Understanding Hand Stiffness: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
The joints in your hand are covered by a smooth layer of articular cartilage and held together by tough ligaments. These structures facilitate motion and provide stability, preventing hyper-extension and side-to-side stress on the fingers. However, when your hands begin to stiffen, it could indicate various underlying conditions that affect the normal function of these structures.
Common Causes of Hand Stiffness
Several conditions can lead to stiffness and pain in the hand:
- Arthritis: A common cause of joint stiffness, where inflammation and cartilage wear down over time.
- Fractures: Broken bones or damage to the joint or ligament can lead to limited motion.
- Scar Tissue: Post-injury healing can result in the formation of thickened tissue, which restricts movement.
- Dislocations: Displaced joints can result in structural changes that affect joint function.
- Bad Sprains: Severe sprains can lead to instability and stiffness due to ligament damage.
- Tendon and Muscle Injuries: Injuries to the soft tissues can lead to stiffness and reduced range of motion.
When these structures change, it can result in thicker, less elastic ligaments, causing a loss of mobility and joint flexibility. This can lead to the stiffness you feel in your hands.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Hand Stiffness
At South Florida Hand and Orthopaedic Center, our doctors will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to understand the root cause of your hand stiffness. Here’s what to expect:
- Full Evaluation: Your doctor will ask about your medical history, previous injuries, and the extent of your stiffness.
- Physical Examination: The doctor will assess your range of motion, joint mobility, swelling, and tenderness in the affected hand.
- X-rays: Imaging may be used to check for fractures, arthritis, or other structural issues.
Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the condition, ranging from minor interventions to more extensive options:
- Stretching Exercises: These may be recommended for less severe cases to improve mobility.
- Splinting: The hand or fingers may need to be splinted to stretch tightened joints and promote healing.
- Surgery: In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to restore function and reduce stiffness.
It is important to seek care from a specialized hand surgeon, like the experienced doctors at South Florida Hand and Orthopaedic Center, to receive the most effective treatment tailored to your specific needs.