A total of 27 small bones come together to form complex joints in the hand. Since the hand itself is a part that requires very precise movement, it moves very frequently as it processes various tasks through various movements.
However, hands are easily exposed to repetitive movements and excessive strain, and prolonged excessive use of hands can cause various diseases.
Min Seul-gi, director of Yonsei Star Hospital (orthopedic specialist), said, “The hands are one of the parts we use most on a daily basis. Because finger movement is essential for almost all activities, persistent pain in the fingers can significantly reduce quality of life. “Because the suspected diseases are different depending on the area of pain in the hand, if pain persists, prompt diagnosis and treatment is necessary,” he advised.
rheumatoid arthritis
If your fingers are stiff and hard to straighten in the morning, and the middle joints of both hands are symmetrically painful and swollen, you may have rheumatoid arthritis. This disease is an inflammatory disease that occurs when the immune system mistakes normal joint tissue for a foreign invader and attacks it. If rheumatoid arthritis gets worse, finger joints may become deformed, making it impossible to bend or straighten them. In the beginning, symptoms are alleviated with drug treatment and management, and treatment is possible without major difficulties in daily life.
finger osteoarthritis
Finger osteoarthritis usually occurs as the cartilage in the finger joints wears out and becomes damaged as people age. It can appear even at a young age due to repetitive hand use or genetic factors. Pain mainly occurs at the tip of the finger and the second joint, and the joint becomes thicker. Symptoms and pain are similar to rheumatoid arthritis, but pain only occurs locally in areas where cartilage is worn away. For treatment, it is important to reduce frequently used hand activities, relieve pain through medication or physical therapy, and maintain joint function.
Wrist Tenosynovitis (De Quervain Syndrome)
Wrist tenosynovitis is a disease that causes pain when moving the thumb or turning the wrist. It is caused by repetitive use of the wrist and fingers, especially the frequent use of the thumb, causing inflammation in the tendons. Using a smartphone, typing on a keyboard, or lifting heavy objects continuously places excessive stress on the wrist tendons, causing inflammation.
The key to treatment is to give your wrist enough rest. Wearing a wrist brace or band restricts wrist movement and reduces strain on the tendons. This is especially helpful for people who work long hours professionally.
One of the effective treatment methods is extracorporeal shock wave therapy. It is effective for ligament and tendon diseases, increases blood circulation and relieves inflammation, helping to activate tissue rebuilding cells and speed recovery.
trigger finger syndrome
If you feel a hard break or a stuck finger when you bend or straighten it, you may have trigger finger syndrome. Pain commonly occurs in the 3rd, 4th, and thumb fingers.
This disease occurs when friction occurs between the tendon of the finger and the trochlea that surrounds it, causing the tendon to become tangled or caught. When the pain is severe, a ’clicking’ sound or resistance is felt when bending or straightening the finger, and the pain is relieved when the finger suddenly relaxes.
In the beginning, if you reduce excessive use of your fingers and rest, symptoms may improve as friction is reduced, swollen tendons or trochleas subside, and passages expand.
Triangular fibrocartilage complex TFCC
The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a complex structure located on the little finger side of the wrist, and is a triangular-shaped area where bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage are combined. Damage can occur if excessive force is applied when the wrist is bent or rotated.
If persistent wrist pain occurs for no reason after an injury, or pain is felt along with a popping sound when rotating the wrist, TFCC damage may be suspected.
The pain gets worse when you bend or turn your wrist, and it also occurs when you stand up with your hands on the floor, turn a doorknob, or lift an object. When you press the wrist area on the side of the little finger, you may feel tenderness, and the sensation in the little finger may become dull along with swelling.
Although TFCC injuries can occur unexpectedly, they can be prevented through exercises that increase wrist flexibility and strength. Additionally, if an injury occurs, it is necessary to immediately apply ice and secure the wrist with a compression bandage to ensure adequate rest.
