California Hand Center

Hand Doctor Los Angeles - Treating Hand Disorders

2012-01-30T21:54:00.000-08:00

Physicians focus on different specialties in medicine to properly care for their patient’s specific condition. Numerous doctors’ practice various fields in medicine to assist every patient's specified circumstance. For example, an orthopaedic doctor specializes in treating the hand, finger, and wrist. An orthopaedic doctor treats many patients who may be suffering from arthritis, osteoporosis, and other bone, joint and ligament injuries. Many active people and the elderly need to consult with an orthopaedic doctor or Los Angeles hand surgeon in case of emergencies. Those who frequently visit an orthopaedic doctor or Los Angeles hand surgeon are active people and the elderly because they are prone to more injury. One of the most widely known hand injuries people suffer from is carpal tunnel syndrome.People who habitually hurt their hand are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Most people who are diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome often complain of intense hand pains that are generally caused by work-related injuries, sport injuries, and arthritis. Carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles is a very widespread hand disorder and must be treated by a proficient and knowledgeable Los Angeles hand surgeon. In case you are encountering numbness on your hands or wrist, you may need to consult a Los Angeles hand doctor right away to avoid other complications. To prevent further injury, it is advised that you visit a hand specialist as soon as possible especially if you are enduring numbness and swelling of the hands and wrist.

As a patient, you should research on the procedure and the qualifications of the hand surgeon. Hand surgery is no exception to any other surgical procedures because it requires you to locate the best surgeon to perform the surgery and successfully treat your disorder.Carpal tunnel syndrome is chronic hand disorder which requires every patient to cautiously choose a hand specialist that will successfully treat your disorder. Prior to getting any kind of surgery, we must weigh all our options. A visit to your hand surgeon consists of an examination and diagnosis before any treatment or surgery is done. In the examination phase, a hand surgeon will commonly evaluate the patient’s hand carefully and determine what kind of disorder he or she is experiencing. Based on the symptoms the patient is undergoing, a knowledgeable hand surgeon will then determine the proper diagnosis. A Los Angeles hand doctor will detect if any swelling or tenderness is taking place on the wrist or hand. Sometimes surgery will not be required if the hand injury is minor. Instead your doctor might suggest that you wear a splint. A hand doctor will only recommend surgery if absolutely needed. Most often he or she will determine if the splint was effective enough to temporarily treat the hand injury.

Let Hand Surgeons Save Your Active Lifestyle

2011-12-19T03:52:00.000-08:00

Many physicians specialize in different areas of medicine to better care for their patient’s need and condition. For instance, an orthopaedic doctor specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of the hand, finger, and wrist. Orthopaedic doctors treat many patients who may be experiencing arthritis, osteoporosis, and other bone, joint and ligament injuries. Many athletes and older adults often seek the help of an orthopaedic doctor or Los Angeles hand surgeon for a variety of injuries and disorders. One of the most common hand injuries people face is known as carpal tunnel syndrome. Most people who are diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome often complain of severe hand pains that are frequently caused by work-related injuries, sport injuries, and arthritis. Carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles is a very common hand disorder and must be treated by a highly skilled and experienced Los Angeles hand surgeon. If you are experiencing numbness on your hands or extreme pain, you may want to see a hand specialist immediately to avoid any further damage. For most patients, seeking a qualified Los Angeles hand surgeon is the first step to getting the necessary treatment you deserve. To find the “right” hand surgeon that will provide the best care, one must do their research and find out his or her credentials and qualifications. Like any surgery, we want to find the best surgeon to care for our needs and restore us back to a healthier self.

Because carpal tunnel syndrome is a very serious hand disorder we must be careful when choosing a hand specialist to perform the surgery. When it comes to any surgery, we must consider all the options available before diving into surgery. During a consultation with a hand surgeon, the patient’s hand will be examined and a proper diagnosis will be performed. During the diagnosis, a hand surgeon will typically examine the patient’s hand thoroughly and determine if the disorder is indeed known as carpal tunnel syndrome. An experienced hand surgeon will usually identify the disorder based on the symptoms the patient is encountering and the location of where the numbness is occurring. When a patient experiences carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles, he or she is likely to experience pain in the wrist as well. A Los Angeles hand doctor will examine if any swelling, deformity, or tenderness is occurring on the wrist. Furthermore, if the injury is less severe and does not require surgery, your hand surgeon will typically advise you to wear a splint. If in a couple of weeks, you see progress and improvement from wearing the splint, then your hand doctor will not recommend surgery. Surgery is usually for more serious cases that medicine, injections, and splints will not be able to treat.

Let Surgeons Help You

2011-11-23T20:46:00.000-08:00

In most cases, many people injure a certain body part that they use on a daily basis such as their hands, fingers, arms, feet, and/or legs. Some of the injuries we face could be minor and may only require medicine and a bandage to treat temporarily. On the other hand, major injuries may require surgery. For instance, a minor injury that may be caused from a fall or infection is toenail fungus. People will often seek toenail fungus treatment, such as laser toenail fungus treatment Los Angeles, if no home remedy or antibiotic works. Other common injuries include, hand injuries are common among both the young and old. Hand, wrist, and finger injuries are especially common among athletes and older adults because they are the most vulnerable to bone injuries, like fractures and dislocations. Hand injures are most likely to occur during active situations like sports and work-related tasks. How many times can you recall having hurt yourself playing sports or from doing rigorous chores? Probably more than you can count. Therefore, it is important to visit Los Angeles Hand Specialist to get a better sense of the kind of treatment you will need. Because we use our hands daily, there is always a potential that we could get hurt especially for those who are involved in contact sports like boxing, wrestling, and football or those who actively participate in high-speed sports like skiing, skateboarding, or/and biking. Gymnasts, in particular, are also at a high risk for hand, wrist, and finger injuries because gymnastics primarily involves weight-bearing and causes a lot of strain on your body. Children are also very likely to hurt themselves during active play or from accidental falls. Sometimes these accidents are severe that they might require hand, arm, or finger surgery. A high rate of older adults is also at a high risk for hand injuries and may need surgery.

It is advisable to see hand surgeon Los Angeles immediately even if you may think an injury is minor. Let a hand surgeon determine what kind of treatment you may need because they have the most experience and training in the field of orthopaedic surgery. Every time you delay seeing a doctor to treat a wound or injury, the chance for a full recovery is minimal. Although most minor injuries will heal on its own with home remedy treatments and over-the-counter medicine, major injuries will require more than these common remedies. Medicine can relieve symptoms and temporarily promote healing. However, in the long-run, wrist surgery Los Angeles might be a better option for those seeking immediate treatment from major hand injuries. Hand surgeons not only treat hand injuries but also provide rehabilitation therapy to help during the recovery period. Furthermore, hand specialist also provides non-surgical methods like medication, injections, or even therapy.

Diagnosing and Treating SevereHand Ailments

2011-10-21T02:50:00.000-07:00

Basilar Joint arthritis, also known as thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) or arthritis of the thumb is a common hand ailment that especially affects older adults and senior citizens. This type of arthritis is also a form of osteoarthritis which means it is a degenerative joint disease that affects the basal joint of the thumb and induces pain and stiffness at the joints. Arthritis is known to be a disorder that is predominately related to aging. However, there are other factors that may cause the wear and tear of ligaments and joints. For instance, some of the leading causes of arthritis other than aging are obesity and being overweight, fractures or sprains from earlier injuries, family history of arthritis and/or long-term wear and tear of muscles from work or sports. Some medical conditions that can also contribute to arthritis include hemophilia, diseases that may block blood supply or the joint or chronic gout. Basilar joint arthritis mainly effects women after the age of 40 and is often the result of a previous fracture of injury. Without immediate care and proper diagnosis and treatment, one’s condition will likely worsen from repeated motion and overuse of the hand. Many things require hand movements, so if arthritis goes untreated, inflammation will often occur and eventually it will result in complete destruction of the joint. However, Los Angeles HandSurgery will help provide a solution to these hand injuries through proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Hand Surgeon Los Angeles will use the most advanced surgical procedures that will not only treat the hand disorder but also prevent future inflammation and joint damage and help eliminate pain and swelling from constant grasping an pinching.

To find a surgeon specializing in Repetitive Use Injuries Los Angeles, one must do their research and find out the qualifications and credentials of surgeons in your surrounding area. When coming in for a consultation, hand surgeon Los Angeles will properly examine each patient’s medical history and perform a physical examination of the hand and from there, they will determine the appropriate surgical procedure to perform. During the diagnosis stage, a surgeon will examine the thumb using a series of x-rays and imaging scans to determine the severity of the joint damage and how the pain has progressed.With the immediate treatment that hand surgeons of basilar jointarthritis Los Angeles provide, many patients will be able to perform simple everyday duties and once again maintain an active lifestyle of work and exercise without feeling overbearing pain. Surgery is necessary to treat m any hand injuries, especially severe ones. Hand surgery provides long-lasting results as it repairs alignment of the bones, replaces damaged joints with artificial ones or fuses bones back together.

Finding Help for Wrist and Hand Injuries Los Angeles

2011-09-13T21:58:00.000-07:00

Many people don’t realize how much they need their hands and wrists until they injure them and are unable to use them. There a number of ways hands and wrists can become injured. Sometimes it happens quickly through an accident or an altercation with another person. Other times it happens gradually as in the case of degenerative diseases like arthritis or overuse that leads to carpal tunnel. In any case, when it comes to getting help with your hand injuries Los Angeles residents have several options available to them. Here is how to find help in Los Angeles or LA County for your wrist and hand.

The first person you want to talk to is your doctor. You need to know exactly what the problem is in order to figure out what your next step should be. They can diagnose what is causing the problems you are having with your wrist or hand and make recommendations. For example, if you have carpal tunnel then the doctor may advise you to get surgery to alleviate the pain. You could then schedule an appointment with a wrist surgery Los Angeles specialist who can give you more information about the procedure and recovery time.

