There are many common hand problems that can interfere with activities of daily living (ADLs), including the following:

• Arthritis: Arthritis is joint inflammation and commonly occurs at the base of the thumb. The pain associated with arthritis may be from many different sources, including inflammation of the following:
  
  • Synovial Membrane: a clear, sticky fluid that is released by the synovial membrane and acts as a lubricant for joints and tendons.
  • Tendons: the tough cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones.
  • Ligaments: a white, shiny, flexible band of fibrous tissue that binds joints together and connects various bones and cartilage.
  • Osteoarthritis: a degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis in older people. It is a slow-progressing disease that primarily affects the hands and the large weight-bearing joints of the body, such as the knees and hips. Osteoarthritis in the hands or hips may run in families, or be caused by injuries, overuse, muscle strain or fatigue.
  • Heberden Nodes: abnormal enlargements of the bone or cartilage - about the size of a pea or smaller - may occur in the finger joints, and may be aggravated by osteoarthritis.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, a narrow confined space. Since the median nerve provides sensory and motor functions to the thumb and three middle fingers, many symptoms may result. The most common symptoms for carpal tunnel syndrome may include:
    
    • Difficulty making a fist
    • Difficulty gripping objects with the hand(s)
    • Pain and/or numbness in the hand(s)
    • "Pins and needles" feeling in the fingers
    • Swollen feeling in the fingers
    • Burning or tingling in the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers
    
    

    The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may resemble other conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis or rheumatoid arthritis. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

    Carpal Tunnel Syndrom treatment may include:

    • Splinting of the hand to help prevent wrist movement and decrease the compression of the nerves inside the tunnel
    • Oral or injected anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the swelling
    • Surgery to relieve compression on the nerves in the carpal tunnel
    • Changing position of a computer keyboard or other ergonomic improvement
      
  • Ganglion Cysts: Soft, fluid-filled cysts can develop on the front or back of the hand for no apparent reason. These are the most common, benign (non-cancerous), soft-tissue tumor of the hand and wrist. Symptoms may include:
    
    • Wrist pain that is aggravated with repeated use or irritation
    • A slow growing, localized swelling, with mild aching and weakness in the wrist
    • An apparent cyst that is smooth, firm, rounded, and/or tender
    
    

    The symptoms of ganglion cysts may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis. Treatment may include:

    • Rest
    • Splinting
    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
    • Aspiration
    • Cortisone injections
    • Surgery
      
  • Tendon problems: Two major problems associated with tendons include tendonitis and tenosynovitis:
    
    • Tendonitis, inflammation of a tendon (the tough cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones), can affect any tendon, but is most commonly seen in the wrist and fingers. When the tendons become irritated, swelling, pain and discomfort will occur.
    • Tenosynovitis is the inflammation of the lining of the tendon sheaths that enclose the tendons. The tendon sheath is usually the site that becomes inflamed, but both the sheath and the tendon can become inflamed simultaneously. The cause of tenosynovitis is often unknown, but usually strain, overuse, injury or excessive exercise may be implicated. Tendonitis may also be related to disease (i.e., diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis).