Author: Alexa Trujillo OTD, OTR/L

Picture to represent the fingers that are typically affected and position of the contracture   What is Dupuytren's Contracture? Dupuytren’s contracture is the thickening of the palmar fascia which usually affects the ring and small finger causing the fingers to contract, or flex towards the palm, making it difficult to complete gripping tasks or lay … Continued

Pictures to represent the thumb side and area affected   What is De Quervain's Tenosynovitis? De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis occurs when there is inflammation to the tendon sheaths on the thumb side of the wrist which can cause pain and discomfort due to repetitive motions and over use. The inflamed tendon sheaths pass through a structure … Continued

(Image to depict location of compression/impingement on the forearm)   What is Radial Tunnel Syndrome? Radial tunnel syndrome occurs when there is compression or impingement of the radial nerve in the elbow or forearm which can lead to pain, discomfort, and impacted motor functioning of the affected limb at the elbow, wrist, and/or hand. The … Continued

What is a Volar Plate Injury? The volar plate is a strong ligament that connects bone to bone at the bottom of the middle joint of the fingers which prevents hyperextension, however, if this ligament is forcefully extended it can partially or completely tear. This injury can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and general issues using … Continued

What are Bone Fractures? A fracture is a unique break or crack to bone which can take form in different ways based on the mechanism of injury and force applied. The break, or fracture, severity depends on the external force to the body which can cause the bone to crack and/or shatter.   Bone Fracture … Continued

What is Shoulder Impingement? Shoulder impingement occurs when there is pain or irritation to the rotator cuff muscle/tendon due to the acromion applying too much downward pressure, or impinging the rotator cuff structures. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles that attach to the humerus and passes beneath the acromion, so if there is … Continued

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that affects joints by means of  inflammation, bone erosion, and joint deformity in the hands along with other associated body systems. RA is a chronic inflammatory disorder that attacks tissue in the joints and is not from general wear-and-tear in comparison to Osteoarthritis.    … Continued

What is Osteoarthritis of the Hands? Osteoarthritis (OA) can occur in the hands when the cartilage between the bones wear down over time due to wear and tear contributing to pain and anatomical changes to the hand. OA cannot be corrected but progression of the cartilage loss can be slowed down and pain/joint function can … Continued

What is Trigger Finger? Trigger finger is the inflammation of the tendon or tendon sheath on the palm side of the finger which catches when the finger moves from a bent position to straight position. This motion of straightening the finger can create a popping sound along with pain when the finger catches. Trigger finger … Continued