If you don’t have a doctor or want to find your Los Angeles hand injuries doctor, then there are a couple of ways you can do that. The first would be to ask people in your social network who have had hand or wrist injuries who they would recommend. This way, you can get firsthand reviews about the doctor and how well the treatment worked. Another way would be to do a search online for doctors who specialize in the kind of care you need. For example, if you need someone to help you with your elbow, you would simply do a search for elbow surgery Los Angeles on a popular search engine and you should be presented with a list of doctors in your local area.

Lastly, people who have surgery typically need physical therapy to assist in the healing process. Ask your surgeon for a recommendation. You will typically be in physical therapy for several weeks to a few months so make sure their office is accessible to you. Before signing up for a program, check with your insurance company to how they will pay for the physical therapy. You don’t want to get any surprises when the bill arises. When you need help with your hands and wrists, use all of the resources available to you to find a doctor you can trust.

Finding Reputable Doctors – Research is Key

2011-08-10T00:56:00.000-07:00

As we age, our bodies are put through much stress and they begin to slowly break down. Over time, the body starts to break down and this can be felt through different types of aches and pains. Some of these aches and pains are minor and can be dealt with and nothing further from a doctor is needed. There are other aches and pains that are more than minor and need the care and guidance of a qualified professional. California has many health care professionals available to help. Carpal tunnel is a pain that should be looked at and there are many carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles professionals that are available to help.

Another lingering pain that needs the assistance and guidance of a qualified medical doctor is basilar joint arthritis pain. This is a pain that occurs in the thumb. The most often will be a minor pain but if you use your hands a lot, especially if you are tying on the computer a lot, this is a pain that needs to be looked at. A doctor will be able to look at your basilar joint arthritis symptoms and see if you need further medical treatment or if a home remedy will get the job done.

With as many carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles professionals as there are, there is no excuse for not having any carpal tunnel pain looked at. Carpal tunnel is also another pain that is associated with typing and computer use and if left untreated, it could be disastrous to the use of the arm and to future employment. If you have limited use of your hand, you will not be able to produce the quality of work that you and your employer are accustomed to.

Seeking out carpal tunnel treatment Los Angeles professionals can be a very easy process. The first step is to see your primary care doctor. That doctor will be able to tell you the extent of your condition and may be able to treat you on the spot. If that is not possible, your primary care physician will refer you on to a specialist for further and more in depth treatment. If a referral is made, this is due to a more serious condition that will require some sort of treatment and work to be done on both the part of the doctor and on the part of the patient. Pain is an indicator of something wrong and should not be ignored.

Los Angeles Hand Surgery – Getting Back to Your Life

2011-07-19T00:23:00.000-07:00

The human hand is a marvel of engineering and quite possibly the world's most useful tool. Unfortunately, they are not indestructible and it may be necessary for an individual to seek out a Los Angeles hand surgeon. Repetitive motion can cause a person to require carpal tunnel surgery in Los Angeles or wrist surgery. Luckily, a person will be able to get the help they need since there are a number of highly skilled and well trained professionals offering hand surgery in Los Angeles to Southern California and beyond for those willing to travel.

There are a number of reasons why person may need to have hand surgery Los Angeles. An injury or animal bite may mean that it is absolutely necessary to find a wrist surgery specialist in Los Angeles in order for person to go back to their regular day-to-day routine. Carpal tunnel surgery has been in increasingly high demand as surgeons have become ever more skilled at helping people overcome painful hand and wrist injuries. Of course, finding the right hand surgeon in Los Angeles will require person to do more than simply pick the first name out of the phone book or an online directory.

A hand surgeon should be highly recommended. Many individuals find their surgeon after receiving recommendations from their family doctor or friends and coworkers. Hand surgery, like any type of surgery, is something that should be taken very seriously because, for many people, their hands are their livelihood. Luckily, surgeons in the area understand this which is why carpal tunnel surgery Los Angeles is generally provided only by the most skilled individuals in the business. Wrist surgery is also something that should be carefully considered since an inexperienced surgeon can actually do more harm than good.

There may be no easy way to find the best hand surgeon in Los Angeles, but there are services available online to help a person narrow down the list of potential candidates. When it comes to hand surgery, an individual should carefully consider all their options before settling on a particular clinic or surgeon. Since many individuals are counting on carpal tunnel surgery to help them get back to their regular life, it is absolutely crucial that an individual take their time to find the right surgeon for them. Fortunately, with so many skilled individuals in the area it is easier than ever to find the right wrist surgery Los Angeles professional.

Los Angeles Hand Surgeon- Healthy Hands

2011-06-01T22:34:00.000-07:00

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that occurs in men and women of various ages. This condition results from repetitive use of the hands. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a problem of nerve irritation in the wrist. The major nerve in the wrist travels through a narrow passage called the carpal tunnel. Repetitive work or an injury can causeswelling of the tendons in the tunnel resulting in compression of the nerve. Numbing of the hands, cramping in the wrists or palms, and loss of strength in the hands are all symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Los Angeles patients report that symptoms become worse by performing daily activities with hands such as writing, typing, driving a car, or talking on the phone. As symptoms worsen, patients will begin to have trouble sleeping due to the pain and discomfort in the hands.Symptoms arebothersome and if not treated, carpal tunnel syndrome can even cause permanent nerve damage to the hand which leads to loss of hand function.

When conservative measures do not function, a minimally-invasive straight-forward surgical decompression is another Carpal Tunnel Treatment Los Angeles hand surgeonsperform several safe minimally invasive methods that have little recovery time so patients are able to use their hands immediately. Some surgery procedures do not require the use of general anesthesia and most patients are able to resume with all their tasks within a couple weeks. A variety of treatments are available for carpal tunnel syndrome including splinting, oral anti-inflammatory medications, and therapy. If this doesn’t work and pain persists, further options include steroid injections and surgeries are available.

In Los Angeles Hand Surgeon are able alleviate the pain associated with common hand problems in joints of the hand that are caused by injuries. The relationship between all thestructures in the hand is delicate. An injury can affect all of the structures and impair the use of the hand causing pain and discomfort. Performing repetitive activities with the hands such as typing can cause one of these injuries. It is important to seek an experienced hand doctor to receive further information on what changes to make and what guidelines to follow to decrease the possibilities of permanent damage.

Thumb Basilar Joint Arthritis Symptoms are considered to be the most painful of all the arthritic conditions. It produces so much pain that using the thumb to aid in opening a bottle becomes impossible. This type of arthritis typically affects women over the age of 40, especially if there is a family history with arthritis. Initial treatments for basilar joint arthritis are rest, splinting and anti-inflammatory medications. It is important that a doctor be consulted at first sign of symptoms to prevent further damage and maintain healthy hands.

Basilar Joint Arthritis – Thumbs Up for Hand Surgeons

2011-05-28T04:07:00.000-07:00

Opposable thumbs are an important part of what sets man apart from beast. Opposable thumbs allow us to grasp things and pick them up. Without thumbs, you couldn't hold a cup with one hand. Without thumbs, you couldn't play the violin. There are lots of things that our thumbs enable us to do. But if you have basilar joint arthritis of the thumb, then you're not enjoying all the benefits of having them. Using your thumbs can be painful due to inflammation. And thumbs are prone to this condition because they're such a commonly used joint that has to undergo a lot of wear and tear.

Many people also suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles. Just about everyone from the Harbor Gateway to the San Fernando Valley types or uses a computer. This means that the area is seeing a rise in carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries. Not only can these conditions be painful or uncomfortable or just plain annoying, but they can also prevent you from being able to do your job. Many jobs depend on the use of computers, and if you can't type, then you may not be able to do your job as quickly as you're used to.

If you have arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, then you may need to have hand surgery Los Angeles. There are fortunately many experienced surgeons in the area, and this type of surgery is usually covered by medical insurance. But before you choose the first doctor you find in the phone book, take a moment to consider the experience and expertise of the surgeon. The hand contains a lot of bones, and it requires a delicate and precise touch to operate successfully on it. If you choose the wrong surgeon, you could end up even worse off than before.

When you're looking for a hand surgeon Los Angeles, be sure to find out how long they've been practicing, not only as a surgeon, but specifically as a hand surgeon. This type of surgery can be difficult, so the more experience the surgeon has, the better he'll be at it. You also want to find a surgeon that's near enough to you that it's convenient to get yourself to an appointment. You don't want to keep missing your appointments because of that famous Los Angeles traffic. But you're sure to find a good, experienced hand surgeon that's near enough to you to be convenient to see.

Elbow Surgery Los Angeles - Orthopedic Hand Surgery

2011-04-19T22:06:00.000-07:00

Hand and wrist surgery is undertaken by specialist orthopedic and plastic surgeons. Surgery often involves the repair of damage to the hand or wrist which may have occurred to bone, muscle, tendon,nerve or other soft tissue, skin and nails. Los Angeles Hand Surgeon is a fully qualified and accredited hand surgeon with a reputation for clinical excellence and patient care. He offers a wide range of treatments from aesthetic surgery to complex hand surgery. Los Angeles Hand Surgeon treats all common hand problems including ganglions and other “lumps and bumps” of the hand, carpal tunnel syndrome, dupuytren’s contracture, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, tendon and nerve injuries, hand and finger fractures and other common wrist problems. His surgical team is supported by specialist Hand Therapists such as Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists.

