Ask a Doctor: Hand Tumors and Wrist Tumors

Nov 30,2015 / By The Hand Society / 6 Comments

Dr. Ekkehard Bonatz answers your questions about the lumps and bumps you may find on your hand or wrist.

I have been told I may need surgery for a tumor in my hand. What does that mean?

A “tumor” simply means there is a swelling that is not normally there, and your doctor feels it needs further examination. Sometimes it is referred to as a mass.

What kinds of tumors should I be concerned about?

Most tumors or masses on the hand and wrist are benign and are not cancer. Most commonly they are ganglion cysts. They are fluid-filled and can change in size. A giant cell tumor is a benign collection of tissue around a joint or a tendon. A thickening in the skin of the palm can also be a sign of Dupuytren’s contracture.

When should I see a hand surgeon about a tumor, growth or mass?

When the problem interferes enough with your hand function during the day or while enjoying a particular hobby, you may want to seek further advice. Many patients experience mild pain or discomfort, while others just notice a lump that wasn’t there before.

Finger Hand Hand Therapy Trigger Finger

Advice from a Certified Hand Therapist: Trigger Finger

Nov 25,2015 / By the American Society of Hand Therapists / 12 Comments

I noticed that after making a fist, when I try to straighten one of my fingers, it catches and becomes very painful. Sometimes it is necessary to take my other hand to force the finger back into a straight position.

The condition you are describing may be trigger finger (or trigger thumb), and is frequently caused by overuse. Some examples of activities that might initiate this condition are power washing a deck for several hours, using a rivet gun repetitively, leash training a dog or opening window latches that have a lot of resistance.

Why is there a hard nodule present in my palm? It’s tender to touch!

The nodule is actually extreme thickening of the tendon, and each time your tendon “triggers,” there is an inflammatory response that occurs (see diagrams below). Look at the swollen tendon in the first diagram, then take a look at the pulley in the second diagram. You will see that at some point, the nodule becomes so inflamed the tendon can’t glide underneath the pulley — that’s why it “triggers.”

Finger Hand Hand Safety

5 turkey carving safety tips

Nov 20,2015 / By The Hand Society / No Comment

5 Signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Nov 15,2015 / By The Hand Society / 4 Comments

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common conditions of the hand. It happens when there is pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. It can be caused by things like arthritis and fractures, but, ultimately, there can be many causes.

Here are 5 signs that you may have carpal tunnel:

Pain
Numbness
Tingling
Weaker grip
Tendency to drop things

Numbness and tingling is common in the thumb and pointer, middle and ring fingers. Sometimes, symptoms can be worse during the night, but they can also be felt during daily activities.

Hand Hand Surgeon Hand Transplant

A Surgeon’s Story of a Hand Transplant

Nov 9,2015 / By The Hand Society / No Comment

Hand surgeon and American Society for Surgery of the Hand member Kodi K. Azari, MD, FACS, tells his story about performing a hand transplant, becoming a hand surgeon, and the importance of the human hand. Listen to the podcast.