Health and Fitness

Overview Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure rises in and around muscles. The pressure is painful and can be dangerous. Compartment syndrome can limit the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients to muscles and nerves. It can cause serious damage and possible death. Compartment syndrome occurs most often in the lower leg. What is a compartment? A compartment is a group of muscles, nerves and blood vessels. A thin but firm membrane (covering) called a fascia lies over each compartment. It keeps the muscles in place. But the fascia isn’t meant to stretch or expand much. What causes compartment syndrome? A serious injury or too much physical exertion can cause swelling or bleeding in a compartment. The fascia won’t expand to make room, so the swelling or bleeding puts pressure on the nerves and muscles. Healthcare providers call this compartmental pressure. If the pressure gets too high, the tissues can’t get enough blood, which contains oxygen and nutrients. The tissues can die, leading...

Overview De Quervain tenosynovitis (dih-kwer-VAIN ten-oh-sine-oh-VIE-tis) is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. If you have de Quervain tenosynovitis, you will probably feel pain when you turn your wrist, grasp anything or make a fist. Although the exact cause of de Quervain tenosynovitis isn't known, any activity that relies on repetitive hand or wrist movement — such as working in the garden, playing golf or racket sports, or lifting a baby — can make it worse. Symptoms Symptoms of de Quervain tenosynovitis include: 1. Pain near the base of the thumb 2. Swelling near the base of the thumb 3. Difficulty moving the thumb and wrist when doing something that involves grasping or pinching 4. A "sticking" or "stop-and-go" sensation in the thumb when moving it If the condition goes too long without treatment, the pain may spread farther into the thumb or forearm or both. Moving the thumb and wrist may make the pain worse. When t...

Overview Trigger finger is a condition in which one of your fingers gets stuck in a bent position. Your finger may bend or straighten with a snap — like a trigger being pulled and released. Trigger finger is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis (stuh-NO-sing ten-o-sin-o-VIE-tis). It occurs when inflammation narrows the space within the sheath that surrounds the tendon in the affected finger. If trigger finger is severe, your finger may become locked in a bent position. People whose work or hobbies require repetitive gripping actions are at higher risk of developing trigger finger. The condition is also more common in women and in anyone with diabetes. Treatment of trigger finger varies depending on the severity. Symptoms Signs and symptoms of trigger finger may progress from mild to severe and include: 1. Finger stiffness, particularly in the morning 2. A popping or clicking sensation as you move your finger 3. Tenderness or a bump (nodule) in the palm at the base of the affected fing...

Overview A myxoid cyst, or digital mucous cyst, is a small, noncancerous bump most often found near a joint at the end of your finger. They're frequently related to underlying health conditions such as osteoarthritis. Myxoid cysts usually don't require treatment. Most myxoid cysts occur in people between the ages of 40 and 70, but they may be found in all ages. Twice as many women as men are affected. Symptoms of Mucous Cyst A mucous cyst is found on the outer most joint of the finger, on the upper side where the nail is. It is usually visible just underneath the skin on the finger, sometimes having caused the skin to thin over the top. The cyst is a small bump, filled with clear fluid, but with a tough outer layer, limiting the movement of it, and feeling quite firm to the touch, unlike a blister or other such complaint. In most cases of mucous cyst, the issue is not painful and quite often causes little to no problem or dysfunction. If the cyst begins to cause pain or dysfunc...

Overview Chronic arm or leg pain developing after injury, surgery, stroke or heart attack. The exact cause of complex regional pain syndrome isn't well understood but may involve abnormal inflammation or nerve dysfunction. Complex regional pain is characterised by pain that is greater than would be expected from the injury that causes it. Treatment usually consists of medication, heat or cold therapy, physiotherapy and biofeedback. Symptoms Signs and symptoms of CRPS include: 1. Continuous burning or throbbing pain, usually in the arm, leg, hand or foot 2. Sensitivity to touch or cold 3. Swelling of the painful area 4. Changes in skin temperature — alternating between sweaty and cold 5. Changes in skin color, ranging from white and blotchy to red or blue 6. Changes in skin texture, which may become tender, thin or shiny in the affected area 7. Changes in hair and nail growth 8. Joint stiffness, swelling and damage 9. Muscle spasms, tremors and weakness (atrophy) 10. Decreased abili...

Overview Boutonniere deformity describes a medical condition in which the finger is flexed at the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) and hyperextended at the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP). This is usually a result of trauma in the acute setting and is caused by a rupture of the PIP central slip. Signs and Symptoms A cut of the tendon on the back of the middle joint will result in difficulty straightening that joint. The change in position of the end joint may not be seen initially but usually happens over time. The deformity may become worse over time if not treated. If the deformed position is not treated, it can result in stiffness. This can become permanent if you do not seek treatment. Treatment There are many treatments for a Boutonniere deformity. Splinting can be used, particularly if it is started soon after the tendon is injured. Splinting alone may not give a good result in a case where the deformity is caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Multiple different surgical option...

Overview Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of the hand. When the median nerve is compressed, symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm. The anatomy of the wrist, health problems and possibly repetitive hand motions can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. Proper treatment usually relieves the tingling and numbness and restores wrist and hand function. Symptoms Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms usually start gradually and include: 1.Tingling or numbness. You may notice tingling and numbness in the fingers or hand. Usually the thumb and index, middle or ring fingers are affected, but not the little finger. You might feel a sensation like an electric shock in these fingers. The sensation may travel from the wrist up the arm. These symptoms often occur while holding a steering wheel, phone or newspaper, or may wake you from sleep. Many ...