Monthly Archives: June 2016

Handling Hand Injuries - Cut or Torn Flexor Tendon

Handling Hand Injuries: Cut or Torn Flexor Tendon

Handling Hand Injuries - Cut or Torn Flexor Tendon

The human hand is comprised of many tendons, which are tissues that connect muscle to bone. Tendons help the hand move by pulling the bone as muscles contract. For example, extensor tendons are located on the top of the hand and straighten the fingers. Flexor tendons are on the palm side and work to bend the fingers. Flexor tendons actually start at the elbow and forearm regions as muscles and become tendons just past the middle of the forearm.

Because they are close to the skin’s surface, any sort of deep cut or tear can hit a flexor tendon. While a cut or tear—whether it occurs in the forearm, wrist, palm, or finger—might seem minor, in reality, it can completely prevent fingers from bending.

Some of the most common symptoms of a cut or torn flexor tendon include:

• An open cut or tear on the palm side of the hand
• Inability to bend one or more fingers
• Pain
• Tenderness in finger
• Numbness in fingertip

Because cuts or tears pull the ends of the flexor tendon apart, it’s impossible for a tendon to heal on its own. A doctor’s treatment is required and most of the time requires surgery. The Hand Team at AOC is proficient in flexor tendon repair. We understand that a flexor tendon injury greatly impacts the ability to perform even the smallest activities and tasks. Our board certified Hand Team of Dr. William Crotwell, Dr. Suanne White-Spunner, and Dr. Jared Burkett use the most up-to-date procedures to get your life quickly back on track. For more information, call 251-410-3600 or visit us at alortho.com.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Problem and Solution

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Problem and Solution

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Problem and Solution

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition brought on by increased pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. In short, it’s a pinched nerve in your wrist. Symptoms may include:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Pain in the arm, hand and fingers

There is actually a space in the wrist called the carpal tunnel where the median nerve and nine tendons pass from the forearm into the hand. CTS happens when pressure builds up from swelling in this tunnel and puts pressure on the nerve. And when the pressure from the swelling becomes great enough to disturb the way the nerve works, you will start to feel that numbness, tingling, and pain in the arm, hand, and fingers.

Normally, the numbness or tingling most often takes place in the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers. These symptoms are usually felt during the night, but also may be noticed during daily activities such as driving or reading a newspaper. And as this progresses, patients may notice a weaker grip, occasional clumsiness and a tendency to drop things. As it goes untreated, sensation may be permanently lost and the muscles at the base of the thumb slowly shrink causing difficulty with the pinch.

The Hand Team of AOC is proficient in Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery. Understanding that this disorder is one of the most commonly caused absences from work, the board certified Hand Team of Dr. William Crotwell, Dr. Suanne White-Spunner, and Dr. Jared Burkett use the most up-to-date procedures to get your life quickly back on track. For more information, call 251-410-3600 or visit us at alortho.com.