When it comes to the attention we give our body parts, care for our hands may be, well, shorthanded.
Dr. Rosie Sendher, orthopedic surgeon and specialist in hand and upper extremity, says there are therapeutic steps one can take to address the affects of arthritis before getting hand surgery.
There are three hand issues particularly common to women.
Carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis: More plainly put, arthritis of the thumb joint.
“The CMC Joint has 16 stabilizing ligaments around it,” explained Rosie Sendher, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and specialist in hand and upper extremity surgery at OrthoNorCal in Capitola. “You’re getting degeneration of these stabilizing ligaments, and the cartilage begins to wear away.”
Who’s most prone to developing it: Cuacasian women in their mid-50s are the most common sufferers of this condition. Dr. Sendher said that studies are underway to investigate why this is the case.
Course of action: Avoid repetitive motion of the joint. See a specialist and ask to be referred to Dominican’s hand therapy clinic. Wearing a brace can help. If symptoms aren’t better within three months, a steroid injection is an option. If quality of life continues to suffer, surgery may be necessary.
As Dr. Sendher put it: “You can’t necessrily prevent arthritis. If you’re predisposed, you may get it. But there are stpes to take before I would recommend surgery.”
de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis:
Also known as Washerwoman’s Sprain, Mommy’s Thumb, and Radial Styloid Tenosynovitis. Whatever you call it, it affects the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist, making movements like grasping, grabbing or curling you hand into a fist very painful.
Who’s most prone to developing it: As the different terms of this condition suggest, women who use their hands or wrists repetitively such as washing clothes prior to machines (Washerwoman’s Sprain) or lifting babies (Mommy’s Thumb) or gardening, golfing, etc.
Course of action: A special splint for de Quervain’s sufferers exists and has proven useful. Hand therapy is recommended as well as activity modification, addressing ergonomics, and potentially anti-inflammatory medication and/or steroid injections if the pain does not subside. Surgery is an option but rarely done because of the effectiveness of these other treatments, according to Dr. Sendher.
One might guess that condition is on the rise due to increased use of mobile devices, but Dr. Sendher doesn’t believe so. “I’m sure texting and ‘tweeting’ may contribute to the pain, but I have not seen any patient for either condition because they’ve been texting too much,” she said.
Distal Radial Fracture
Also known as Distal Radius Fracture. Often called a broken wrist, but really a break close to the wrist of the radius bone in the forearm.
Who’s most prone to developing it: Anyone can have an accident or fall down and suffer a distal radial fracture, but it’s one of the more common injuries for women who suffer from osteoperosis.
“When bone mass is low, you’re predisposed to fragility fractures,” Dr. Sendher said. “the three most common ones we see are distal radial fracture, vertebral compression fracture (in the spine) and hip fractures.”
Course of action: See a physician immediately if you suspect a fracture. X-rays will be taken. A splint or cast may be all that is necessary, but surgery may be required depending on the fracture. Rehabilitation may be suggested.
When it comes to strengthening hands and wrists, Annette Masters, MA OTR/L, a certified hand therapist and the supervisor of Dominican’s Hand Rehabilitation Clinic, does not recommend a single exercise or sets of exercises.
“What’s good for one person may cause an injury in another,” Ms. Masters said. “Along with focusing on the hands, research shows that people who are aerobically fit have fewer incidences of repetitive motion disorders.
“Hands do tend to be cold,” she continued. “When people come into the clinic for treatment, we want their hands to be warm, to be in teh best ergonomic position while active and then cool down appropriately. We are living longer, and this creates a need to take care of our hands just like any other part of the body. A variety of activities can help balance thee demands we make of our hands and the rest of our body and mind.”