Diagnosing correctly is important for treatment to be fully effective. Common disease are carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, and ganglion cysts. “Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition where the median nerve is compressed where it passes through a short tunnel at the wrist” (The British Society for Surgery of the Hand). It has been found more in women than in men causing a weakness when gripping, a tingling or numbness in fingers and pain. When carpal tunnel syndrome is suspected the doctor will request an electrodiagnostic which is a test that will stimulate the muscles and nerves to see if they are working properly. Once diagnosed and anti-inflammatory drug is given for pain and for swelling. A splint is given to hold the hand in place and if it is need surgery can be offered. Osteoarthritis is an inflammation of the joints. Common among the elderly osteoarthritis causes pain, stiffness and swelling. X-ray’s will be used to diagnose the arthritis and treatment can be implemented. Anti-inflammatory drugs, heat for pain and ice for swelling, and a splint are the first things used when treating osteoarthritis. If the need arises cortisone injections will be used and surgery can be a last resort. Ganglion cysts are fluid filled cysts found generally on the back of the hand. The cysts are fairly large with pain and swelling located around the cyst. Diagnosis is easy to make but if there is any confusion and x-ray can be used. Treatment starts with anti-inflammatory medication and a splint, then will go to cortisone injections, surgery, and
Diagnosing correctly is important for treatment to be fully effective. Common disease are carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, and ganglion cysts. “Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition where the median nerve is compressed where it passes through a short tunnel at the wrist” (The British Society for Surgery of the Hand). It has been found more in women than in men causing a weakness when gripping, a tingling or numbness in fingers and pain. When carpal tunnel syndrome is suspected the doctor will request an electrodiagnostic which is a test that will stimulate the muscles and nerves to see if they are working properly. Once diagnosed and anti-inflammatory drug is given for pain and for swelling. A splint is given to hold the hand in place and if it is need surgery can be offered. Osteoarthritis is an inflammation of the joints. Common among the elderly osteoarthritis causes pain, stiffness and swelling. X-ray’s will be used to diagnose the arthritis and treatment can be implemented. Anti-inflammatory drugs, heat for pain and ice for swelling, and a splint are the first things used when treating osteoarthritis. If the need arises cortisone injections will be used and surgery can be a last resort. Ganglion cysts are fluid filled cysts found generally on the back of the hand. The cysts are fairly large with pain and swelling located around the cyst. Diagnosis is easy to make but if there is any confusion and x-ray can be used. Treatment starts with anti-inflammatory medication and a splint, then will go to cortisone injections, surgery, and