Carpal Tunnel Surgery is one of a wide and comprehensive range of procedures performed at Carpal Tunnel Surgery Los Angeles. It offers fast, convenient, effective and high quality hand surgery for all patients. For some hand conditions surgery is unnecessary, but for others surgery relieves pain and improves the use of the hand. It may also improve the hand’s appearance. The carpal tunnel syndrome can arise for no obvious reason, particularly in mid-life. The carpal tunnel lies at the level of the wrist and contains tendonsinvolved in the movement of the fingers. It also contains the median nerve which supplies the muscles that move the thumb and gives sensation to it. In the carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve becomes squeezed when the contents of the carpal tunnel become swollen. This can be caused by the accumulation of fat or fluid in the tunnel. Although diuretics and steroid injections may be used to alleviate the condition, surgery is needed if the symptoms persist. Surgery is usually carried out under local anesthesia and aims to decompress the nerve by relieving the pressure on it.

Hand Surgery Los Angeles is a leading provider of hand and wrist surgery for patients in Los Angeles and its nearby areas. It’s a fully accredited center offering a wide and comprehensive range of hand surgery procedures. Fully qualified consultant orthopedic surgeons carry out hand or wrist surgery. Over the years, Hand Surgery Los Angeles has built up a reputation for providing excellent medical and surgical facilities, supported by state of the art equipment and a high standard of nursing care. Its well equipped physiotherapy unit has a wide range of modern physiotherapeutic equipment that enable a rapid recovery from hand and wrist surgery. Hand Surgery Los Angeles is committed to providing consistent, high quality service to local communities.

Elbow Surgery Los Angeles offers elbow surgery for all conditions, whether caused accidentally, from sports injuries or due to arthritis or congenital problems. At Elbow Surgery Los Angeles, the best of the new technological advances are used to help patients recover faster. All syndromes affecting the elbow including cubital tunnel syndrome, radial tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, distal biceps rupture, olecranon bursitis, osteoarthritis of the elbow and others are treated. Surgeons at Elbow Surgery Los Angelesspecialize in keyhole surgery and minimally invasive techniques using only best practice and the latest techniques. They base their practice on the principle that an early accurate diagnosis and prompt specialist treatment will lead to a faster recovery and return to work.

Avoiding Carpal tunnel surgery

2011-03-15T21:54:00.000-07:00

Using your hands is so natural most of us don’t even think is a condition that occurs from repetitive use and over use of the hands. Although this can occur in both men and women there are a higher percentage of women about it before we use them or engage in tasks that only involve hand movement. For many carpal tunnel patients using their hands is often something they think twice about. Carpal tunnel syndrome with this illness than men. This may be due to the kind of work that most women engage in however there is a genetic factor. Leading Hand Surgeon Los Angeles urge individuals to be aware of the position of the hands and to make sure they are not overusing or over stressing the hands. Make sure to engage in hand exercises so that they are not stuck in the same positions for long periods of time.

Carpal tunnel sensations often being with tingling numbness and then evolve into cramping at the wrist. The pain becomes worse with everyday hand movement. In order to avoid the pain and avoid having Carpal Tunnel surgery Los Angeles one must decrease the use of their hands to the bear minimum for a period of time as treatment and slowly ease back into using the hands while still on medication and undergoing other treatments. Many patients are given a wrist support brace and pain medication in hopes that this will provide some pain relief. Often the combination of carpal tunnel exercises and carpal tunnel message provide more pain relief than most other methods and have little side affects.

In some cases carpal tunnels syndrome like other syndromes of hands, wrist and elbow may be brought on because of injury such as car accident, in this case most patients undergo carpal tunnel surgery or Elbow Surgery Los Angeles which ever surgery one may need to relieve the pain. In severe carpal tunnel cases it may not be a good idea to avoid Hand surgery Los Angeles doctors say that this may only encourage the problem to become worse by causing permanent nerve damage. Carpal tunnels hand surgery may seem intimidating; however, minimally invasive nerve decompression for carpal tunnel is performed everyday. The surgery has become much better with technology and has a short recovery period. This surgery may even be done under regional anesthesia which poses less risk. Regional anesthesia means only the arm is asleep during surgery. If you are suffering from carpal tunnel please see your local hand specialist for treatment and information.

Basilar Joint Arthritis Treatment Options

2011-02-07T21:48:00.000-08:00

Our thumbs have been credited with separating man from beast and allow us to accomplish many daily activities, such as unscrewing lids from jars, typing, chopping vegetables, or grasping a pen. Unfortunately, those who suffer from Basilar joint arthritis, the most common arthritic condition of the hand, lose the ability to perform necessary daily tasks. When the cartilage that protects your bone joints wears away, bone rubs against bone and inflammation occurs. Symptoms include a painful aching at the base of the thumb as well as limited ability to pinch the thumb and index finger together. Several factors can contribute to this painful thumb condition, including being overweight, the natural aging process, or repetitive use of your thumb. Women in their 40s and 50s are most commonly affected, but both genders can suffer from the condition. If you experience pain, swelling, or stiffness at the base of your thumb, it is best to seek advice from a qualified physician.

Depending on the severity of the case, several basilar joint arthritis treatments can be used to manage the pain and treat the condition. For less severe cases, treatment often involves using a splint to support the joint, ensure proper positioning, and let the joint rest so that it can heal. Oral anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen or painkillers such as Tylenol are also often prescribed in mild cases. If splints and over the counter (OTC) medications don’t work, anti-inflammatory steroid injections may be recommended.

Unfortunately, thumb basilar joint arthritis is a degenerative and progressive disease, which means that it will get worse with age. In Los Angeles hand surgeons often resort to one of two types of surgery: arthroplasty, also known as joint replacement, or arthrodesis, commonly referred to as joint fusion. If opting for finger surgery Los Angeles experts will either permanently fuse the bones together, which reduces pain but results in decreased flexibility, or your surgeon will remove the joint and replace it with a graft from one of your tendons. Many patients report that replacing the joint with a graft relieves pain and results in greater, if not fully restored, flexibility of the joint.

Arthritis and Foods That Help

2011-01-07T03:10:00.000-08:00

Millions of men and women are affected by arthritis, and although the illness cannot be cured there are remedies that will provide pain relief. If one is experiencing basilar joint arthritis symptoms or any other symptoms it is important to first see a hand specialist in order to get the proper diagnoses and from there the doctor can help to find the most helpful pain relief method suitable for ones condition. Arthritis is very painful and several patients find relief in different methods.

Hand specialists generally first prescribe for pain relief. A splint restricts movement in the hand ultimately making the individual use their hand less and let it slowly repair. Arthritis is caused by repetitive movement and in some cases caused by an accident that complete changes the hand and impairs the function. If the splint does not provide pain relief others methods such as pain killers are provided for Basilar joint arthritis and other arthritis conditions.

Hand surgery Los Angeles is only done when all other pain relief methods have been exhausted. Some methods that are not generally prescribed by the doctor often work and other patients recommend it. Some say wearing a copper ring, bracelet or leaving water in a cooper cup over night and then drinking the water may also help relieve arthritis pain and keep one from seeing a Hand surgeon Los Angeles. Copper is said to strengthen the muscular system.

Consuming certain fruits and vegetables has been known to cause an early cure for certain types of arthritis. One should try to eat: garlic, misumbi, oranges, carrots, and beat juice. One should also practice drinking alfafa tea twice a day, and one teaspoon of turmeric powder with warm water.

Bathing with warm water and engaging in exercise has always been a preventer, cure or pain relief for generally any illness. The icid in lime is also known to help. Individuals should always make sure that they drink enough water, so that their body can function smoothly and properly.

Arthritis pain and relief

2010-12-09T20:45:00.000-08:00

Dismissing pain in the hands can only lead to pain progressively getting worse. Although arthritis does occur in men it is much more common in women over the age of 40. Arthritis in any part of the body is generally caused by the same thing, repetitive motion or injury. It is highly important that one take care of any injury and apply preventative measures such as relaxing the hands, messages and making sure that the hands are in the upright position appropriate for the activity at hand. Leading Los Angeles hand surgeons say arthritis in the small joint at the base of the thumb is common and can be very uncomfortable and painful and only gets worse if it is not attended to.

Arthritis destroys the cartilage in between the bone that acts as a cushion causing the joint to become painfully swollen. Basilar joint arthritis causes pain in the thumb that stretches across the palm of the hand and restricts movement. It is important to take note of the basilar joint arthritis symptoms, as this joint is said to be the most important joint in the hand when it comes to function, and if greatly affected it can be difficult to use the hands at all since this most often occurs in both hands. Patients often experience the first pains when a pinching motion is done, the paint is usually felt as the joint is under pressure, but as the disease progresses less pressure needs to be applied for individuals to feel pain and discomfort.

A hand specialist will then make a thorough examination of the hands and joints and take x-rays in order to identify the cause of the pain. There will be other test that require the use of the hands but the patients symptoms and pain level will determine the extent of the arthritis and in which joint, and then the hand doctor will decide on the right course of Basilar joint arthritis treatment. Most doctors begin by putting their patients on anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections in to the joints, splinting the wrist or thumb. Splints are used in order to prevent the thumb from moving and causing pain.

If the pain does not better within six weeks most doctors will suggest that the patient undergo hand surgery Los Angeles or try other methods with natural medicines and acupuncture in which some patients find relief.

Preventing Carpal Tunnel

2010-11-14T22:09:00.000-08:00

There are many people who have carpal tunnel and are very unaware of it. Although most people feel pain shooting down the arm and experience the occasional numbness most believe the pain will simply go away on its own. Fact is carpal tunnel does not go away on its own instead the signs and symptoms are persistent and need to be treated immediately because carpal tunnel is progressive disease. Carpal tunnel us caused by the over use of the hands. Those who spend all day typing engaging in activities such as sewing usually experience early signs of carpal tunnel. In order to prevent carpal tunnel and carpal tunnel hand surgery Los Angeles one should learn how to position their wrist when they engage in certain activities and if one has already been diagnosed with carpal tunnel or already feels symptoms he or she should learn what they can do to relieve some pain and prevent the surgery from progressing.

