 17-year old daughter may have this. It's from too much drumming with her garage band.
  • How can I tell if surgery is needed for carpal tunnel syndrome?
  • I'm 81-years old and decided to have carpal tunnel surgery for wrist and hand pain. I've had this problem for the last three years. What kind of results can I expect?
  • I'm having trouble turning my hand over with the palm facing up. It's not painful; I just can't seem to make my forearm twist like that anymore. What could be causing this problem?
  • In 2002 I was told I had Dupuytren's contracture of the hand. I was treated and got better slightly but never fully recovered. Now two years later I find out I really have something called palmar fasciitis from lung cancer. How could the doctor have missed the cancer all this time?
  • My mother was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis that turned out to be ovarian cancer. Have you ever heard of this?
  • I'm 58 years old and past menopause. I thought all my aches and pain were over after menopause. Now my left thumb is starting to ache and click when I move it. Is this typical at my age?
  • I've just been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the right thumb. All of my symptoms are at the base of the thumb. I'm worried because I work as a seamstress. Will I still be able to do my job five years from now?
  • I see lots of advertising for these new heated wraps. You can put them on your back, knee, shoulder--just about anywhere. I thought heat was bad and we should only use ice for sprains and strains.
  • I have a condition called Dupuytren's disease affecting my left hand. It seems to be getting worse. It doesn't hurt, but I'm having trouble straightening my fingers. I can't put my hand in my pocket or in a glove anymore. What can be done about this?
  • My doctor told me I should see a hand therapist for a condition called Dupuytren's disease. What's so special about a hand therapist? Can't I see my regular therapist? How do I find a hand therapist?
  • I have Dupuytren's disease in my right hand. My right foot is starting to bother me now. Could it be the same problem in my foot?
  • I work in a hospital as a patient intake worker. There are 32 of us doing the same job. We all work at the computer keyboard all day. I'm the only one with carpal tunnel syndrome. What am I doing wrong?
  • Have you ever heard of using magnets for carpal tunnel syndrome? Does it work?
  • I'm seven months pregnant with my third child. I've had carpal tunnel syndrome with each pregnancy. The symptoms seem to get worse each time. I can hardly manage to take care of my family. What can I do about this?
  • I'm a new computer user at age 77. My grandkids tell me to keep the keyboard as flat as possible. I like it better propped up on its legs so I can see the letters. Does it really matter?
  • What is a QWERTY keyboard? I've been told by a computer expert to avoid this type.
  • I've had arthritis of the base of my thumb for years. I'm finally ready to have the doctor operate on it. What can they do with surgery for this problem?
  • I had a skiing accident and sprained both my thumbs. It took a long time to heal. Now the doctor tells me I have basal joint arthritis. What does this mean exactly?
  • I've been told I have arthritis in the joint at the base of my thumb. Surgery has been suggested. What happens if I don't have the operation?
  • I have been having symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome for about three months. I also notice my shoulder seems to be getting weaker. Is there a connection?
  • I was at a health fair at the mall and had my strength tested. Using a test of grip strength I found my left hand was much weaker than the right hand. Is that normal?
  • I had a fitness test at my doctor's office. They used a test of my grip strength to determine my overall strength. Is this an adequate test? I don't see how my grip strength tells anything about how strong my arms are.
  • I notice I'm starting to get pea-sized bumps on the index and middle fingers of both hands. I don't have any other major symptoms. My grandma had these same kind of bumps but she had severe arthritis. Does this mean I'll get arthritis too?
  • Just because I'm 72-years old, my doctor doesn't think carpal tunnel surgery will help me. What does age have to do with it?
  • I'm 72-years old and in fairly good health. About six months ago I had carpal tunnel releases done on both hands at the same time. My hands are much better now but I still can't get my car door open without using both hands together. Will I ever get the strength back I need for this?
  • I am a 66-year old restaurant owner. I have pretty bad carpal tunnel syndrome. I can't really afford to retire yet. If I don't get some relief from these symptoms, I may be forced to take disability. Am I too old for surgery?
  • I have just found out I have carpal tunnel syndrome in my left hand. I can't believe all the advice friends and family are giving me: try this, try that. What IS the best way to treat this problem?
  • I have decided to try wearing arm splints for my carpal tunnel syndrome. I'm trying the kind you buy at the drug store first. How often should I wear them? Is more better?
