Your hands are composed of muscles, bones, joints and tendons. Unfortunately, repetitive hand use, such as when playing the piano or typing, can lead to pain, problems with hand movement and numbness. Dupuytren's contracture, arthritis of the hand and De Quervain's tenosynovitis are specific degenerative diseases of the hand.
Dupuytren's Contracture
The palm of your hand contains connective tissue that is vital for your hand movements. Sometimes, this connective tissue becomes contracted, a condition known as Dupuytren's contracture. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of Dupuytren's contracture include skin thickening, especially on the palms of your hands, and the gradual formation of a palpable lump on the palm of your hand. You may also develop tissue cords that extend into your fingers, and over time your fingers can contract towards your palm. The Mayo Clinic says that the ring, middle and little finger are usually affected. Treatment options include steroid injection therapy, radiation therapy and needle aponeurotomy to relieve the finger contractures; and surgery to remove tissues or amputate fingers.
Arthritis
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) says that arthritis is the leading cause for causing disability in the United States. The joints in your fingers, hands and wrists all contain cartilage to serve as shock absorbers during minor or major trauma. This cartilage can break down over time with constant overuse. Symptoms of hand arthritis include a dull or burning pain that is relieved with rest and exacerbated by movement. Swelling, warmth and a grinding sound in the joints (crepitation) are some of the manifestations of this condition. Medications such as over-the-counter acetaminophen, and supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, can help manage arthritic symptoms. Steroid injections and surgery to replace or repair the joint can also be performed.
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
De Quervain's tenosynovitis refers to an inflammation of the tendons on the thumb region of the wrist. Symptoms of this condition include pain and swelling at the base of the thumb, numbness near the thumb and index finger, trouble moving the thumb and a cog-wheel-like rigidity of the thumb. Progressive De Quervain's tenosynovitis can lead to the inability to bend the wrist, grasp things or make a fist, says the Mayo Clinic. Treatment consists of splint or brace immobilization of the thumb, using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, and using heat or cold compresses on the affected region. Physical therapy and surgery are other ways to treat De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