Director Min said, “A small pain in the hand can cause major inconvenience in daily life. It is important to reduce excessive hand use and provide treatment tailored to the individual’s condition. The hand is a sensitive area to treatment, so even if the pain has improved, it is likely to recur if used excessively. He emphasized, “Proper care and prevention are necessary for daily hand health, and you must be careful not to use your hands excessively.”
What are some preventative measures individuals can take to maintain hand health and avoid common conditions?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Min Seul-gi, Orthopedic Specialist at Yonsei Star Hospital
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning, Dr. Min Seul-gi! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the complexities of hand health and common conditions that can affect it. To begin, can you explain why our hands are so crucial to our daily lives?
Dr. Min Seul-gi (MS): Good morning! Thank you for having me. The hands are incredibly vital because they enable us to perform a multitude of tasks, from typing and writing to cooking and crafting. They contain 27 small bones that work together in complex ways, allowing for precise movements. However, this frequency of use makes our hands susceptible to injuries and conditions over time.
TNE: Fascinating! You mentioned that hands can be exposed to repetitive movements and excessive strain. What are some common conditions that arise from these issues?
MS: Yes, exactly. Some common conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, finger osteoarthritis, wrist tenosynovitis (also known as De Quervain Syndrome), and trigger finger syndrome. Each of these conditions presents unique symptoms and requires different approaches to treatment.
TNE: Let’s delve into rheumatoid arthritis. What signs should someone look out for to gauge whether they might have this condition?
MS: Individuals should pay attention if they experience stiffness in their fingers, particularly in the morning, and if they notice swelling and pain—especially in the middle joints of both hands. It’s an autoimmune disease wherein the immune system mistakenly attacks normal joint tissue, which can lead to significant joint deformation if not treated promptly.
TNE: It’s alarming to hear about such potential deformities. How is this condition typically managed or treated?
MS: Initially, management involves medication to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. With prompt diagnosis and the right treatment plan, many patients can maintain a good quality of life without severe limitations on daily activities.
TNE: Shifting gears to finger osteoarthritis, how does it differ from rheumatoid arthritis, and what causes it?
MS: Finger osteoarthritis primarily results from the wear and tear of cartilage in the joints, usually due to aging, repetitive movements, or genetic predisposition. Pain from osteoarthritis typically occurs at the tips of the fingers or the second joints and is more localized than in rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment focuses on pain management, reducing hand activity, and possibly physical therapy to maintain joint function.
TNE: That makes sense! What about wrist tenosynovitis—what causes this condition, and how can people manage it?
MS: Wrist tenosynovitis is often linked to repetitive thumb and wrist movements, such as typing or texting. The condition causes inflammation of the tendons, leading to pain during thumb movement or wrist rotation. Management includes resting the wrist, using a brace to limit movement, and potential therapies such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy, which helps reduce inflammation and promote healing.
TNE: Interesting! could you explain trigger finger syndrome? How can individuals identify it and what steps should they take if they believe they have it?
MS: Trigger finger syndrome is characterized by a finger that feels locked or catches when bending or straightening, especially in the 3rd, 4th fingers, and thumb. If someone experiences a clicking sound or resistance with movement, they should consider it a sign. To manage it initially, reducing finger activity and resting can help alleviate symptoms. If it persists, a healthcare professional might recommend further treatment options, including therapy or, in some cases, injections.
TNE: Thank you for this valuable information, Dr. Min Seul-gi. It’s clear that understanding these conditions and being proactive about hand health can significantly improve quality of life. What final advice would you give to our readers regarding hand health?
MS: I would encourage everyone to be mindful of their hand movements and take regular breaks, especially if engaging in repetitive tasks. If you experience persistent pain, don’t ignore it—consult a healthcare professional for early diagnosis and personalized treatment options. Being proactive is key!
TNE: Wise words indeed! Thank you for your time today, Dr. Min Seul-gi. We appreciate your insights into maintaining hand health!
MS: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure!