Hands are remarkable tools that play a crucial role in our daily lives. With 27 bones and an intricate network of joints, muscles, tendons, and nerves, they are incredibly complex and versatile. Our hands allow us to grasp, manipulate, and interact with the world around us in ways that no other part of the body can. From delicate tasks like threading a needle to powerful actions like lifting heavy objects, our hands showcase a wide range of capabilities.
No matter what your age or occupation your hands are always working and there are many opportunities for injury or disease. Many common hand problems that interfere with daily activities can be diagnosed and successfully treated by the Hand & Wrist Team at Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists (SOS). The SOS Hand & Wrist Center, which opened one year ago, is led by board certified, fellowship trained, and award-winning orthopedic hand and upper extremity specialists. SOS hand therapists are also located at the site, offering patients comprehensive treatment in one location.
Many patients seek care at SOS for arthritis related issues. The hand and wrist have multiple small joints that work together to produce motion, and when affected by arthritis, activities of daily living can be difficult. Arthritis can occur in many areas of the hand and wrist and can have more than one cause. Over time, arthritis can cause pain, deformity, and loss of motion. Depending on the exact location, there are a number of different nonoperative and surgical treatments which can be considered in consultation with your physician.
Carpal Tunnel Release is the most common operation performed at SOS, and this is most frequently done using minimally invasive endoscopic technique. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve is squeezed or compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, a narrow, confined space. Since the median nerve provides sensory and motor functions to the thumb and three middle fingers, many symptoms can result.
Other conditions treated by the hand & wrist team at SOS include fractures involving the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, and fingers; tendon injuries; ganglion cysts; and trigger finger.
SOS physicians and hand therapists encourage you to give attention to your hands to keep them healthy and functioning. General tips include:
- Stretch. Many people stretch their legs, torso, and shoulders, forgetting that hands and wrists need to relax, too.
- Take breaks. If you type at a computer all day your wrists are working overtime. Give your hands and wrists a rest once an hour with a simple rotation of the wrists and finger stretches.
- Massage your fingers and joints. While some parts of your body are difficult to massage on your own, your hands and wrists are easy. Aim for once or twice a week or when you feel your hands need gentle massaging.
It’s important to have healthy hands for everyday practical tasks and the experts at the SOS Hand & Wrist Center are ready to help you keep a thumbs up. For more information visit sosbones.com. Click here to request an appointment or call our Hand and Wrist Center: 315-251-3162.