  • I heard that having pain at night with carpal tunnel syndrome is a bad sign. Is this true?
  • My 16-year old son spends hours on the computer between schoolwork, instant messaging, and video games. He's starting to complain about pain in his thumbs. Is there a special keyboard he can use to solve this problem?
  • I saw a TV special on a new joint implant they are using in Sweden to treat arthritis of the thumb. They said it was biodegradable. Doesn't biodegradable mean it breaks down? How does that work in the body?
  • I'm having a lot of trouble with my right thumb and I'm right-handed. The X-rays show severe osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb. The doctor wants to take the worst bone out and pack the remaining space with part of a tendon. Can't they just take the bone out and leave it alone to heal?
  • Wow! I just found out the bones in the base of my thumb are disintegrating from arthritis. The doctor thinks surgery might be my only option. Just what kind of operation is available for this problem?
  • Is pain a good measure of how bad my carpal tunnel syndrome is? Everyday I rate my pain about an 8 on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain). Does this mean the problem is severe?
  • I saw a doctor for numbness and tingling in my fingers that I thought might be carpal tunnel syndrome. After that examination I was sent to a physical therapist for more tests. Wouldn't it be easier to just do an MRI or some medical test instead of all the poking and prodding I went through?
  • Every now and then my hands go numb. If I shake them out the pins and needle sensation goes away. What could be causing this?
  • I broke the tip of my index finger trying to poke a hole in some ice. The doctor said it was an unusual cause of a mallet finger fracture. What's the usual cause?
  • I broke the tip of my index finger playing baseball with my kids. I had to wear a splint for a month. It seems to have healed okay but it looks funny. There's a large bump on the back of the finger. Is this a sign of early arthritis? It doesn't hurt yet.
  • I broke the tip of my middle finger. It's stuck in a bent position. Now I have to wear a splint all day everyday for five or six weeks. Isn't there an operation that could repair this much faster?
  • Six months ago I had a carpal tunnel release operation. The symptoms never went away fully after the operation and now they are as bad as before. The doctor thinks there was an incomplete decompression of the carpal tunnel. What does that mean?
  • I'm going to have a carpal tunnel release this month. The surgeon showed me a special combination knife and light that will be used to make the cut. I didn't really understand how this works. Can you tell me?
  • I saw somebody yesterday with a tiny scar across the wrist from carpal tunnel surgery. When I had my carpal tunnel release the incision was much longer and up and down on my palm. How come such a difference for the same operation?
  • I had a carpal tunnel release done three months ago. The pain in my hand is gone but now I'm having pain along the outside of my wrist (on the little finger side). Could this new pain be coming from the carpal tunnel surgery?
  • I can pull my thumb down far enough to touch it to my forearm. No one else I know can dothis. Am I double jointed?
  • Last year I joined a recreational bicycling club. I'm 69-years old and have to work pretty hard to keep up. This year I'm noticing some numbness and tingling in my left hand. What can I do about this?
  • I'm starting to notice some tingling in the last two fingers of my right hand. It only comes on when I'm at the gym riding the bikes. Should I have this tested and find out what it is?
  • What is biker's palsy? Does it refer to bicyclists or motorcyclists?
  • I just came back from the doctor's and found out the painful bump at the base of my ring finger is called Dupuytren's disease. Do these ever go away on their own?
  • My twin brother was told he has Dupuytren's disease of the hand. What are my chances of getting this same condition?
  • I've had Dupuytren's disease of both hands for two years. The left hand is much worse than the right. The doctor has suggested surgery to remove the nodules. When is surgery advised?
  • My doctor is testing me for carpal tunnel syndrome. So far the tests show normal strength in my thumb. I can't figure that out because sometimes I can't even pick up a glass of water. Can you explain this to me?
  • I'm going to have surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands. Is there any way to tell what the outcome will be before the surgery?
  • I went to see the doctor for pain and numbness in my thumb and hand. I was told I have carpal tunnel syndrome. How do they know for sure there isn't something else wrong with me?
  • My 17-year old son is the local high school quarterback. He's developed a sudden problem with his middle finger. He says it "catches" sometimes and he can't get his hand open. What could be causing this?
  • What is a closed manipulation? Our 21-year-old son off to college had a football injury. His index finger got stuck and couldn't open all the way. He said it was taken care of with a closed manipulation. Is this a chiropractic treatment?