Many other health problems and disease can make ones chances of developing carpal tunnel increase however if one lives a healthy lifestyle he or she is less likely to experience this. Exercising and staying at a healthy weight and controlling disease like diabetes, arthritis and avoiding smoking can greatly reduce one’s chances of developing carpal tunnel. If one already has carpal tunnel beginning a healthy lifestyle and quitting smoking may very well be the key to avoiding Carpal tunnel surgery Los Angeles.

A very successful took in preventing carpal tunnel is following the ergonomic guidelines. The ergonomic guidelines are guidelines that help protect your health in your work assignments. These guidelines inform people in a working environment about the position of their keyboards and computers screens. To prevent hurting ones hands it is extremely important to watch the positioning of their wrist and hands. Leading Los Angeles hand surgeons suggest wearing a splint to keep the wrist straight as one types and decreases the chances of developing carpal tunnel.

Preventing carpal tunnel isn’t always possible however there are several treatments for carpal tunnel that may be effective. Many hand doctors suggest taking frequent breaks and minimizing the work load. Wearing a glove and committing to daily wrist exercises has proven to relieve pain and reduce symptoms. Chiropractic practices and acupuncture has also been great tool for carpal tunnel treatment Los Angeles. Both of these practices have proven to show great results in the reducing of symptoms for carpal tunnel. Most patients who use these methods find no need to undergo surgery.

Basilar joint arthritis

2010-10-11T22:44:00.000-07:00

Basilar joint arthritis is arthritis of the thumb. The thumb joint receives a vast amount of stress especially with pinching motions. The thumb joint generally wears out and has many arthritic problems the most common arthritis in the thumb are: Rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune disease), traumatic arthritis (by injury), and osteoarthritis (degenerative disease). One’s physician will perform several test including; manipulation of the joint, physical examinations, x-rays, MRI, and bone scans in order to determine if one has basal joint arthritis and what can be done to fix the problem. How much pain the patient is in usually determines whether he or she must have Hand surgery Los Angeles.

Basilar joint arthritis symptoms;

· Pain at the base of the thumb as one uses it.
· Tenderness at the base of the thumb
· Deformity of the thumb at the
· Arching joints at the base of the thumb that continues to be bothersome even after

discontinuing use

· Swelling at the joint
· Severe pain when gripping/pinching
· Decreased strength at the joint
· Decreased movement
· Difficulty performing tasks that involve the use of ones thumbs
· Enlarged bony appearing joint at the base of the thumb

Cause

Like all arthritis there is no exact cause; however, there are several things that many Los Angeles hand surgeons factor into the cause including;
· Repetitive use
· Injury
· Stress
· Aging
· Obesity
· Muscle weakness
The cartilage that cushions the joints slowly wears down causing the bones to rub together; the joint friction causes damage which then causes pain.

Reduce pain

Leading hand surgeon Los Angeles say, the best way to reduce any arthritis pain is to limit the use to the damaged joint. Most physicians help their patients limit the use of the joint by providing a splint that provides proper positioning. Often times a combination of pain medication and a splint are used to relieve some pain. Corticosteroid injections can be used for pain relief as well. Manipulation of the joints through natural movement has also shown improvement; this should be done carefully several times daily. Allowing the joint to heal by using other joints when doing household chores or daily activities is key. Apply heat and sometimes cold can also, help to alleviate pain. Ice does sometimes help; however, it often increases other arthritic pain. If one finds no relief of pain in about six weeks after commencing treatments they should seek out surgery.

What you must know about carpal tunnel syndrome.

2010-09-13T21:53:00.000-07:00

It is difficult to avoid excessive use of the hands when in current times most all work requires the use of computers or some other gadget that must be maneuvered with the hands. Many times the using our hands throughout the day excessively is routine. Whether it be working with computers or simply doing hair we see the little aches and pains here and there as part of the process. Most people ignore the sharp pains in the hands, fingers, wrist, and elbow because they don’t tie them to symptoms of anything else. Carpal tunnel syndrome slowly creeps on with small aches and pains in the hand that then become too painful to ignore. Leading Los Angeles hand surgeons urge individuals not to wait till the pain is unbearable to seek help. If the problem is caught earlier on than there are higher chances of the patient responding to nonsurgical treatment faster.

In order to identify that one is suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome he or she must first know what carpal tunnel syndrome is. The wrist is surrounded by fibrous tissue which supports the joints in the hands and allows flexibility to the hands. The tight space between the fibrous band and the wrist bone is the carpal tunnel. The median never in our hand is the common nerve that joins all the fingers of the hand. Any change in the position of the tissue or the never leads to swelling, numbness and irritation to all the fingers even the median nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve is pinched in the wrist Due to the pressure due to the pressure the nerve finds it difficult to function properly. This then causes tingling, weakness or numbness and pain because of the squishing of the nerves. The median never then finds no place to go because of the change in position or ligament the swelling appears in that part of the hand and causes severe pain in that part and usually all the parts connected to this nerve. Excessive swelling and numbness indicatesCarpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles is present.

There are several treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome that prove to be effective. If a patient sees no progress from about six months of nonsurgical treatment, then carpal tunnel surgery or wrist surgery Los Angeles is suggested. Carpal tunnel syndrome is often treated with cortisone injections, steroids and surgery. The injections area almost eighty percent effective, and reduce inflammation that is present around the nerve. Most patients and doctors alike say Basilar Joint arthritis is one of the most common and annoying forms of arthritis, but with treatment like the ones listed above and surgery the pain can be surpassed.

Carpal Tunnel symptoms and treatments -hand surgery Los Angles

2010-08-12T04:31:00.000-07:00

Many people suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome but simply have no idea what that means besides the spreading pain that occasionally shots up the arm and elbow. Carpal tunnel syndrome is when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand become pinched or pressed at the wrist. The median never controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb, fingers excluding the pinky finger and impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move.The most common and widely known entrapment neuropathies is Carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles surgeons tell that the carpal tunes is the passageway of ligaments and bones at the base of bottom of the hand. Swelling from irritated tendons narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed. The result is pain, weakness or numbness in the hand, and wrist shooting up the arm. This pain des indicate carpal tunnel however it can be other conditions one will be tested for carpal tunnel.

Symptoms

Carpal tunnel syndromes begin slowly and become more frequent over time. They usually begin with burning, tingling, itching or numbness of the palm, hand and fingers mostly the thumb the index and middle finger. Some carpal tunnel sufferers experience what they feel as swollen useless fingers although there may be little or no swelling at the fingers. Often symptoms appear in both hands at night, since some people sleep with flexed wrist. People with carpal tunnel often wake up with the need to shake out the hands and wrist. As symptoms worse the tingling follows through to day time. Decrease strength when griping or difficulty to form a grip, grasp small objects or perform other manual task. When carpal tunnel goes untreated the thumb may waste away and sufferers may no longer be able to identify hot and cold with their hands. There are many treatments and therapies that are used for carpal tunnel pain relief but if all fail a hand surgeon Los Angeles may perform surgery to relieve pressure off the median never which should stop the pain.

Surgery for carpal tunnel is generally suggested to patients who experience carpal tunnel pain for six months. During the surgery the band around the wrist is severed, which reduces pressure on the median nerve. Carpal tunnel hand surgery Los Angles doctors say is the most common surgical procedure in the United States. Many carpal tunnel patients require surgery on both hands this procedure is safe and performed by hand surgeon who performs all hand and Finger surgery Los Angeles. Women are three times more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, so if one feels even slight symptoms of carpal tunnel it is important to see a doctor to identify the source of the problem. If the culprit is carpal tunnel it is critical to begin treatment rapidly so that less drastic measures can be taken.

Basilar joint arthritis symptoms - Basilar Joint Arthritis Over view

2010-07-02T22:33:00.000-07:00

The basilar joint is formed by a small bone in the wrist and the fist bone in the thumb. This joint allows the thumb to move in several directions for pinching and gripping. It is common to develop arthritis in the basilar thumb. Osteoarthritis and/or degenerative arthritis are conditions which develop from the natural wear and tear on the joints. Cartilage is what covers the end of the bones; the cartilage creates a smooth surface which protects the bones from wearing down by providing them that smooth surface which they use to glide down each other. With osteoarthritis the cartilage wears down to the bone, and the bones begin to rub together destroying the joint, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. Injuries to the thumb can make a person more likely to develop basilar joint arthritis. Women more commonly develop basilar joint arthritis more than men do.

Leading Los Angeles hand surgeons say there are several ways to identify whether one has begun to develop this syndrome, but the first is generally self detection. Basilar joint arthritis symptoms begin with feeling pain or weakness in the hands one should notice difficulty in doing set daily tasks.

Difficulty gripping and turning objects , such as Door knobs, keys or a jar lid.
Pain in the thumb when the whether becomes colder.
Using the thumb often is painful
Lump in the wrist, the joint becomes bigger and the thumb begins to look as if it is coming out of the joint.
The thumb eventually collapses into the palm
The second bone in the thumb bends outward to help compensate when gripping.

To identify weather or not basilar arthritis is causing ones symptoms the doctor will ask about ones daily activities and ask about any injuries to the hands, or thumbs. The doctors will examine the thumb looking for pain, swelling or a gritty sensation felt when there is pressure around the area of the basilar thumb. X-rays are the best possible way to determine weather or not a patient has developed arthritis.

To begin the basilar joint arthritis treatment the doctor will first prescribe resting the hand and taking an anti-inflammatory such as aspirin, ibuprofen and or wearing a splint. If the patient ceases to see any improvement in the pain or swelling the doctor may administer cortisone. Cortisone is an injection of a very strong anti-inflammatory medicine. If the symptoms still persist after several weeks then surgery may be a reasonable option for one. Surgery is generally successful in relieving the pain; patients are usually relieved from all their symptoms but need time to fully recover.

