Anatomy of the hand

The hand is composed of many different bones, muscles, and ligaments that allow for a large amount of movement and dexterity. There are 3 major types of bones in the hand itself, including:

• Phalanges. The 14 bones that are found in the fingers of each hand and also in the toes of each foot. Each finger has 3 phalanges (the distal, middle, and proximal); the thumb only has 2.
• Metacarpal bones. The 5 bones that compose the middle part of the hand.
• Carpal bones. The 8 bones that create the wrist. The carpal bones are connected to 2 bones of the arm, the ulnar bone and the radius bone.

Numerous muscles, ligaments, and sheaths can be found within the hand. The muscles are the structures that can contract, allowing movement of the bones in the hand. The ligaments are fibrous tissues that help bind together the joints in the hand. The sheaths are tubular structures that surround part of the fingers.

What are some common hand problems?

There are many common hand problems that can interfere with activities of daily living (ADLs), including the following:

Arthritis

Arthritis is joint inflammation and can occur in multiple areas of the hand and wrist. Arthritis of the hand can be very painful.

Rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that can attack joints throughout the body, commonly affects the joints and surrounding tendons of the wrist and fingers. It can cause the joints to become swollen, painful and possibly deformed. This can interfere with normal hand function. It can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis in the hands and may be caused by normal use of the hand or it may develop after an injury. Osteoarthritis usually develops in one of 3 places: the base of the thumb, at the end joint closest to the finger tip, or at the middle joint of a finger.

Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Stiffness
• Swelling and pain
• Bony nodules at the middle or end joints of the finger
• Pain and possibly swelling at the base of the thumb
• Loss of strength in the fingers and the grip of the hand

Treatment for osteoarthritis includes:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Resting the affected hand
• Wearing splints at night
• Using heat to soothe the pain
• Using ice to reduce swelling
• Possible cortisone injections
• Possible surgery when no other treatments work

Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative arthritis, is a degenerative condition that commonly affects the small joints of the fingers and the base of the thumb. Common in both men and women, it can cause the joints to become swollen, stiff and painful. It often leads to joint enlargement, interfering with normal hand function and significantly impacting a person’s quality of life. There are two main types of hand arthritis: primary generalized osteoarthritis and erosive osteoarthritis, and they affect the hands differently.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve is 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 3 middle fingers, many symptoms may result. The following are the most common symptoms for carpal tunnel syndrome. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Trouble gripping objects with the hand(s)
• Pain or numbness in the hand(s)
• “Pins and needles” feeling in the fingers
• Swollen feeling in the fingers
• Burning or tingling in the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers

The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may look like other conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Treatment may include:

• Splinting of the hand (to help prevent wrist movement and decrease the compression of the nerves inside the tunnel)
• Oral or injected (into the carpal tunnel space) anti-inflammatory medications (to reduce the swelling)
• Surgery (to relieve compression on the nerves in the carpal tunnel)
• Changing position of a computer keyboard, or other ergonomic changes

This condition is a painful compression of a nerve in the wrist that can interfere with a person’s ability to use the wrist and the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a progressive condition that can worsen without proper care.

Ganglion cysts

Soft, fluid-filled cysts can develop on the front or back of the hand for no apparent reason. These are called ganglion cysts — the most common, benign (noncancerous), soft-tissue tumor of the hand and wrist.

The following are the most common symptoms for ganglion cysts. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Wrist pain that is aggravated with repeated use or irritation
• Aslow growing, localized swelling, with mild aching and weakness in the wrist
• An apparent cyst that is smooth, firm, rounded, or tender

The symptoms of ganglion cysts may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.

Initially, when the cyst is small and painless, treatment is usually not needed. Only when the cyst begins to grow and interferes with the functionality of the hand is treatment usually necessary. Treatment may include:

• Rest
• Splinting
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Aspiration
• Cortisone injections
• Surgery

A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms as a herniation from a joint capsule or tendon sheath. The sac is attached to the joint or tendon sheath by a “stalk” that allows fluid to move into the pouch from the joint or sheath. The stalk functions as a valve and often limits fluid drainage out of the cyst, allowing the cyst to increase – but not decrease – in size. In some cases the stalk functions as a two-way valve, allowing fluid to travel in both directions. This can enable the cyst to increase and decrease in size based on activities.

Tendon problems

Two major problems associated with tendons include tendonitis and tenosynovitis. Tendonitis, inflammation of a tendon (the tough cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones) can affect any tendon, but is most commonly seen in the wrist and fingers. When the tendons become irritated, swelling, pain, and discomfort will occur.

Wrist Pain and Tendonitis | FAQ with Dr. Sophia Strike