Tennis elbow is inflammation or degeneration of the tendons on the outside of the forearm. These tendons extend and lift the hand. Tennis elbow is caused by repetitive motions such as hitting a backhand in tennis, raking leaves, or constant typing on the computer.
Symptoms include burning pain on the outside of the elbow that most often starts mildly and becomes constant over time. The patient will have tenderness to the touch on the outside of the elbow and may even have pain with wrist extension, or complain of pain while holding light ob jects such as coffee mugs.
Treatment includes rest, stretching, and ice. The doctor may prescribe physical therapy and may give a cortisone injection. X-rays are not needed because only bony tissue c an be evaluated with an x-ray. A brace around the forearm may be used to help ease the pain.
Prevention of tennis elbow includes adequate strength, a stretching routine for the forearms, and using proper techniques.
Rehabilitation includes forearm stretches and strengthening of the wrist extensors and flexors, biceps, and triceps.
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Scaphoid fractures occur when a person falls on an outstretched arm and the palm of the hand hits the ground, causing pain on the thumb side of the wrist, and pain with subsequent wrist motions. X-rays must be taken to diagnose this condition.
Treatment includes a splint or cast for four to six weeks, unless the fracture occurred in the middle portion of the bone, in which case surgical intervention may be needed to stabilize the fracture. The interior aspect of the bone does not receive a fresh blood supply that carrie s nutrients to help heal the bone, which then requires surgery.
There are no specific risk factors or diseases that increase one's chance of a wrist fracture. Wearing wrist guards during biking, inline skating, and snowboarding will decrease the risk of wrist fracture.
After cast removal, avoid heavy lifting and activities with a high risk of wrist impaction. Sometimes hand therapy is prescribed to increase strength and range of motion if the patient has been in the cast for an extended period of time.
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Biceps tendonitis refers to inflammation or degeneration of connecting muscle fibers on the front of the arm due to overhead repetitive activities such as throwing or tennis. The biceps are used to accelerate and decelerate the arm during overhead throwing-type motions. Symptoms i nclude tenderness of the involved tendon and pain with overheard movements.
Diagnosis is determined by going over a thorough history of activities with a health professional.
Treatment includes modifying activity, such as reducing overhead movements or switching activities to eliminate pain with movement. Physical therapy will include range of m otion activities and gradual strengthening of the biceps and surrounding muscle of the shoulder and forearm.
Prevention of biceps tendinitis includes a gradual increase in overhead activities, maintaining adequate strength of the biceps and surrounding shoulder musculature, and getting adequate rest between activities.
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Golfer’s elbow is pain or inflammation of the muscle on the inside of the elbow causing pain emanating from the bony prominence, and extending into the forearm. It is also known as “Little Leaguer elbow” when caused by excessive throwing. Golfer's elbow does not occur only in golfers; it can be caused by activities that include repetitive forearm movement, such as using a screwdriver or painting.
See "Tennis Elbow" for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
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Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tendons of the wrist swell and put pressure on the nerve to the hand, causing numbness of the fingers and hand. Carpal tunnel can result from repetitive motions of the wrist.
Symptoms include numbness or stabbing to the thumb side of the hand that occur gradually and worsen over time. Activities such as fastening buttons or holding small objects — coffee mugs, telephone — may become more difficult.
Diagnosis is determined by testing the strength of the thumb and extent of numbness in the hand. X-rays may be taken to rule out bony deformities. A nerve conduction test may be performed to identify the location of the nerve.
Treatment for carpal tunnel is simply to refrain from activities that irritate the wrist and hand. A splint may be worn to reduce motion, and surgery may be necessary if symptoms persist.
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Colles fracture is the most frequent type of wrist fracture, which can occur when a patient falls on an outstretched hand. Pain accompanies wrist flexion, and there is usually tenderness, swelling, and bruising over the injury site. Some fractures are denoted by deformity of the b one. X-rays are needed to confirm the fracture.
Treatment includes a splint or cast for four to six weeks followed by range-of-motion and forearm strengthening exercises. Surgery may be needed if the bone does not heal correctly.
Prevention of wrist fractures includes wearing wrist guards during activities such as inline skating, skiing, and skateboarding, where falling on an outstretched hand has a higher possibility.
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Wrist sprains occur when the wrist is forcefully bent backwards, tearing the ligament that connects the bones of the wrist. Symptoms include pain with motion, swelling, bruising, and tenderness over the injury site. X-rays should be taken to rule out a fracture. In some cases, an MRI or CT scan is done to determine the extent of the ligament injury.
Treatment includes splinting, ice, and rest. Prevention includes being careful on wet floors that may cause slipping.
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Gamekeeper’s thumb occurs when the thumb is forcefully pushed backwards, thus stretching or tearing the ligament. Activities such as catching a ball can cause this injury; football, baseball, and basketball are the most common sports in which it occurs. Symptoms include pain with thumb movement, swelling and tenderness over the injured joint, and the inability to hold objects between the thumb and fingers.
Treatment includes splinting, rest, and ice. X-rays may be taken to rule out any fractures. Surgery may be needed if the joint is unstable. Prevention includes applying proper techniques when catching a ball, and avoiding falling on an outstretched hand.
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Finger injuries are common and range from simple cuts to bone, tendon, or ligament damage. If not properly treated, finger injuries can lead to deformity and permanent loss of function. Symptoms include pain over the injury site, inability to move the finger, bruising, swelling, o r deformity.
Treatment includes being evaluated by an athletic trainer to determine the extent of the injury. X-rays may be taken to confirm a fracture. Treatment includes "buddy tapin g" and/or splinting for everyday activities, if the injury is not serious. Some finger injuries require surgical repair of the tendons to restore function.
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