Hand surgery - Wrist surgery Los Angeles

2010-06-14T21:58:00.001-07:00

Everyone uses their arms and hands every day and without them most people would agree that our quality of life is completely changed. Without hands one must be re taught how to do everything. The hands and arms are used daily to eat, dress, write, earn a living, create, introduce and etc but to do any of these things the hands require sensation and movement. The arms and hands must have all joint motion tendons gliding, and muscle contraction. When a problem takes place in the hand alone care must be given to all of the types of tissue. Other parts of the arm that could be harmed and would need medical attention would be the wrist and the elbow. The most common reason for having wrist surgery is serious carpal tunnel syndrome or for reconstructive surgery for broken ligaments. Elbow surgery is typically done for elbow tendonitis which is the swelling of the inside or out side of the elbow; this typically happens to golfers, tennis players and baseball players.

Hand surgery Los Angeles is the field that deals with care of the hand, wrist and forearm, but most surgeons are also expert in dealing with problems of the shoulders and elbows. Leading hand surgeon Los Angeles generally deal with any problems in this area without surgery until and only if necessary. Hand surgery can be done for a variety of reasons but generally done to cure carpal tunnel and hand tendon. After the surgery the hand will go into a few months of recovery time in which the hand will be in a splint only with minimal movement. For Wrist surgery Los Angeles to cure carpal tunnel almost the same is done and the wrist will also be in a splint after surgery with only minimal movement. After hand and/or wrist surgery the patient must place their hand away from the bed as they sleep possibly on a night stand, to minimize the chances of injuring by rolling over the hand. After the bandages are removed one must move their hand and wrist through activity slowly avoiding heavy lifting or applying pressure.

These problems in the hand wrist and elbow occur from over use and exhaustion of the area, so the best way to cure this is preventative medicine. For elbow tendonitis less than ten percent of the cases require Elbow surgery Los Angeles because one can also do elbow therapy which does not eliminate the pain but makes it manageable. Elbow surgery provides long term relief of pain. Elbow surgery is usually a short surgery done on an out patient basis. After surgery the patients arm is placed in a sling to ensure that the patient is comfortable and reduce swelling. Medication is administered to make the pain after surgery manageable for short and long term.

For all hand, wrist, forearm, elbow and shoulder surgery depending on the doctors’ assessment the patient will be enrolled in a short term physical therapy program. The patient is enrolled in this program in order to rehabilitate the function in the arm. For this physical therapy the splint or sling will be completely removed. The patient may return to regular activity in a month or so depending on how serious the injury was and how the surgery went. Strenuous activity must be avoided because of fear of re injuring and delaying the healing process.

Alternatives to stooping carpal tunnel syndromes

2010-05-15T00:05:00.000-07:00

Most office workers know the dreaded consequences of using there hands to type almost all day long. Leading Los Angeles hand surgeon say those who use there hands more extensively has higher chances of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Although it is true that those who use there Hands often can develop carpal tunnel faster, Carpal tunnel patients are asking if its possible that table say can cause carpal tunnel syndromes and if so what is an alternative to table sat. Table salt can cause swelling in the tissue, and because all of the body acts as one if it can cause swelling in one area it can cause swelling in all areas. For some patients it might be to late and have already felt symptoms of carpal tunnel, but that does not mean that one needs surgery right away alternative foods medicines and watching the use of the hands can all prevent the symptoms and even stop them.

Some patients claim when they would put table salt on certain food in the morning their eyes were swollen and red in the morning due to the salt swelling the tissue around the eye. Because carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles can be cause by the swelling of the median nerve which causes stress sodium may be able to cause such symptoms. On the other hand sea salt is much better for the body because it is not at all processed like regular table salt is. Sea salt has less sodium chloride and no additives and is rich with minerals that our bodies seriously need, and therefore does not cause swelling in the tissue.

For those who work in offices and have no other choice but to use their hands it is important that they are aware of things they should refrain from consuming to lessen their chances of developing carpal tunnel. Refraining from table salt and instead using sea salt might be the one thing that saves a patient from having to have hand surgery Los Angeles Doctors say resting the hands whenever possible and watching that they are not inclined while typing will help as well. There are many things that one can do to prevent having Finger surgery Los Angeles and even carpal tunnel surgery starting with watching our hands but ultimately watching what we eat as well. For people who have already begun to feel carpal tunnel syndrome acupuncture can relieve the symptoms. There a large portion of alternative medicines such as acupuncture, acupressure, vitamin B6 and other herbal things that have shown patients great results in stooping symptoms all together.

hand Surgeon Los Angeles - Acupuncture for carpal tunnel

2010-04-15T21:29:00.000-07:00

Most carpal tunnel patients live with carpal tunnel long before seeking help and being diagnosed. Carpal tunnel is disease that gets progressively worse, so leaving it unattended will not only increase the pain but cause further damage to the hand and wrist. Carpal tunnel patients generally do not seek help for the syndrome because most are afraid of having carpal tunnel hand surgery Los Angeles hand surgeons assure carpal tunnel patients that there is nothing to fear. Carpal tunnel hand syndrome Los Angeles doctors say is very common among 50-70 year old people. Although carpal tunnel hand surgery might be intimidating to some success rates are very high.

Carpal tunnel will greatly relieve pain and pressure off the nerve. Carpal tunnel surgery is successful in 95% of cases but should only done as last result. Carpal tunnel surgery is done only several months after not finding cures in other remedies. With carpal tunnel there are two type of incisions choices endoscopic surgery or with an incision. In surgery in order to release the pressure of the median never the doctor will cut the carpal ligament and eventually scar tissue will cover the gap. Although carpal tunnel hand surgery could possibly eliminate the hand and wrist pain there are other methods to eliminating or subduing the pain.

A leading hand Surgeon Los Angeles suggests carpal tunnel patients try acupuncture before pursuing surgery or in case surgery fails. Acupuncture is al old method of Chinese medicine where thin needles are inserted into specific points on the body. These needles are said to release natural pain relieving chemicals in to the body promote circulation and balance the nervous system.
The amount of acupuncture treatments needed depend on the overall bodily health of the patient, the area of pain and the level of pain.

Recently a test was done to measure the success of acupuncture on carpal tunnel patients. The study was a success over half of the patients had no sign of pain at all. The other half of patients had a significant pain reduction. Some patients has already had previous carpal tunnel hand surgery and other wrist surgery Los Angeles doctors had not been successful in eliminating all pressure off the nerve and the patient still felt pain. These two patients that had already had surgery had found success in acupuncture one of the patients no longer feels pain in the arm while the other patient noticed a decrease but still occasionally felt pain.

Carpal tunnel the over view

2010-03-12T21:13:00.000-08:00

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome comes mainly from typing in keyboard for long durations. Do not ignore that tingling that shoots up your arm sometimes all the way to the elbow. You have truly hit a nerve! Carpal tunnel is when the median nerve which runs through the fore arm which gets pressured when your wrist (Ulna and Radius) keeps stress on the hand. In big corporate markets like New York and Los Angeles Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is now pretty common.

The median nerve controls sensation to the palm side of the thumb and fingers except the pinky finger. It also controls impulses to some diminutive muscles in the hand that permit the fingers and thumb to move. The narrow and rigid passageway of ligaments at the base of the hand house the median nerve and tendons. Thickening from Irritated tendons and other swelling narrows the tunnel and compresses the median nerve. This results in pain, weakness, tingling, or numbness in the hand and wrist making its way up the arm. Although there might be other medical reasons for you r discomfort carpal tunnel syndrome is the most widely known of these nerve entrapment/ traumatized syndromes.

Once diagnosed with the condition you will begin carpal tunnel treatment Los Angeles hand doctors generally advise that you rest the affected hand and wrist for at least two weeks at the start of the treatment. Avoid activities that may worsen symptoms - some doctors may immobilize your wrist in a splint to avoid the damage of twisting and bending, When and if the wrist swells cold packs should applied to alleviate the swelling.

If symptoms are still lasting after six months of trying other drugs and treatments most hand doctor will recommend you have carpal tunnel surgery Los Angeles doctors say carpal tunnel surgery is the most common surgical procedure in the United States. Most patients require surgery in both hands. Carpal tunnel surgery consists of the band of tissue around the nerves being severed in order to release the pressure on the median nerve. You will not have an over night stay at the hospital when having hand surgery Los Angeles recoveries of hand surgery share the success of the surgery and recommend you see a hand doctor at any symptoms of carpal tunnel this was surgery can be prevented.

Use your hands discreetly

2010-02-16T21:36:00.000-08:00

Our world revolves around technology. Most of us carry an average of three different gadgets with us at all times. We carry our cell phones, or iPods or mp3 players, our cameras and occasionally navigation systems, whether it’s installed in your car or carried in your purse, most of us do have one. The problem with these gadgets is that they require lots of use of your hands. Not only are we using our hands extensively for these gadgets we’re also going home or to work and typing on the computers for hours every day.

Typing on the computer and even texting on our phones all day long is putting extra pressure on our wrist resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles especially is seeing a growing increase in carpal tunnel syndrome over the last few years. Carpal tunnel syndrome is when pressure on the nerve in the wrist that supplies feeling and function to the parts of the hand, it can lead to numbness tingling, weakness and muscle damage in the hands and fingers. If you have been diagnosed with this condition there are lots of options in carpal tunnel treatment Los Angeles doctors can provide you with different solutions for your problem.

Some of the different options for carpal tunnel treatment are, wearing a splint several nights a week, but if that doesn’t seem to work for you. You can try wearing it during the day and avoid sleeping on your wrist. Hot and cold compressors might also work. Making changes in your daily habits may also work to stop carpal tunnel from developing any further. If the case is already unstoppable you may need to consider carpal tunnel surgery Los Angeles doctors recommend that you do go through with surgery because it is successful most of the time. Although it might sound a bit scary to have hand surgery Los Angeles doctors encourage you not to wait too long after being diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome because the less time the nerve has been under pressure, the higher the success rate for hand surgery.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment for Residents of Los Angeles

2010-01-20T21:10:00.000-08:00

A physical examination by a doctor is often sufficient enough to diagnose the presence of carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles residents can get am ore indebt analysis if they need it such as x-rays. Nerve tests can also confirm the diagnosis or rule out other causes for this problem. The goal of treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is to reduce the swelling and pressure on the median nerve in the wrist.

Fortunately for most people who develop carpal tunnel syndrome, proper treatment usually can relieve pain, numbness and tingling, and restore normal function of the wrist and hand but hand surgery Los Angeles doctor say, may be needed if the problem persists.

Additional carpal tunnel treatment Los Angeles patients have responded to include the use of splints, braces, anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections. Bounded by bones and ligaments, the carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the palm side of the wrist. This tunnel protects the median nerve to the hand and nine tendons that bend the fingers. Pressure placed on the nerve produces the numbness, tingling, pain and eventually can cause hand weakness that characterize the carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel surgery Los Angeles area residents can be treated with this and is used to reduce the pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. Some Los Angeles surgeons are now performing small- or mini-open carpal tunnel surgery. This requires a smaller incision than the standard open carpal tunnel surgery in order to minimize healing time and scar formation. But it also allows the surgeon to view the ligament directly during the surgery to minimize danger to the nerve itself. The most commonly performed surgery for relieving carpal tunnel symptoms involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve in the wrist.

Computers, Driving and Repetitive Movements | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

2009-12-07T23:29:00.000-08:00

Carpal tunnel is a syndrome that affects the hand and wrist, developed over time from performing repetitive movements. The symptoms can begin when the nerves of the wrist are squeezed inside the carpal tunnel and pain or numbness begins. The repetitive pinch of the carpal tunnel enlarges the tissues inside and can produce the carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles surgeons state, that can lead to chronic pain and numbness.

Carpal syndrome, as it is sometimes called, can be treated with hand surgery Los Angeles doctors suggest, as the condition has received lots of attention. Recent studies suggest that carpal tunnel syndrome may be linked to occupations such as computer use, typing on a keyboard, assembly work and fleet driving.

Surgery may be used for carpal tunnel treatment Los Angeles residents have been benefiting from the new technologies and techniques. Several types of surgical procedures have been designed to relieve pressure on the nerves inside the wrist, one of the most common procedures to reduce pressure is hand surgery. After the surgery and healing the objective is to increase the blood supply to the nerve, reduce the pressure around it in order to give relief of the symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you have had symptoms for a prolong amount of time as the nerve may have already developed scarring, however this would not discontinue your chances of being a candidate.

After your carpal tunnel surgery Los Angeles pharmacies have common wrist braces you can use for support while you’re healing. It may take you 4 to 6 weeks to heal properly and a few more to heal completely. You may be instructed to wear a wrist splint to control symptoms and to keep your wrist from curving as you sleep. Try to do your activities using healthy body and wrist alignment. Limit activities that require repeated motions, heavy grasping, and vibrations in the hand.

Restore Movement In Your Elbows And Hands

2009-11-20T22:33:00.000-08:00

For patients seeking carpal tunnel hand surgery Los Angeles hand surgeons explain that the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is usually unknown in most cases. Pressure on the nerve can happen several ways: swelling of the lining of the flexor tendons, called tenosynovitis; joint dislocations, fractures, and arthritis can narrow the tunnel; and keeping the wrist bent for long periods of time. Consequently, treating carpal tunnel ranges from the most conservative therapy treatments to surgery.

For expecting mothers, fluid retention during pregnancy can cause swelling in the tunnel and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, which often go away after delivery. Thyroid conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes also can be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. According to a top local hand surgeon Los Angeles patients may demonstrate a combination of causes.

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms usually include pain, numbness, tingling, or a combination of the three. The numbness or tingling most often takes place in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. The symptoms usually are felt during the night but also may be noticed during daily activities such as driving or reading a newspaper. Patients may sometimes notice a weaker grip, occasional clumsiness, and a tendency to drop things. In severe cases, sensation may be permanently lost and the muscles at the base of the thumb slowly shrink (thenaratrophy), causing difficulty with pinch. Since the nature and severity of a person’s condition help determine the most appropriate carpal tunnel treatment Los Angeles patients are encouraged to provide as much information about their symptoms as possible to their surgeon.

A detailed history including medical conditions, how the hands have been used, and whether there were any prior injuries is important. Whether it is for hand or elbow surgery Los Angeles surgeons may take an x-ray to check for the other causes of the complaints such as arthritis or a fracture. In some cases, laboratory tests may be done if there is a suspected medical condition that is associated with CTS. A nerve conduction study (NCV) and/or electromyogram (EMG) may be done to confirm the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome as well as to check for other possible nerve problems. For more information about hand or elbow surgery, contact your local hand surgery experts to learn more.

Hand Surgery For Better Quality Of Life

2009-10-12T21:56:00.000-07:00

When your hand is injured or impaired in any way, hand surgery may considerably improve your condition. This type of very specialized surgery can treat diseases such as Basilar joint arthritis that can cause pain and impair the strength, function and flexibility of your wrist and fingers. Surgery seeks to restore to near normal the function of fingers and hands injured by trauma or to correct abnormalities that were present at birth.

For patients needing carpal tunnel surgery Los Angeles hand surgeons can address this common condition caused by pressure to the median nerve within the wrist, or carpal tunnel.

When you have this condition, you might feel pain, a tingling sensation, numbness of the fingers, weakness or aching. Carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles surgeons explain, is associated with multiple conditions including: repetitive motion or overuse, fluid retention during pregnancy, and injury to the nerve in the carpal tunnel or rheumatoid arthritis. Also, rheumatoid arthritis – a disabling disease that can cause severe inflammation in any joint of the body in the hand can deform fingers and impair movement. Another condition, Dupuytren’s contracture, is a disabling hand disorder in which thick, scar-like tissue bands form within the palm and may extend into the fingers. It can cause restricted movement, bending the fingers into an abnormal position.

Hand surgery Los Angeles surgeons agree, is a highly individualized procedure which can be performed on people of any age and is a good option for you if you do not have additional medical conditions or other illnesses that may impair healing, are a non-smoker, have a positive outlook and realistic goals for your hand surgery, and are committed to following your plastic surgeon’s prescribed course of treatment. The success and safety of your hand procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.

Factors That Affect Willingness to Undergo Carpal Tunnel Release

2009-09-16T01:01:00.000-07:00

Factors regarding patient willingness to undergo or avoid joint replacement have been studied; however regarding these concerns surrounding hand surgery Los Angeles experts say these factors have not been studied in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. To further understand the aspects that are important for a patient with carpal tunnel syndrome in deciding whether to have surgery, researchers at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital have identified factors that affect this decision in women and that are not related to Workers' Compensation status.

When Treating Carpal Tunnel Treatment Los Angeles Hand Surgeons Observe Study’s Findings

The researchers retrospectively reviewed 282 female patients with electrophysiologically confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome without a known cause who were recommended for carpal tunnel release by a single hand surgeon in a tertiary medical setting. Of those, thirty-six female patients who were not entitled to Workers' Compensation canceled carpal tunnel surgery Los Angeles hand surgeons noted, during the waiting period, which averaged four weeks. Thirty-three of them were surveyed with a questionnaire sent by mail, and eighteen completed surveys were reviewed at a mean follow-up of thirty-two months. Furthermore, seventy female patients who underwent carpal tunnel release were randomly sampled, and thirty-eight patients completed the survey. The operation and cancellation groups were compared with regard to the reasons for choosing or canceling surgery.

The groups were similar with regard to age, sociodemographic variables, follow-up length, initial electrophysiological findings, and functional status. The highest-ranked reason for choosing surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles experts explain, was symptom severity rather than fear of progression or a positive electrodiagnostic result. Those who canceled the operation rated symptom improvement during the waiting period as the leading reason for doing so, but they were also concerned about transient weakness, the financial burden, and a scar or pillar pain. Disease persistence or recurrence was the issue of most concern in both groups. At the time of the final review, the functional status was significantly improved in both groups and no significant difference between the groups was found.

Women with carpal tunnel syndrome report that subjective symptom severity is the most important reason for undergoing surgery. Understanding this and other patient concerns may help physicians during patient-oriented consultation and decision-making. In particular, recommendations for carpal tunnel release on the basis of symptoms are reasonable from the perspective of the patient who has carpal tunnel syndrome without a known cause.

More Young People Report Having RSI

2009-08-13T23:51:00.000-07:00

A recent AZ Central article asks the question: what are repetitive-stress injuries, and is it true that people can suffer these injuries from sending text messages or using iPod portable music player? Addressing these conditions that sometimes necessitates hand surgery Los Angeles hand treatment specialists explain that repetitive stress injuries, also known as repetitive strain injuries, can result from repeated movements of a body part such as the hand or wrist, especially if those movements are awkward or forceful. Such movements can irritate or inflame tendons, muscles, joints and nerves. Without appropriate rest, this can lead to temporary or even permanent tissue damage. RSI symptoms may include pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, numbness, and hypersensitivity. RSI is not a true medical diagnosis; instead refers to a spectrum of conditions which may include various forms of tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and even arthritis in some cases.

Among Sufferers Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Los Angeles Patients Include People Of All Ages

Adults who do most of their work on computers most commonly experience repetitive-stress injuries. With the dramatic increase in the use of handheld devices such as cellular telephones, pocket PCs, iPods and video games, they are now being seen with greater frequency in young people. RSIs can also occur in athletes of any age.

As with all medical conditions, prevention of RSIs is preferable to carpal tunnel surgery Los Angeles experts say. People can prevent RSIs by avoiding repetitious, awkward or forceful movements, or at least by taking frequent short breaks from such activities. Stretching prior to work or athletic participation can be very helpful. Good body and upper-extremity posture while keyboarding is also critical. Maintenance of good cardiovascular health and optimal control of other health issues such as diabetes and obesity can also limit the incidence of repetitive-stress injuries.

RSIs can be treated with splinting, anti-inflammatories and physical therapy If prevention fails. Some experts also recommend massage or exercises such as yoga, tai chi and Pilates. An ergonomic evaluation of the workplace can provide helpful information. If RSI symptoms persist despite these suggestions, and for more information about hand and elbow surgery Los Angeles patients are recommended to seek the advice of a physician.

Robotic Game Controller Adjusts Itself, Blows Away Carpal-Tunnel Syndrome

2009-07-22T22:24:00.000-07:00

If you're a gamer, you've probably set the control down after a mammoth, hours-long session and felt a tingling sensation in your hands or thumbs. Bad news: That's the first symptom of Repetitive Stress Injury, better known as carpal tunnel syndrome, which can eventually lead to debilitating pain. To combat carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles gamers now have the Promotion, an ergonomic controller designed by Smartfish which--get this--is also a robot, guiding you towards better hand positioning.

The grips of the control move on two axes: First, in an arc revolving around it's center, and also up and down. That's where the robotics kick in. The controller senses exactly how long you've been playing in a given position, and then periodically changes the controller's shape, to prevent repetitive stress. In all, it cycles through seven stages. When a person’s hand remains in a fixed position for long periods of time, this irritates the nerves in the hand, a condition which can be very painful and possibly require hand surgery Los Angeles hand surgeons tell us.

Smartfish created the device--in addition to a wireless mouse and a robotic, wireless keyboard--in consultation with the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, one of the world's leading orthopedic surgery facilities for treating carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles experts say. The mouse and the keyboard will ship in August, for $60 and $150. The controller will be available some time after that. The only catch: It's only available for PC's and Macs. For more information on treatments for hand injuries and carpal tunnel surgery Los Angeles residents are encouraged to contact their local hand treatment specialists.

Move Over 'BlackBerry Thumb,' Here Comes 'Cellphone Elbow'

2009-06-15T22:10:00.001-07:00

You've probably heard of the ailment commonly referred to as "BlackBerry Thumb." The condition, not unlike carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles hand specialists tell us, causes stiffness, tingling, discomfort--even pain--in the thumbs and hands. And it's a result of over-employing your thumbs and the joints that connect them to your hands, often while typing on some sort of mobile device. A BlackBerry, for instance--hence the clever name.

IT World says that the problem seems to growing along with the vast number of folks switching from feature-phones to smartphones spreading. Regarding hand surgery Los Angeles hand doctors note a new paper published in the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine details cubital tunnel syndrome, or "Cellphone Elbow," which it says it the second most common form or nerve compression syndrome behind carpal tunnel.

Cellphone Elbow comes about when abnormal pressure is applied to nerves in the forearms for extended periods of time, impeding the flow of blood and leading to discomfort and pain throughout the elbow and forearm region which sometimes requires carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles experts say. And it can supposedly result in permanent damage.

A recent Scientific American piece on the subject of Cellphone Elbow, however, suggests the whole thing may be blown way out of proportion. Michael Hausman, chief of hand and elbow surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, says in the story that the condition isn't really caused by anything in particular and that the vast majority of cellphone users never experience any such symptoms.

For additional information on BlackBerry Thumb, Cellphone Elbow, or carpal tunnel surgery Los Angeles residents are recommended to contact their hand surgery specialist who can help guide them through all their hand treatment options.

Move Over 'BlackBerry Thumb,' Here Comes 'Cellphone Elbow'

2009-06-15T22:10:00.000-07:00

President Obama Seeking Ways To Curb Repetitive Motion Injuries

2009-05-12T21:47:00.000-07:00

There once were job safety rules that helped keep down the number of ergonomic injuries until the Bush and a Republican dominant Congress did away with most of them.

Ergonomic injuries, also called musculo-skeletal and repetitive-motion injuries which include carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles sources say, are by far the most common injuries workers get when they go to work. Hundreds of thousands of these injuries happen annually, costing millions of lost workdays according to Peoples’ Weekly World News.

Exact figures are no longer available because the Bush administration, after taking out the ergonomics rules, repealed separate rules requiring companies to report the number of such ailments that sometimes call for hand surgery Los Angeles hand experts tell us.

Examples of ergonomic injuries include the back injuries health care workers suffer after they lift and turn patients, without benefit of mechanical assistance, and carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition of nerve degeneration requiring arm, hand, or elbow surgery Los Angeles County medical assistants point out. Carpal tunnel affects categories of workers ranging from typists to meat cutters.

Recently, President Obama recruited Jordan Barab, a long-time occupational safety and health specialist and activist, for the position of acting director of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Barab spoke about ergonomics at a May 5 legislative conference of union nurses in Washington D.C. He assured them that the Obama administration is committed to bringing back regulation in this area.

During the last year of the Clinton administration, after 10 years of lobbying by the labor movement and hard work by people inside and outside the Clinton White House, the Department of Labor issued a rule designed to reduce ergonomic injuries. The very first bill that former President Bush signed into law, after he was installed in the White House by the Supreme Court, was a law that repealed all the ergonomic injury rules.

“We either have to get the repeal repealed, or go sector by sector to create new ergonomic rules,” Barab, who worked in Clinton’s Department of Labor, told the nurses. A third alternative, he added, “is to sit down with everyone,” including unions and business “to see what will work in the workplace and politically, to get around the repeal law.” For additional information about ergonomic injury guidelines and hand/wrist surgery Los Angeles patients are strongly encouraged to contact their local hand and upper extremity specialists.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information

Getting Quality Treatment For Hand Injuries Resulting From Repetitive Motions

2009-04-13T22:05:00.000-07:00

It’s no surprise that doing the same thing over and over again can produce injury. As activities in work, home, or recreation are repeated over and over again, chronic overuse injuries may result. Common examples of repetitive use injuries in the hand and upper extremity include: tendonitis, nerve compression conditions such as carpal tunnel or cubital tunnel syndromes, arthritis, and sclerosing tenosynovitis (otherwise known as trigger finger). For these chronic overuse conditions that require treatment and in some cases hand surgery Los Angeles based California Hand Center has the experience to treat patients suffering from these ailments, whether they arise out of work or leisure.

For those of us working with computers or machinery that involves repetitive actions, and in the home performing similar actions that are done again and again, we’ve all experienced some sort of discomfort or pain in our necks, shoulders, arms, wrists, and hands. Sometimes these symptoms become serious and when searching for a quality hand surgeon Los Angeles and surrounding area residents should look for experience, accreditations, methods, and professionalism.

California Hand Center possesses a tremendous amount of experience treating carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles being among one of the top ten US cities with high incidents of people who report developing hand conditions at the workplace and home. Along with being highly experienced in treating both acute, traumatic injuries, as well as those arising from repetitive work activities such as carpal tunnel treatment Los Angeles based California Hand Center physicians know how to navigate effectively through California’s complicated workman’s compensation system. They pride themselves in advocating for the health and well-being of an injured worker, while returning them to a productive role at home and work as soon as reasonably possible.

With good access to local hospitals and surgery centers, treatment of emergency conditions is routinely performed. The physicians have experience working with several large-scale industrial care providers, including Concentra and US HealthWorks, as well as with independent industrial clinics. The doctors at California Hand Center are recognized by most major industrial MPNs. Equally important, the supporting staff at California Hand Center is well-versed in handling workman’s compensation claims, including dealing with employers, insurance companies, therapists, attorneys, and durable medical goods providers. California Hand Center practices a team approach to treating the injured industrial patient.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information.

THUMB PAIN RELIEF

2009-03-09T22:17:00.000-07:00

Do your thumbs ache? Do you have pain along the thumb side of your wrist? If so, you might have basilar joint arthritis. The thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is the most common joint in the hand in which to have painful arthritis. For reasons of mechanical advantage, the pressures exerted at the thumb tip while doing pinching- and grasping-type maneuvers is magnified by a factor of 10. That leads to accelerated wear and tear at the joint at the base of the thumb, by the wrist.

Typically, this is seen in more women than men, and usually in the age range of the 50’s to 60’s. However, it can be experienced in both genders and at earlier ages, as well. Basilar joint arthritis symptoms include an aching or burning pain that may or may not be related to activity level and/or the weather. It’ll hurt during the day, and keep you up at night.

Basilar joint arthritis treatment involves first making the proper diagnosis. That can be done by seeing a hand specialist and having x-rays of the thumb and wrist done. The x-rays don’t always match what you’re feeling, though. Some people have very mild arthritic change on the x-rays, but fairly significant pain. Other people have absolutely awful-looking x-rays, but not much pain at all. Treatment should center around your pain, and not so much what the x-rays look like. Splinting, oral anti-inflammatories, and steroid injections are all employed initially. But if even those methods aren’t sufficient, then there are a variety of surgical procedures that can be done. Exactly which one will work best for you will depend on a variety of factors. At that point, it’s a good idea to consult with a local Los Angeles hand surgeon to evaluate your options.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information

NOT CRUISIN’ FOR A HAND BRUISIN’

2009-03-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

When it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles motorists are just as susceptible to this hand condition as people in the office. In particular, numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers is a common complaint of motorcyclists. These symptoms may be due to carpal tunnel syndrome. After riding for awhile, there are a variety of factors that may cause a rider to develop carpal tunnel syndrome: the vibration of the motor as felt through the handlebars; the constant grip needed to maintain a throttle setting on a long ride; the pressure from repeated use of the brake or clutch lever; awkward weight distribution on the wrists from maintaining a certain riding posture. These all conspire to predispose a motorcyclist to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. The rider might feel these carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms as numbness or tingling in the hands or fingers after or during a ride. The hand might feel like it has fallen asleep.

