Diseases of the Hand - Research Paper Example

There is the most commonly occurring tumor of the hands and wrists and women are found to be “2 to 3 more times” prone to be affected than men by this disease (Battaglia et al, 2006, p.2). Observation at the early stages, puncturing the cyst, surgical excision, etc as some of the strategies for treatment but “puncture with aspiration” is found to be the most effective method (p.2). Studies also report that the operations method is highly useful in decompressing the cysts that compress the “sensory branch” (Kim et al, 2012, p.1462). However, some other studies have suggested that surgical measures should be used as a last resort as they do not “confer enough benefit” for undertaking the high risk (p.3).
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy:

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy is characterized by pain in the affected area along with the manifestation of symptoms such as swelling and “sympathetic nerve activity” in the affected organ (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, n.d., p.1). Even a small bruise or cut can entail this problem and it makes the nerves “misfire” and, in turn, send “constant pain signals to the brain” thus aggravating the patient’s condition (p.1). In addition, this condition also can cause problems like “motor disturbance” and “psychosocial disturbance” and manifest further to the extremity of the hand (Turner-Stokes, 2002, p.939). The symptoms of this condition include persistent pain and the “presence of an initiating noxious event” among other manifestations (p.941).

The condition is also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, for which “mirror therapy” is one of the interventions but evidence suggests that it can have both positive and negative outcomes because it has “differing effects” depending on whether the problem is acute or chronic (Pollard, 2013, p.66). On the other hand, exposure therapy is the approach that is aimed at tackling the problem by performing “graded exposure” to the stimulus that causes the feat pain (p.68). However, many other studies arrive at the conclusion that better treatment methods warrant further investigation into the “therapeutic modalities” (Perez, 2010, p.10).
Dupuytren’s Disease:

This disease results from “abnormal thickening” fascia tissues that are located below the skin and can occur in the palm and may even extend to the fingers (Dupuytren’s Disease, n.d., p.1). This disease is also characterized by a “chronic inflammatory process” that causes contractures of fingers through the shortening as well as thickening of the palm area affected by the disease (Forsman et al, 2005, p.71). The disease can be diagnosed by a very careful examination of the palm or the knuckles to identify any thickening and whether any “nodules or cords” have become visible (Dupuytren’s Disease, 2009, p.1). Effective intervention strategies include the determination of the gravity of the disease, the involvement of skin as well as the “joint contractures” (Dupuytren’s Disease, n.d., p.2).

The main treatment option available in this case is “surgery” depending on the gravity of the condition (Dupuytren’s Disease, 2009, p.1). For problems of lesser intensity, treatments such as “needle fasciotomy” which involves the transecting of the cords can be effective (1). The extreme manifestation of the disease occurs when the patient will not be able to put his or her “flat on the table” (2). At this stage, it is better to go for the surgery as an intervention method (2). Another major issue with this disease is that it can recur even after the surgery on an affected area as it may manifest in another area.
Trigger Finger/Trigger Thumb:

Trigger Finger Disease, also known as Trigger Thumb Disease, is a condition where the pulley and tendons in the hand facilitate the flexibility to “bend the fingers” (Trigger Finger, 2013, p.1). It usually occurs when the pulley at the base of the finger thickens so much as to constrict “around the tendon” (Luchetti et al, 2012, p.1). Technically known as “Stenosing Tenovaginalitis,” this condition causes pain to the “finger and thumb” as well as when grasping with the hand or even during palpation (p.14). Its diagnosis can be done on the basis of any “locking or stiffening” of the affected part and the palm of the hand or the base of the finger that is affected will also demonstrate the same symptoms (Health Technology Assessment, 2013, p.6).

Surgery is the main intervention strategy for severe conditions or in cases where non-operative treatment has been a failure as well as in situations where the problem can be described as “fixed contracture” (p.14). Steroid treatment is also available but in cases where two injections of steroids fail to fetch the intended results or the condition of the patient is aggravated, the treatment will have to switch the option to surgery (14). In certain selected cases splints can be effective and ACOEM also recommends “education of select patients” (p.14). However, it transpires that detection on time and administering steroids as an intervention strategy at the appropriate time can contain the problem to a great extent. Read More