Category Archives: Uncategorized

  • 18
    Mar 16
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Hand and Wrist Health For Basketball Players

Basketball season is in full swing, and the NJ Hand and Wrist specialists are seeing more and more athletes as the season wears on. While most players are focused on preventing injuries in their legs, hand and wrist injuries in basketball players are quite common and can have significant impacts on a player’s performance. If you are experiencing persistent pain in your fingers, palms, or wrists, call NJ Hand and Wrist to request an appointment before the injury worsens and you are no longer able to play the game you love. Whether you’re injured or not, read on to learn about keeping your hands and wrists healthy all season long.

Most Common Hand and Wrist Injuries in Basketball Players

While all athletes are at risk for hand and wrist injuries, basketball is particularly tough on these body parts. Between the repetitive dribbling, catching, shooting, and rebounding involved in daily practices and weekly games, injuries to the fingers, palms, and wrists are commonplace in basketball. Below is a list of the most common injuries.

Tendonitis

Sprains and fractures

Muscle tension

Preventing Injuries To The Hand and Wrist

Prevention is easier than recovery. Hydration and proper technique are the biggest preventative measures athletes can take.  Here we will review additional techniques for preventing injuries in your fingers, palms, and wrists.

Preventing Injuries in Fingers: Preventing injuries such as tendonitis in the fingers largely revolves around practice. The easiest way to prevent finger injuries is to perfect your catching, dribbling and shooting form. Proper form is the first defense against injuries. Beyond that, there are a few exercises such as finger push ups that athletes can incorporate into their daily routine.

Preventing Injuries in Palms: Hand injury prevention also boils down to practice and technique. Hand injuries are mostly commonly caused by repetitive motions such as dribbling. Therefore, a key component of hand injury prevention is warming up and scheduling rest days between practices and games.

Preventing Injuries in Wrists: Wrist injury prevention can be accomplished through proper warmup and technique, along with protective gear such as wrist supports. There are a number of stretches designed specifically for improvement of wrist flexibility and mobility. These include flexor and extensor stretches. Speak to your coach or physical therapist to learn more about which wrist stretches you should be practicing.

Consulting an NJ Hand and Wrist Specialist

If you’re experiencing chronic pain in your hands or wrists, contact an NJ Hand and Wrist specialist today to request an appointment. Our team specializes in tendon and ligament repair, thumb and elbow fusion, and other minimally invasive treatment options. Call us today to schedule your first appointment.

  • 18
    Mar 16
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Dealing With Hand Cramps At Work

Despite the fact that nearly all of us have dealt with hand cramps at some point in our lives, most don’t understand the causes of these cramps and, therefore, are lacking the understanding of how to prevent this common pain.

What Are Cramps — Why Do They Happen

Involuntary muscle contractions in the hands are called spasms. When these spasms continue for a prolonged period of time, cramps ensue. So, in a nutshell, your hand cramps are the result of repeated muscle spasms. The causes of these spasms can include poor blood supply, arthritis, nerve compression, and mineral deficiency (among others). When it comes to hand cramps at work, overuse is the most common cause. The repetitive motions we make as we type and work can cause the muscles and nerve to become overused and spasm until we feel cramping. A New Jersey Hand and Wrist specialist can accurately diagnose the cause if your cramps are severe and persistent. Call today to request an appointment if you believe an injury or arthritis might be to blame. Otherwise, read on to learn how to prevent this painful cramping.

Preventing Hand Cramps At Work

There are a few techniques workers can use to reduce the likelihood of cramping at work. These include the following.

Revising Your Typing Technique: Using the proper technique for typing will reduce the stress on your hands, wrists, and fingers. This reduction of stress will reduce the likelihood of cramps.

Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated is key to the proper functioning of your muscles and tendons. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of cramping. Opt for water instead of sugary sodas or coffee.

Take Regular Breaks: If possible, take regular breaks. Whether this means taking a walk to discuss plans with a coworker or walking around the block for lunch, this break will give your hands a rest and prevent overuse injuries, including cramping.

Embrace The Warmth: Once a cramp hits, prevent it from getting worse by applying a warm compress to the painful area. The heat will relax the muscles and stop the spasms.

Contacting a NJ Hand And Wrist Specialist

If your hand pain is severe and isn’t responding to medication or massage techniques, a more serious injury may have occurred and might require a tendon or ligament repair. Call us at New Jersey Hand and Wrist to consult with a specialist to get the treatment you need.