  • I'm a fairly good rock climber with a slight problem. Last week my foot slipped while I was climbing a short, steep section. My hand was in a crimping finger position and I heard a loud pop. Now there's swelling in my index and middle finger. Should I see a doctor? I'm really afraid of something serious like surgery. I'd rather not go there.
  • I've got a mild problem with a trigger finger. Do they make any kind of splint for this? I tried the little finger splints from the drug store. That didn't work at all.
  • I have developed a very annoying trigger finger. It simply won't straighten out. With my job as a waitress it's becoming a real problem. My doctor offered to inject it with steroids. Aren't steroids really harmful? Should I do it?
  • Mid-life is catching up with me. I'm a 48-year old man with a passion for handball. Two days ago I hit the ball just right and ended up with a torn thumb ligament. I believe the doctor said it's the RCL ligament. I'm in a cast right now trying to decide whether to stay with the cast or go for surgical repair. What do most people do?
  • Last winter I fell on the ice and landed on my hand. I think I may have jammed my thumb. At the time I seemed to be okay but ever since I've been unable to open a jar lid or turn the door handle. Sometimes I can't even hold onto a pen. What's going on anyway?
  • What's the difference between repairing or reconstructing a torn ligament in the thumb? How does the surgeon decide which type of operation is needed?
  • About a year ago I was diagnosed with a hand condition called Dupuytren's disease. I had surgery to fix it and I've been fine ever since. Now I'm noticing some tiny bumps over the backs of my knuckles on the same hand. Is this from Dupuytren's too?
  • What is Dupuytren's disease and what causes it? Can I get it from living with someone who has it?
  • I have a hand condition called Dupuytren's disease. I saw a report that said it might be genetic. What difference does that make? Either you have it or you don't, right?
  • I've just been diagnosed with Dupuytren's disease. What can you tell me about this condition? What brings it on?
  • My orthopedic surgeon showed me the implant that will be used to replace my rheumatic knuckles. I noticed it is already in a bent position. Will I be able to straighten my fingers all the way?
  • My favorite aunt has rheumatoid arthritis pretty bad. I notice her fingers are twisted now. They don't even go straight anymore. I don't know how she even pulls the covers up at night or opens the refrigerator door. Isn't there anything that can be done to replace these joints?
  • I'm going to have some surgery to help with a stuck finger. My ring finger is bent and won't straighten. I have a condition called Dupuytren's Disease or DD. Will the surgery take care of the problem for good?
  • My 73-year old mother is going to have three of the knuckles in her arthritic hand replaced. She's pretty limited in motion right now so I can imagine she'll be much better off after the joint replacement. How close to normal will she get?
  • I had an operation six years ago on my right thumb for painful arthritis with good results. I need the same kind of treatment for my other thumb, too. The hand surgeon wants to do a suspensionplasty instead of a tendon transfer. What's the advantage of this kind of operation over the kind I've already had?
  • I have terrible arthritis at the base of my left thumb. My surgeon has explained a new operation to help get my strength back. It's called a suspensionplasty. I understand all the ways this operation can help me but what can go wrong? Is there a downside to this procedure?
  • Years ago I fell out of a tree and broke and displaced the end of my radial bone. I had to have surgery with wires to hold it all together. I just read the results of my most recent X-ray and CT scan, which said, "Moderate non-inflammatory arthrosis." What does that mean?
  • What are my chances for going back to work after a wrist fracture? I think I broke just the end of the radial bone but it moved to one side, so I had to have surgery to put it back in place.
  • I have a bump on the back of my wrist that comes and goes. The doctor says it's just a cyst. Why does it disappear for weeks and then show up again from time to time?
  • My 17-year old daughter has a large bump on the back of her hand. Her grandpa says he can get rid of it by thumping it with the family Bible. Is this a real way to treat the problem? Does it work? Does it hurt?
  • I injured my index finger in a volleyball game. The doctor called it a Type I mallet injury. I've been given a splint to wear for 10 weeks. What happens if I don't use it?
  • What in the world is a "Jersey finger"? Our son is a football player away from home for the first time. He emailed us to tell us he has a Jersey finger and not to worry.
  • My mother had two steroid injections for carpal tunnel syndrome in an attempt to avoid having surgery. How will we know if she still needs the operation?
  • How well do steroid injections work for carpal tunnel syndrome?
  • I have Dupuytren's disease in my right hand, and I'm scheduled to have surgery next week. The surgeon is going to make tiny cuts in my palm and then release the tight tissue. I will be awake for the operation. Will there be any pain involved?
  • I am a piano teacher with a fairly large studio of students. Next month I'm going to have surgery for Dupuytren's disease. Two of the fingers on my left hand are affected. I'll still be able to teach using my right hand but how long will the left hand be out of commission?
  • Five years ago I had a titanium thumb joint replacement. I've heard these haven't held up so well but mine seems okay. What's the latest?
  • I've had arthritis at the base of my left thumb for 10 years now. It's time to do something about it. What are my options?
  • I play the piano and teach lessons for a living. Lately I've been having more and more wrist and hand pain. I notice it doesn't bother me when I type on the computer, just when I play the piano. What's the difference? It seems like I'm using the same fingers in the same way.
  • I am a high school student in a magnet school for music. My main instrument is the piano. In the last few months I've been having more and more problems with hand and wrist pain. It started out just hurting when I played. Now it hurts while I'm playing and for several hours later. What can I do about this?
  • I had surgery two weeks ago to repair a tendon in my first finger. I've been told how to move it to prevent scarring but I'm afraid to move it. What if I ruin the surgery? What if the tendon ruptures again?
  • About a month ago I had surgery to repair a tendon laceration. I'm concerned because I'm not getting my motion back. What can be done about this?
  • I'm a beach volleyball player. I fell two weeks ago and tore the ulnar collateral ligament of my left hand. Even though the fall was on the sand, the way I landed caused an avulsion fracture. I've had surgery and my thumb and lower arm are in a cast. How long before I can get back to volleyball?
  • I ruptured a tendon in my ring finger at work last year. I've had nothing but trouble ever since. Surgery to repair the tendon didn't work. The finger is permanently stuck in a bent position. It catches on everything. I think my hand would work better if they just cut it off. Is this ever done?
  • I sprained my index finger really badly playing baseball. All the doctor did was tape it to the middle finger. How is that going to help anything?
  • Twenty years ago I had a carpal tunnel release done on my left wrist. There is still a long incision over my wrist but I'm perfectly fine now. My daughter had the same surgery but without an open incision. She's had all kinds of nerve problems ever since. Is the open operation still better than this new method?
  • What is neurapraxia? My brother-in-law had carpal tunnel surgery and now he has this problem.
  • My 12-month old child has a trigger thumb. The pediatrician tells us to just watch it for now. No treatment is needed. How long do we watch and wait before doing something?
  • I had carpal tunnel surgery and my wrist pain is gone but my grip strength is worse than before. Will I ever get back to full strength?
  • Two years ago, I had carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand. Now I need it on the left. The last time they did an open incision but this time the surgeon is going to do it without opening my wrist. Will I be able to get back to work faster with this new method?
  • I'm just about ready to retire from my job as a billings analyst. My carpal tunnel seems to be getting worse every year. The doctor thinks I should have carpal tunnel surgery now. If I had less pain, I might be able to work longer. She wants me to have electrical nerve tests done first. After six months of pain and numbness, is this step really necessary?
  • It seems everyone in my office is having carpal tunnel surgery. The results seem pretty good. I'm having some of the same symptoms. How can I tell if the surgery would help me?
  • What is a boutonnière deformity? My mother wrote that Father has been diagnosed with this condition and needs surgery. He's had rheumatoid arthritis for years, now this. What can they do for it?
  • I've had severe rheumatoid arthritis in my hands for the last 10 years. I've had two joint replacements with silicone implants. I've heard there's a new and improved carbon implant now. What can you tell me about these new joints?
  • Fifteen years ago I had an accident driving a team of mules. Three of my fingers were pulled off at the middle knuckle. If this happened today, could my fingers be saved?
  • I've had numerous tests for carpal tunnel syndrome to find the cause of my cold and numb hands. The latest tests were normal for blood flow but abnormal for vibration. What does this tell me?
  • I'm trying to figure out what to do. I have a trigger finger on my left hand. I am left-handed, and it's becoming a real problem. I saw one doctor who said it was best to inject it with a steroid. When I went for a second opinion, I was told surgery to release the tissue around the tendon worked best. How do I decide?
  • I have diabetes type 2 and now I'm starting to get a trigger finger. I do work in a meat factory packaging bacon. How can I tell if the trigger finger is from my diabetes or from my work?
  • I have had two of my finger joints replaced due to rheumatoid arthritis. One is a ceramic implant. The other is silicone. They both seem to work fine. I heard there's an even better implant now available that's made of carbon. Should I have that kind in my next finger joint replacement?
  • I'm going to have two finger joints replaced in the next week. What kind of rehab can I expect?
  • I just sent my husband to the emergency room with an open wound on his hand from the power washer he was using to wash the garage. There wasn't any bleeding but his arm got water inside. Is this a serious injury?
  • Have you ever heard of a tendon laceration from using a power spray to wash a house? I left my 18-year old son in charge of power washing the house and he ended up in the emergency room with a tendon laceration. He says the spray just touched his hand in one place but it left a mark on him. So I guess it must be true.
  • Have you ever heard of a false aneurysm in the hand? What can cause this kind of problem?
  • I have a lump in my palm that I can feel my heart beat in. It developed about two weeks ago when I accidentally poked a nail through my palm. I was treated in the emergency room but I haven't seen anyone since. What should I do about this? Would soaking help? Should I use hot or cold water?
  • I'm currently working at an assisted living facility as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). I notice that many of the folks have trouble holding silverware to eat. They all tell me they have carpal tunnel syndrome and their fingers are numb. Is this caused by aging?
  • I had an EMG and nerve conduction test done to find out what's causing the painful numbness and tingling in my left hand. The tests came out all normal but the carpal tunnel surgery I had done worked great. Why is that?
  • Years ago, my grandmother had one of the first finger joint replacements for her rheumatoid arthritis. As my mother remembers it, the implant didn't work and she ended up having the finger fused. Now that I've also been diagnosed with RA, I'm wondering what's in store for me. Do they still do finger joint replacements when things get really bad?
  • I've been training for a special 150-mile bike race to support a children's cancer camp. But I'm starting to have a problem with my left hand. My fingers are in some kind of spasm and curling like a claw. Have you ever heard of this problem in bikers?
  • Our 14-year old son is an avid mountain biker. Lately he's been shaking his hand to try and get rid of some numbness and tingling he's having. Is that really going to help?
  • I hate to admit this but I was chipping ice with a small but very sharp pick and it slipped. The pick went into my hand. There's a hole, but no bleeding. What should I do?
  • I heard there's a simple blood test that can show what is causing my carpal tunnel syndrome. What is this test called?
  • I worked for 29 years in an office using old-fashioned typewriters, electric typewriters, and finally computers. I never had an ounce of trouble. Now that I'm retired, I'm starting to get carpal tunnel syndrome. Is there a delayed effect with this problem?
  • Five years ago I had reconstructive surgery on my left thumb. The arthritis was so bad, they took out one of the bones at the base of the thumb. The X-rays show everything is okay, but I'm starting to have more pain and discomfort now. What could be causing this?
  • I've been having more and more trouble grasping and pinching small objects with my right hand. It seems like my thumb just doesn't move like it should. And there's a round bump around the base of the thumb like the bone is getting bigger. What could be causing these symptoms?
  • I am self-employed as a roofer for new housing projects. Two months ago, I sliced a tendon in my thumb. It hasn't healed so now I'm having surgery. The surgeon will transfer an extra tendon from one side of my thumb to the other. How much longer am I going to be off work?
  • I am a professional oboe player in a large symphony orchestra. While we were traveling overseas, I fell and broke my wrist. My wrist is healed but my thumb is not. One of the extensor tendons in my thumb ruptured. I didn't know it until the cast was taken off. If I have surgery to repair the tendon, will I get my full motion back?
  • My brothers and one uncle have gout of the big toe. It seems I might have gout of the fingers developing. Have you ever heard of gout affecting the hand?
  • A year ago I was diagnosed with trigger finger of the index finger. I've been treated off and on all that time with no success. It was finally discovered that the problem was caused by an infection. A simple antibiotic cleared it up. Why couldn't they figure this out sooner?
  • I fell last month while skiing. At the time, I didn't think I had hurt anything. But now I have a trigger finger that's painful and annoying. Could this be from the skiing accident?
  • My neighbor has what the doctor called a claw hand. What is that? He wasn't born like that.