That’s a sign to get this checked out by a hand specialist. Ask any Los Angeles hand surgeon and he or she will agree: carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve problem. It occurs when the median nerve, which travels through the wrist on its way to providing for sensation in the hand and fingers, becomes irritated. The median nerve may be irritated from the constant vibration of the engine. It may have its blood supply crimped off by an awkward position of the wrist, which may be dictated by a sportbike riding position (or, on the other side, by apehangers keeping the ‘pits cool) or by a constant application of throttle with the right hand. Or, the nerve may be compressed at the wrist by a ligament. As the median nerve passes through the wrist, it runs in a tunnel. The tunnel is comprised of bone on three sides, and a very tough ligament on the other. Through the tunnel run the median nerve and the nine tendons that allow you to make a fist with your fingers. If there’s swelling in that tunnel (which is usually from the tendons, as they may swell with overuse), then the nerve gets pinched off and lets you know it’s irritated by numbness, tingling, or pain in the hand, palm, or wrist.

Treatment involves first making the right diagnosis. That can be done by physical examination and ordering a nerve test. If those confirm the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, there are a variety of treatments that will allow you to keep riding your bike. Initial treatment for a motorcyclist should involve things that aren’t typically done for non-motorcyclists. The rider should be reminded to try wearing gloves (or even gel padded gloves) to minimize the vibration transmitted through the handlebars or clip-ons to the hand and wrist. A larger handlebar grip size can be used, which sometimes helps. Try to avoid putting too much pressure on the wrists, such as when riding a sportbike. Remember to use airflow and abdominal and back muscles to keep your body upright, and to take some pressure off of the wrist area. While riding, take some time to let go of the handlebars, to open and close the hand or do some stretching exercises; that will help promote bloodflow to the hand and wrist. Change your hand position from time to time. Use a throttle rocker or similar device on long highway rides. Make sure the clutch and brake levers are properly adjusted for your hand size. You can even try bar risers to raise the height of the clip-ons or rotate them to a more comfortable and ergonomic position. Note that none of these methods involve the concept of “stop riding.”

If those things don’t seem to help, then more conventional carpal tunnel syndrome treatments include wrist splints (mainly at nighttime, for sleeping), oral anti-inflammatories, therapy, and cortisone injections. If you still have symptoms despite all those things, then consideration should be given to a surgical release of the offending ligament which is pressing on the median nerve. Typically it takes about 6 to 8 weeks to recover, after which time you should be good to go for a return to riding.

CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF CARPAL TUNNEL

2009-03-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by a variety of things in our modern, automated world. Pretty much any repetitive activity of the hands, wrists and fingers can lead to it. Office-type work can cause it with typing on the computer (particularly when coupled with a work-station that’s not entirely ergonomically-correct), using a Blackberry, or texting on a cell phone. Manual labor can lead to it, too. Pretty much any repetitive activity with the upper extremities can cause carpal tunnel. Numbness or tingling in your hands are common carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Sometimes you’ll notice it with particular activities, such as talking on a telephone or driving a car or reading a magazine. Other times people complain about it waking them up at night. Some people have a vague type of pain in the palm and wrist.

If you think you have it, you should probably see a hand specialist. In addition to examining you, they can order a nerve test to help with the diagnosis. Carpal tunnel syndrome treatments initially revolve around things like wrist splints, oral anti-inflammatories, ergonomic changes, therapy, and sometimes a cortisone injection. But the ultimate cure is usually consulting a board certified Los Angeles hand surgeon about getting surgery, where the nerve is decompressed at the wrist. Most people usually do pretty well after the surgery, though that somewhat depends on how severe the carpal tunnel was prior to surgery. You don’t want to wait too long, as permanent nerve injury can set in, where even surgery doesn’t restore you back to perfectly normal. If you’re suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles County is a good area to start looking for help.

Tips for Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

2009-02-23T20:45:00.000-08:00

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition, which often arises from repetitive use and overuse of the hands. It occurs in both men and women, across many age ranges. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a problem of nerve irritation in the wrist, or carpus.

Do your hands fall asleep? Do they get numb of tingly, or have the sensation of pins and needles? Is there cramping or aching in the wrists or palms that wakes you up at night? Do your hands feel clumsy or do you feel that you are losing your grip strength? These are some common carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms which you should bring up to your doctor.

Even if you do not experience any of these symptoms, you could be at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) if you spend a lot of time doing activities that involve forceful or repetitive finger or wrist movement or use of vibrating equipment. Some activities such as excessive driving, typing, knitting, playing small instruments or working with small tools can increase your chances of developing CTS. By taking some extra precautions, you can lower your risk of developing or needing carpal tunnel syndrome treatment.

Whether or not you are at risk for CTS, certain health conditions which can be avoided are related to carpal tunnel syndrome. Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight can help with conditions such as arthritis and diabetes, which can increase your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. If you find yourself in a working environment which requires repetitive movements such as typing, you can take certain steps which make your workspace more comfortable. Taking breaks to stretch, arranging your computer, keyboard and mouse more comfortably, and using wrist guards or keyboard pads for support can all help in this type of environment.

Los Angeles hand surgeon Dr. Sean Younai and staff at the California Hand Center have performed more than 1,500 minimally-invasive carpal tunnel surgeries over the last decade. This unique carpal tunnel release technique does not require general anesthesia, and enables patients to use their hand immediately. Most people are able to return to routine activities within 1-2 weeks. The California Hand Center is proudly one of very few centers nationally with such an experience and expertise in minimally-invasive carpal tunnel surgery.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information

Determining the Cause of Your Hand and Wrist Pain

2009-01-28T03:32:00.000-08:00

The 2 most common classes of hand and wrist pain are either sudden or chronic pain. Sudden pain occurs immediately, as in a traumatic event in which a bone is broken. Chronic pain occurs over a period of time, as is associated with Arthritis or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). CTS is the most common cause of chronic pain in the hands and wrists.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Los Angeles patients often don’t know that the pain they are experiencing is in fact CTS. Often the symptoms aren’t just pain, but tingling, or loss of feeling or grip in the hands and wrists. This occurs when there is too much pressure put on the median nerve, which is a thick ligamentous band that stretches over the tendons which move the fingers. The carpal tunnel is a closed space or "tunnel" located in the middle of the mid palm side of the wrist. When too much pressure builds up within the small space affecting the median nerve - pressure on the median nerve at the wrist manifests as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Further repetitive movement, exercising and certain activities are associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, but no specific time frame or repetitive movement has been documented to cause the problem.

Not everyone has all the classic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms Los Angeles, but will have some variation or combination of them. For example, some people may only experience numbness in one or two finger, and some people may feel painful or electric shock-like sensations radiating into the hand or back up the forearm. Those with arthritis, hypothyroidism and pregnancy have a greater incidence of CTS which can be confirmed by a Los Angeles hand surgeon or regular physician either through an electric diagnostic study or (EMG) or an MRI.

Los Angeles Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment is available in many different forms. Some treatments include splinting, oral anti-inflammatory medications, ergonomic work and activity changes, and therapy. If these modalities don’t work, surgical decompression is available. This procedure can be done under regional anesthesia (just the arm is “asleep” for the surgery), in a day surgery setting. This unique minimally invasive technique does not require general anesthesia, and enables patients to use their hand immediately. Most people are able to return to routine activities within 1-2 weeks.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information

What Happens During Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

2008-12-28T08:41:00.000-08:00

During open carpal tunnel release surgery, the transverse carpal ligament is cut, which releases pressure on the median nerve and relieves the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

An incision is made at the base of the palm of the hand. This allows the doctor to see the transverse carpal ligament. After the ligament is cut, the skin is closed with stitches. The gap where the ligament was cut is left alone and eventually fills up with scar tissue.

If you have open carpal tunnel release surgery, you usually do not need to stay in the hospital. It is usually done under local anesthetic and you can go home on the same day.

Hand surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome Los Angeles is usually considered when symptoms do not disappear after anywhere from 3 to 12 months after nonsurgical treatment. Also, if severe symptoms are present, such as persistent loss of feeling or finger/hand coordination is restricting your normal daily activities, or if nerve damage is present, open carpal tunnel surgery can be considered, and is more urgent.

Most surgeons will perform the surgery under local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia, therefore the risk of complication is very low (about 5%). Most people who have the surgery have fewer or no symptoms of Los Angeles hand pain and numbness. In fact, the overall success rate is about 95%. Rare occasions do occur in which the symptoms return, or there is tenderness around the scar. Hand strength is usually fully returned, unless there was severe damage to the ligaments. This is why it is important to see a Los Angeles hand surgeon sooner rather than later, in order to prevent any irreversible damage.

After the Los Angeles hand surgery, the hand is wrapped, and the stitches are removed 10 to 14 days after surgery. You may be directed to wear a splint for several weeks. The pain and numbness may go away right after surgery or may take several months to subside. Try to avoid heavy use of your hand for up to 3 months. Returning to work depends on whether you need physical therapy, and on the type of work activities you perform day to day.

Disclaimer: This blog or article is for information purpose only, and should not be treated a professional advise or price protection guarantee. This blog is mainly used for search engine optimization and other commercial purposes and it is advised that readers seek professional consultation in the field of interest for more information