  • 20
    Feb 16
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Artificial Joint Replacement In Fingers: What To Expect

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Joint arthroplasty, or artificial joint replacement of the finger, is often used to ease the pain of arthritis in the fingers when all non-surgical options have failed to provide relief. Joint replacement surgery is the process of replacing your finger’s joint surfaces in order to ease the stiffness, pain, and immobility that arises in arthritic patients. When performed by an orthopedic surgeon with experience in non-invasive joint replacement surgery, the recovery time is minimal, and the results can be phenomenal. Here we provide a brief overview of the procedure, explain when the procedure is recommended, and offer some insight on what to expect during the procedure and recovery.

 

When To Request An Appointment For Joint Replacement Surgery35489272_l

 

Joint replacement surgery is best suited for older, mildly active patients suffering from arthritic pain that has not responded to non-surgical options. Joint replacement surgery is designed to give these patients relief from the day-to-day pain of the condition, increased range of motion for daily tasks, and improved overall hand function. If you’ve exhausted all non-surgical options and are still suffering from pain and stiffness in your fingers, contact an orthopedic surgeon to discuss joint replacement.

 

How To Prepare For The Procedure

 

Once joint replacement surgery has been decided upon as the best course of action for you, here is how you should prepare. Most finger surgeries can be done on an outpatient basis. You will arrive early in the morning, having been instructed not to eat or drink anything after midnight. Once you arrive, you will be prepared for surgery. The surgery itself doesn’t take long, and you will be wheeled to a recovery room following the procedure. You will remain there until you have recovered from the effects of anesthesia. Once you are well enough to go home, you will be sent home with discharge instructions.

 

Recovering From Joint Replacement Surgery

 

Recovery from joint replacement surgery can take up to three months. A physical and an occupational therapist will work closely with you to assist in the rehabilitation of your fingers. You will be provided with physical therapy techniques designed to improve mobility and strength in your newly replaced joints. You will also be given some techniques for accomplishing daily tasks without placing too much stress on your fingers. As with any surgery, minimal use is suggested for a few weeks. You and your physical therapist will work together to aid in optimal recovery.

 

Contacting An Orthopedic Surgeon

 

If living with the pain associated with arthritic fingers has become too much, contact our orthopedic surgeons today to speak with an experienced joint surgeon. Recovery starts with a call for a consultation. Call NJ Hand and Wrist today!

  • 12
    Feb 16
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Three Ways To Show Your Hands Some Love This Valentine’s Day

Skip the expensive chocolates and weekend getaways this Valentine’s Day! Whether you’re single or happily enjoying life with a romantic partner, your hands deserve some pampering and love this Valentine’s Day. Between the winter weather and the wear and tear of an active lifestyle, your hands are most prone to injuries requiring tendon and ligament repair during the winter months. While these injuries cannot always be prevented, there are a number of delightfully luxurious ways to combine showing your hands some love with improving the overall health of your hands and wrists. Here are our top tips for hand care this Valentine’s Day.

 

Top Three Ways To Pamper Your Hands6249394_l

  1. Hand Massages: More than a simple luxury, this gift to your hands offers a number of proven health benefits that include increased range of motion in your hands and wrists, improved circulation through fingers and hands, and reduction of trigger points that can cause painful injuries and chronic pain. Additionally, hand massages have been proven to be an effective, natural pain relief treatment option.
  2. Healthy Manicures: Your nails are comprised of living skin cells. These skin cells need just as much care as the rest of your hands. A healthy manicure can provide an hour of relaxation and a host of health benefits. These benefits include increased circulation in the fingers, more effective distribution of body heat during the winter months and healthier skin that is less prone to cracking and lacerations.
  3. Upgraded Handwear: Whether you’re an avid golfer or are simply spending a large portion of your day driving, the wear and tear of these activities can result in chronic pain and injuries in your hands. This is the year to gift yourself with top tier gloves to protect and cushion your hands during these activities.

 

Whether you’re currently suffering from chronic hand pain, are looking to pamper yourself while protecting your hand health, or are looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for a loved one who is recovering from ligament and tendon repair surgery, massages, manicures, and upgraded handwear show you care. Call New Jersey Hand and Wrist specialists today to learn more about overall hand health or to request an appointment to discuss a painful condition.