  • My son was born with some disabilities and one of them is a claw hand. I know that he can have surgery to fix it, but I'm hearing mixed reports as to whether it's any good. What should I do?
  • Why do women get thumb arthritis more often than men?
  • My father is a wood carver in his spare time. Now he has arthritis in the base of his thumb. The pain and stiffness are interfering with this hobby. So he's thinking of having surgery to reconstruct that joint. The surgeon says there's a chance he could end up with a bit of thumb shortening on that side. Will that affect his carving abilities?
  • Today for the first time, I couldn't turn my key in the lock to open the car door. I've had arthritis in that hand for a while but never this bad. Most of the trouble seems to be coming from the base of my right thumb. What can be done for this problem?
  • I've been having sharp pain in my left wrist for months now. I don't remember doing anything to it. Would an X-ray be helpful?
  • Our son broke his thumb while out at the local skate park. The surgeon called it a Bennett fracture. What is this exactly?
  • My brother just had some tests related to his carpal tunnel syndrome. They said he wasn't a good candidate for surgery because of a high level of pain anxiety. What is pain anxiety? Wouldn't surgery relieve the pain and reduce his anxiety?
  • I'm thinking about having surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. I just can't decide if I should do it or not. What's your best advice?
  • I was just diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. I understand there's pressure on the nerve causing the burning pain and numbness. But why do I have trouble picking things up?
  • Is there any way to figure out why I developed carpal tunnel syndrome? I don't sew, crochet, or work with my hands like some of my friends who have this condition. It just came on by itself.
  • Both of my sons have broken fingers, usually while playing basketball. One time, I treated one of the fingers myself by splinting it, but the finger never went back to its original size although that's how the other fingers were treated by their doctor. What might have gone wrong?
  • Our son has been watching too much TV. In a mock kung-fu move, he kicked his leg out and then punched a two-by-four intending to break it in half. All he accomplished was breaking the knuckle of his little finger. Right now, when he makes a fist, that finger is flat where the knuckle should be. Will this pop back out and heal?
  • Could you solve a dispute for me? Our family has a big baseball tradition. Almost everyone has a finger, hand, or elbow injury of some sort. Our 12-year old daughter just got a mallet injury in a game. My husband says leave it alone, and it will heal on its own. But she also plays the violin and piano. Shouldn't this type of injury be treated to save finger motion and function?
  • I'm in the middle of a dispute with my work place about my carpal tunnel syndrome. I maintain that constant hours of typing and filing have resulted in this problem. They say there isn't enough evidence to support a work-related cause for CTS. Who's right?
  • My husband runs a jack hammer all day as part of his job for a big construction company. He's starting to develop painful carpal tunnel syndrome in his right hand as a result. Can anything be done to keep this from happening in his left hand?
  • I've had a painful and limiting trigger finger and thumb for about six months. The hand surgeon I'm seeing suggests it's time to inject the tendons. What does this do? Is it safe?
  • Is there a connection between diabetes and trigger fingers? I have both and was just wondering.
  • I've heard that carpal tunnel syndrome requires immediate surgery to save the nerve. But my doctor insists on a six to eight week course of physical therapy with splinting and exercise for me. Does this seem right?
  • I just got a pair of splints to wear whenever possible for carpal tunnel syndrome. They are both set in such a way that my wrist is propped up a bit. This makes it difficult to do things when I'm wearing the splint. Is it really necessary?
  • My daughter broke her scaphoid bone in her hand but she says that she didn't fall very hard. How does the bone break?
  • If doctors can do hip and knee replacements, why can't they replace other joints like fingers?
  • I injured my hand at work a few months ago when a heavy container fell on it. It still hurts from time to time and I have some difficulty with it. My doctor suggested that I see an occupational therapist, but I'm not sure what he or she would do. What can they do for me?
  • My family laughs but I've developed what my doctor said was "Blackberry thumb." It's very painful and it's keeping me from doing the things I enjoy doing, like golf and play computer games. Is there anything I can do other than stop using my Blackberry - which I can't because I need it for work?
  • What causes trigger finger? I'd never heard of it until my cousin had it.
  • Before I go to see a doctor about what I think is a trigger finger, is there anything I can do at home for it?
  • I fell yesterday right onto my left wrist. And wouldn't you know it? It's the same wrist I had carpal tunnel surgery on last year. Now my carpal tunnel symptoms are back. How can that happen?