Conditions and Treatment
Thumb arthritis
Thumb arthritis is common with aging and occurs when cartilage wear and tear happens mostly in the base of the thumb joint.
Thumb arthritis can cause severe pain, swelling, and decreased strength and movement, making it difficult to do simple tasks, such as griping, writing, turning doorknobs and opening jars.
Our approach
We treat the painful joint with taping and gentle mobilization. Further we progress with exercises to improve the movement and function with appropriate exercise program.
Splints maybe useful for patients in severe cases.
DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis
DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis is a painful inflammation of tendons on the side of the wrist at the base of the thumb. It will probably hurt when you turn your wrist, grip or make a fist. There will also be swelling, difficulty moving your thumb and wrist when griping or pinching.
Our approach
In acute stage, we treat by immobilizing your thumb and wrist with taping/splint/brace to help offload your tendons. Icing and ultrasound will help with swelling and pain.
Further we use techniques like mobilization, stretches and strengthening exercises.
Post fracture wrist
Wrist fracture is very common due to fall on out stretched hand. Most wrist or radius fractures are treated conservatively with a plaster for 6 to 9 weeks followed by rehabilitation program.
In severe cases with multiple fractures of the bones surgical intervention using pins and plates may be needed. This would need earlier and more extensive rehabilitation.
Our approach
We work on the rehabilitation part post fracture with the help of mobilization, movement and strength training and help you restore normal movement, strength.
Contrast bath and anti-inflammatory drugs will help in pain and swelling in early stages.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the front of the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of your hand. Symptoms include numbness, tingling and weakness in certain parts of the hand and arm.
Our approach
We treat by offloading nerves by splinting during loading activities and also at night. Stretching exercises of the wrist fascia along with gentle mobilization of the wrist bones with help to reduce the ongoing compressive force on the wrist.
Advice on modifications of activities and the workplace ergonomic is important for long term management.
Complex regional pain syndrome- (CRPS)
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a form of chronic pain that usually affects an arm or a leg. CRPS typically develops after an injury, a surgery, a stroke or a heart attack. The pain is out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury and is usually caused due to irritation of the sympathetic nerves.
Our approach
Pain management here is mainly with focus on gentle movement without pain. Here we use techniques like mirror imagery, soft tissue massage and joint mobilization.
Further therapeutic exercises like isometric strengthening therapy followed by active isotonic training in combination with sensory desensitization programs and strengthening of all four extremities help to return to function.