  • 20
    Jan 16
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Hand Health For Musicians: What Pianists, Violinists, and Other Musicians Should Know

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As musicians, our hands are our livelihoods. They are the vehicles through which we are able to create and express ourselves. When pain or injury interferes with their functioning, our craft and emotional well-being suffers. Due to the repetitive nature of playing instruments such as the piano and violin, musicians are at an increased risk for the following hand injuries.

● Carpal Tunnel Syndrome7957188_l
● Tendonitis
● Bursitis
● Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
● Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
● And more…

While finding and working closely with a reputable hand and wrist specialist is highly recommended — particularly for professional musicians — there are a number of steps you can take on your own to ensure healthy, musical hands. Our specialists have compiled a list of the three best steps you can take on a daily basis to improve your overall hand health.

Tips For Hand Health: What Musicians Need To Know
1. Perfecting Technique: Poor technique is the fastest route to hand injuries for musicians. Why is technique so important? Proper technique allows musicians to reduce the amount of force required to perform, keeps joints safely in their middle range of motion during practices and performances, and utilizes larger muscles groups that prevent fixed or tense positioning. All of this leads to a decrease in the chances of a hand injury.
2. Take Five: Taking regular and scheduled breaks to stretch and warm up during practices gives your muscles and joints relief from the repetitive motions of practice and performance. Furthermore, the constant repetitive motions prevent your joints and muscles from releasing the metabolic waste products that, over time, cause trauma to your hands.
3. Pace Yourself: When is the most common time for hand injuries in musicians? Immediately following a competition or recital, music camp, or at the end of their participation in a music group. Why? Lack of pacing. During each of these time periods, musicians are going full force all the time. They are “cramming” for their concert, endlessly practicing during camp, or performing non-stop with their musical groups. Therefore, their joints and muscles are being overworked and overstressed, and these musicians often suffer serious injuries. Avoid this pitfall by pacing yourself. Resist the urge to go non-stop. Give your hands a rest day.

Following the above advice can keep your hands in mint condition through performance after performance. Anyone suffering from recurring pain or a reduction in available range of motion should consult and hand and wrist specialist for a proper diagnosis. Request an appointment with us today if you are worried about your hand health.

  • 12
    Jan 16
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Cold Hands: What Causes Them and When To Seek Treatment

Are your hands always cold, even indoors where the heat is blasting and everyone around you is shedding layers? It turns out that this is more common than most people believe and sometimes requires medical attention. Our Hand and Wrist specialists have compiled an easy to understand overview of the causes of cold hands and some signs for knowing when to request an appointment for a consultation with one of our team of medical professionals. Read on to learn why your hands are always frigid and to be sure you shouldn’t be looked at by our staff.

 

Causes of Cold Hands:

 

The causes of persistently cold hands – even in warm environments – can range from circulation issues to blood vessel damage. By far, the most common cause of constantly cold hands (and feet) is circulatory issues. Less frequently, blood vessel damage or conditions such as frostbite are to blame. But, on a less serious level, cold hands can be the result of anemia, diabetes, some medications, atherosclerosis, Buerger’s disease, and hypothyroidism. If the coldness in your hands persists or gets in the way of day to day functioning, consult a specialist to diagnose the cause and treat it appropriately.

 

When to Seek Medical Attention:

 

If you have recently been exposed to extreme cold, visit an emergency room immediately to rule out frostbite. If you have white patches or scabs on your hands, you should also visit the emergency6414185_l room immediately. You should visit our site to request an appointment with a specialist if you have previously been diagnosed with circulatory problems, diabetes, or other conditions that might inhibit the flow of blood to your hands. Lastly, if the pain persists or interferes with day-to-day functioning, consult a doctor.

 

Call us today, or visit our website, to speak with a NJ hand and wrist specialist about the specifics regarding your hands. Our team can diagnose your condition and treat you if necessary.

 

  • 21
    Dec 15
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Hand Care for Winter Sports

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Winter sports enthusiasts look forward to dropping temperatures as the snowy season approaches. Whether you are hitting the slopes or the rink, it is important to be aware of the potential risks various winter sports pose and how to prevent an injury. The following are common injuries associated with popular winter sports.10649303_l

 

  • While the design of the snowboard, which locks the feet and legs in position, makes an injury to the lower body less likely than in other winter sports, snowboarders often experience hand and wrist injuries. Most frequently, as a result of using the hands to break a fall, snowboarding can cause a fracture of the forearm or wrist.
  • In the event of a fall, many skiers keep their poles in hand while putting their arms out to catch themselves. The pressure of the pole on the hand, in addition to the impact of the fall itself, can cause a condition known as “skier’s thumb,” which is a tear or strain in the ligament of the thumb.
  • Ice Skating. While ice skating, falling with an outstretched arm can often lead to wrist fractures and other injuries.

 

Take the following measures to avoid suffering a hand and wrist injury while participating in your favorite winter sport.

 

  • Dress Warmly. Falls often occur because the fingertips and other extremities become stiff and you are unable to maneuver effectively.
  • Gear Up. Wrist guards are highly effective in preventing common winter sports injuries.
  • Give Your Equipment a Check Up. At the beginning of the season, take your winter sports equipment to a sporting goods store to ensure that everything is functional.
  • Fall Properly. Know and practice the safest falling techniques for your sport:
    • When snowboarding, keep your arms to the sides of your body as you fall to spread the impact of the crash.
    • When skiing, be sure to throw the poles out of your hands as you are falling to avoid skier’s thumb.
    • While ice skating, if you feel that you are about to fall, squat down and reach your arms out in front of you. This position is known as a “dip.”

 

If you have already suffered a winter sports-related hand or wrist injury or are unsure whether a previous injury precludes you from partaking in winter sports this year, request an appointment with a specialist at New Jersey Hand & Wrist.

  • 03
    Nov 15
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Got Arthritis? Here’s How to Make It Through Thanksgiving Cooking

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“The preparation of good food is merely another expression of art, one of the joys of civilized living.” – Dione Lucas, English chef and first woman to graduate Le Cordon Bleu.

 

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If you’re suffering from arthritis, it can be hard to get back to the joy of cooking. The stress placed on your joints by the stirring, pouring, slicing, etc. of food preparation can become a source of serious pain and inflammation, fast. Avoid putting undue pressure on your hands and wrists this season with these tips.

 

 

Lighten Up

Limit the amount of weight you’ll need to lift. See if there are lighter versions of your cookware out there, especially if you haven’t replaced yours for a while. The extra pounds of pressure from cast iron skillets, glass bowls, weighty ceramics etc. can really add up. Swap them for updated versions in lightweight materials like silicone, aluminum, wood and the like. For special, cooking intensive occasions, you may even want to stock up on disposable plates and utensils. If that makes you feel guilty, don’t worry–there are compostable versions of these items now.

Another place to shave off unnecessary weight is grocery shopping. Try to shop small. Buying in bulk may be good for your budget, but probably isn’t worth the savings if lugging an oversized pack of supplies inside is going to cause a flare-up.

 

 

Buy Pre-Cut

It’s easier than ever to buy fresh, pre-cut veggies, organic and otherwise. Doing so will save you time, and save your hands and wrists from the kinds of repetitive motion than can be particularly damaging. You may also want to consider a cutter or peeler as a backup to have around the house–they’re a lot easier and faster to use.

 

Get A Grip

Many OA and RA sufferers struggle with gripping and grasping. Make things easier with rubber grips in a variety of sizes. Just look at how cute these are! You can use them to open jars, carry smooth-sides and slippery dishes, and more.

 

Reinvent The Wheel

Repurpose a wheeled cart or shelf to be your kitchen helper. You can use it to easily transport liquids and other heavy stuff to and from the stove and sink, bring food to the table, and more.

 

Break it Up

Plan ahead of big meals, and try to parcel out prep work. That way, you won’t be putting so much pressure on your hands and wrists all at once.

 

Enlist Helpers

Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Lots of people enjoy cooking and baking. Plus, it can be really good for kids–research suggests that kids who cook are more likely to want to eat healthier meals.

 

 

See A Specialist

 

A hand and wrist specialist can help you better manager your symptoms with assistive devices, medication, physical therapy, and other treatments. If you’re in the Freehold, NJ area, we’d be happy to help–even if it’s just to get a little extra care to prep for holiday cooking. You can request an appointment here.

  • 28
    Sep 15
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Motorcycles and Throttle Hand Pain: Why It Happens, and How to Prevent and Treat

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It’s officially fall, and, as any avid motorcyclist can tell you, the perfect season for a long weekend cruise out in the countryside to spot the changing leaves. But a fun weekend can turn into an excruciating–and dangerous–experience if you’re suffering the severe, shooting pain, numbness, or tingling many bikers experience in their throttle hand. Read on to learn more about the conditions that may be causing the pain–and some tips for avoiding it!

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What Happens

Usually, the pain is the result of grasping the throttle at a certain angle for an extended amount of time; your muscles cramp, compressing the nerves, which in turn causes pain and tingling. You may also have developed carpal tunnel syndrome or a form of tendonitis, so if this pain has become a recurring issue each time you ride, see a specialist. If your are already suffering from any hand or wrist conditions, deformities, or other issues, they may not improve without physical therapy, surgery or other medical intervention.

Prevention

There are several ways to prevent the pain and numbness associated with long rides.

Gloves: Always wear gloves with appropriate padding. Replace older gloves, which may have worn down or overly-compressed padding.

Throttle Rests and Assists: Throttle rests can help relieve some of the pressure on your wrist. They’re simple, inexpensive supportive devices that attach to the throttle–many are under $20. Throttle assists make it so that you don’t need to grip the throttle as tightly.

Grips: Consider replacing the grips on your bike with more comfortable versions–there are plenty designed specifically for this issue for under $50. Some even come with features like heating–terrific if you prefer the agility of thinner or fingerless gloves.

Warm Up, Cool Down, and Pull Over: Stretch and massage your fingers before and after going on rides, and at regular (try for hourly, minimum) intervals while you’re out.

Treatment

Non-invasive treatments include physical therapy, therapeutic massage, and, of course, rest–try to take a break from motorcycling for at least three days to give your hands and wrists a chance to heal.

Are you suffering from pain, numbness, or other symptoms in your throttle hand? Request an appointment with our specialists to find the treatment course that gets you back in weekend-warrior shape.

  • 11
    Sep 15
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When Crossing Fingers Isn’t Enough: Signs It’s Time to See A Doctor

From paper cuts to door disasters, we really put our fingers through the wringer going about our day-to-day lives. Given how much we use our hands, it’s not uncommon to accrue finger injuries. Although many of these injuries are not serious, some can result in permanent deformity, loss of function, or more serious consequences if left untreated. What’s more, certain aches and pains may be a symptom of a more serious problem. Use these tips to assess your injuries, and decide whether it’s time to visit the doctor.

Schedule An Appointment for as soon as possible

Chances are, your hands are vital to everyday, well, everything. They’re highly visible, so chances are, worsening or new symptoms probably won’t sneak up on you. They may, however, become something you’re learning to deal with–which can be dangerous if they’re actually a sign of an injury or condition with the potential to cause lasting harm. Keep an eye out for these signs, and if you spot them, schedule an appointment with a medical professional as soon as possible–i.e, within the next week or day depending on the condition. Some of these, if especially pronounced or occurring suddenly, merit an emergency room visit ASAP (especially infections–don’t mess around with those). Better safe than sorry!

  • If there is severe pain, chronic pain (lasting more than several days), or sharp pain associated with a particular motion
  • If there is numbness (loss of sensation) in part of finger
  • If the finger is pale or bluish in color
  • Redness, swelling, pus, and other signs of infection persisting despite careful cleansing and treatment–if you haven’t had a tetanus shot, this is especially high-priority
  • Subtle and gradual deformity of the finger or hand
  • Persistent stiffness in fingers or hand

Head to the Emergency Room–Right Now

These may be signs that something is seriously wrong, and needs to be treated immediately.

  • Heavy, uncontrollable bleeding
  • Exposed bones or tendons
  • Any laceration deeper than the top layer of skin
  • Sudden loss of sensation in large area of hand
  • Large area of missing or amputated tissue
  • Foreign objects in a wound that you are unable to remove
  • Severe and worsening signs of infection, including redness, swelling, pus, and discoloration at site and/or fever
  • Sudden and obvious deformity of finger or hand
  • Inability to move fingers or hand

Concerned about an injury to your hands or wrists that definitely isn’t an emergency, but is worrisome or painful? Request an appointment, or log on during business hours to use the chat.

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Playing the piano, writing a memoir, painting a landscape, cooking that perfect souffle — a full life is hands-on. Our team knows that you don’t need to be a surgeon for your hands to be invaluable. That’s why they’ve devoted their professional careers to treating conditions affecting the hands and upper extremities, including wrists and elbows. If you are struggling with pain or reduced mobility, please contact us today to request an appointment.

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Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute

New Jersey Hand & Wrist

is a subsidiary of Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute of New Jersey.

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301 Professional View Drive Building 300
Freehold, NJ 07728

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