Hands and Wrist

The hands and the wrists are two of the most used parts of the body, consisting of numerous intricate bones, muscles and ligaments that allow a wide range of movements. The hands are composed of five bones in the middle (metacarpals) and 14 bones making up the fingers of each hand (phalanges). Meanwhile, the wrist has eight small bones (carpal bones) and two long bones along the forearm.

If overused or repetitively stressed, these two can be susceptible to a host of hand and wrist conditions in Bangladesh such as carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis. Contrary to popular belief, these can affect anyone of all ages. This makes routine screening services with an orthopaedic doctor vital to detect early symptoms and control progression of the condition.

What Are Common Hand and Wrist Conditions?

Hand and wrist conditions in Bangladesh are frequently caused by repetitive stress, trauma or injury, and age-related wear and tear. Symptoms include pain, swelling, numbness and difficulty moving (limited motion).

Common hand and wrist conditions in Bangladesh include:

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
    Carpal tunnel syndrome, also known as median nerve compression, is a condition that causes numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand and forearm. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel, becomes compressed. Left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can result in permanent dysfunction to the hand or wrist. It can be treated through specific exercises and wearing splints; and surgery in some cases.
  • De Quervain’s Tendinopathy
    This is a painful condition wherein the tendons that pass through the thumb side of the wrist become swollen due to repetitive movements in the hand or wrist. This happens when tendons are compressed by a tunnel of tissue (sheath) that goes through the wrist and hands. To ease the pain, doctors recommend resting, applying ice wrap and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
  • Trigger Finger
    Also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, trigger finger is the most common hand and wrist condition in Singapore in which one of the fingers becomes stuck in a bent position, resulting in a locking sensation and pain. It usually occurs when the tendon sheath becomes inflamed and swollen, leading to difficulty in moving the affected fingers.
  • Ganglion Cyst
    It is a small sac of fluid that develops at the back of the wrist or finger. This is a noncancerous lump in the hands that differs in size and is usually visible under the skin.
  • Dupuytren’s Contracture
    It is a condition affecting the connective tissue where the fibrous layer of the tissue in the skin (fascia) has thickened and developed a lump that causes the fingers to be deformed, specifically the middle, ring and little finger. Surgery is the most common treatment for advanced cases. Other treatments may include a steroid injection or needling, where deemed appropriate.
  • Arthritis
    It is a degenerative condition in which the joints in the hand become swollen and stiff. It usually affects the base of the thumb, a joint near the fingertips and the middle joint in the finger. The most common arthritis affecting the hand includes osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Arthritis in the hand can be treated through splints, medications or surgery in advanced cases.

What Are the Treatments Offered by Prof. Dr. Shah Alam Hand and Wrist Conditions?

Treatment for hand and wrist conditions in Bangladesh vary depending on their causes. Our orthopaedic surgeon offers a wide range of hand and wrist condition treatments, which include:

  • Carpal tunnel release surgery
  • Repair of wrist sprains & fractures
  • Hand surgery
  • Deformities correction
  • Wrist ligament reconstruction

Treatment