Hand/Wrist

Dr. Akinbo provides treatments for hand/wrist disorders caused by repetitive use, trauma, degenerative disease, or disabilities.

The most common hand/wrist disorders managed by Dr. Akinbo include:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis
Trigger Finger
Ganglion Cyst
Tennis Elbow
Wrist Fractures
Finger Fractures
Thumb Arthritis

COMMON HAND/WRIST DISORDERS

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects the hand and wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause pain in the wrist, but is most commonly manifested by numbness in the fingers. This is from compression of a nerve (median nerve) in the wrist. This condition can result in people dropping things, not being able to button their shirts, or do other activities of daily living. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be managed non-surgically when the symptoms are mild. Non-surgical management measures include physical therapy, home exercises, brace use, medications, or cortisone injections. Surgical management is usually with a carpal tunnel release which involves releasing a ligament in the wrist that releases pressure off the median nerve. For more information on carpal tunnel syndrome, click here . For carpal tunnel exercises, click here.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a common condition that can affect the elbow and hand. Cubital tunnel syndrome most commonly develops from compression of a nerve (ulnar nerve) in the elbow. This condition can result in loss of fine finger function, numbness in the fingers and pain in the elbow and forearm. Cubital tunnel syndrome can be managed non-surgically when the symptoms are not severe. Non-surgical management measures include physical therapy, home exercises, bracing, and medications. Surgical management is usually with a cubital tunnel release which involves releasing structures compressing the ulnar nerve to take pressure off the nerve. For more information on cubital tunnel syndrome, click here.

DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis

DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis is a common hand/wrist disorder than results from compression of some tendons at the wrist. This can result in pain at the wrist just below the thumb. This pain can result in difficulties with typing, opening books, opening doors etc. DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis can be managed non-surgically with bracing, home exercises, physical therapy, cortisone injections, and medications. If non-surgical measures do not provide desired relief, surgical management should be considered. Surgical management involves releasing the soft tissue at the wrist causing compression of the affected extensor compartment tendons. For more information on DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis, click here.

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a common condition that can affect the thumb or the lesser fingers. It typically arises from inflammation over the flexor sheath around the tendon. It can result in pain in the palm of the hand and cause locking or catching of the affected fingers or thumb. It can be managed with stretching exercises, rest, anti-inflammatory medications, or surgery if no response to non-surgical measures. Click here for more information.

Ganglion Cyst

A ganglion cyst is a fluid filled collection/swelling that can occur over the hand/wrist. It can occur on the back of the hand/wrist or the front. Often times it is not painful, but it can be. When painful, it can affect being able to perform simple tasks with the hand/wrist. A ganglion cyst can grow in size but it can also shrink over time. When bothersome, a ganglion cyst can be managed with aspiration; however, it frequently recurs after aspiration. A more definitive way of managing a ganglion cyst is by surgical removal. Click here for more information.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is also known as lateral epicondylitis. It causes pain on the outside of the elbow. It is typically caused from degeneration of the origin of one of the tendons that extend the wrist. This degeneration can cause pain when attempting to move the wrist or lift heavy objects. Tennis elbow can be managed with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and cortisone injections. Surgery is an option when non-surgical measures haven’t provided lasting relief. For more information, click here. For tennis elbow exercises, click here.