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ands are complex structures composed of muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissue. Each of these interconnected parts is essential to the whole. If even one becomes damaged, the hand’s function may be impacted. Structures in the hand are also delicate. This, combined with the daily use of hands, means that hand conditions are common. While some pain may get better with time, some may interfere with everyday activities until medical treatment is sought.

Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO) is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary team of physicians and surgeons serving patients at locations near you in northern New Jersey. These experienced professionals provide the highest level of care to help patients recover from a wide variety of painful hand conditions.

Key Takeaways

• CNSO physicians and physical therapists have expertise in treating a wide variety of hand conditions.
• Hand conditions treated at CNSO include arthritis, trigger finger, Dupuytren’s contracture, fractures, ganglion cysts, carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve damage, hand ligament injuries, hand tendon injuries, and others.
• CNSO follows a conservative care philosophy that prioritizes non-invasive treatments, recommending surgery only when physicians believe it to be necessary.
• Surgical and non-surgical care is available at convenient locations throughout northern New Jersey.

Hand Conditions Treated at CNSO

Hands are the primary tools people use to interact with the world. As such, they are frequently exposed to injury through damage or overuse. This is often painful and may interfere with a person’s functionality. CNSO has expertise in relieving pain for a wide variety of hand conditions, helping patients return to normal activities. Conditions treated at the state-of-the-art CNSO facilities include:

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis, sometimes simply called arthritis, is a degenerative condition that affects joints throughout the body. Accumulated wear and tear causes the cartilage in joints to break down. The surface of the cartilage becomes rough, creating friction when joints flex. The brittle cartilage also provides less cushioning to joints, rendering them vulnerable to impact. Arthritis cannot be cured, but joint repair, replacement, or fusion may be performed to eliminate pain.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome refers to compression of the median nerve. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway formed by bones and ligaments in the hand and wrist. This passageway allows the median nerve to pass through, carrying sensory and motor signals between the hand and the brain. Repeated stress sometimes causes inflammation in the ligaments surrounding the carpal tunnel. This compresses the median nerve, resulting in numbness, tingling, or weakness in the fingers.

Dupuytren’s Contracture

Dupuytren’s contracture occurs when a hard knot of tissue forms in the palm of the hand. Over time, this knot becomes a thick cord of tissue that pulls fingers inward toward the palm. Dupuytren’s contracture can prevent fingers from extending completely and may even force the hand to fold inward on itself. This may interfere with everyday activities like writing, putting on gloves, or shaking hands. Surgical treatment involves removing the contracted tissue to let the hand move freely.

Fractures

Fractures refer to broken bones. Carpal (hand) bones are delicate and commonly exposed to forces that may damage them. As a result, hand fractures are common. They can arise due to a traumatic injury or may develop gradually due to repetitive strain. Both types can be painful and lead to lost mobility. Surgery is sometimes recommended to repair severe fractures, helping the patient restore functionality in their injured hand.

Ganglion Cyst

Ganglion cysts are non-cancerous, fluid-filled lumps that form along the tendons or joints in the hand. They are round or oval and can get larger over time. Ganglion cysts are typically painless by themselves. If they press against a nerve, however, they may cause neurological symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or pain. Large cysts can also interfere with joint movement. Ganglion cyst surgery aims to remove the entire cyst. It is recommended only when other treatments fail.

Hand Ligament Injuries

Ligaments are a type of tissue that connects bones and joints together. They are flexible enough to allow joint mobility but tough enough to hold bones firmly in place. Hand ligament injuries occur when one of these tissues tears due to twisting or impact. This results in pain, swelling, bruising, and loss of motion. Mild ligament injuries may get better by themselves or with conservative treatment. Partial or full tears, however, may require surgical repair to stabilize the affected joint.

Hand Tendon Injuries

Tendons are tissues that connect bones to muscles. They are essential to muscle function, enabling movement. A hand tendon injury occurs when one of these tissues becomes damaged. This may occur due to traumatic injury or overuse. Tendon injuries are often painful and may interfere with mobility in the fingers or hand. While mild injuries sometimes get better by themselves, severe ones may require surgery to repair the damaged tendon and restore full mobility.

Mallet Finger

Mallet finger, sometimes called baseball finger or hammer finger, is a type of hand tendon injury. It occurs when a rigid object strikes the tip of a finger or thumb, forcing it to bend further than it does naturally. This causes a tear in the finger extensor, the tendon responsible for letting the finger straighten. The patient cannot fully straighten the tip of their finger without an external aid. As with other tendon injuries, surgery is not always required but may be recommended for severe injuries or those that do not heal normally.

Nerve Damage

Nerves are information highways in the body. They carry sensory information from the hand to the brain, where it can be interpreted. They also carry motor information from the brain to the hand, directing movement. Nerve damage occurs when one of these nerves is compressed. Under pressure, the nerve sends faulty signals, resulting in unusual sensations. Depending on the nerve affected and the severity of damage, surgery may be necessary to relieve pain.

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that affects the tendons in the fingers and thumb. It results when the tendon sheath becomes inflamed, preventing the tendon from gliding normally. This creates a clicking, locking, or catching sensation when bending or straightening the affected finger. In severe cases, the patient may be unable to straighten their finger normally. Surgery is often required to release the tendon sheath, allowing the tendon to operate normally.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Hand Pain

At CNSO, pain management is provided following a conservative philosophy. This means physicians use non-invasive treatments whenever possible. Surgery is suggested only when other methods fail to relieve symptoms or restore function.

CNSO treatments are developed in collaboration between multi-specialty neurosurgeons, a specialized hand surgeon, a plastic surgeon, interventional pain management physicians, physiatrists, rehabilitation specialists, and certified physical therapists. These knowledgeable medical professionals work together to evaluate the patient’s condition and design a comprehensive and fully personalized care plan to achieve the patient’s goals. Treatment plans may combine multiple methods, including:

Lifestyle Changes

Because hands are heavily used, lifestyle changes are often required to ensure a full recovery. The patient’s care team will recommend a series of adjustments to their everyday habits to reduce stress on the affected hand, maximize rest, and gradually restore strength and mobility. These adjustments may include:

• Limiting or ceasing sports involvement
• Using proper form during sports and strenuous activities
• Wearing appropriate gloves and protective gear
• Taking regular breaks while performing repetitive hand movements
• Performing exercises to stretch certain muscles or tendons
• Wearing a supportive medical brace

Some lifestyle adjustments are short-term to facilitate healing, and patients may go back to normal habits once the pain recedes. Others may be long-term changes to prevent future re-injury.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a proven approach to hand pain treatment. This method uses a variety of techniques, including exercises, compression, heat and cold therapy, ultrasound, and more, to treat pain and lost mobility. The goal of this treatment strategy is to rebuild strength and flexibility in the hands, stabilize joints, and restore function so patients can use their hands comfortably.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Also called NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a common type of over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medication. They are taken orally to reduce inflammation and pain. These medications do not address pain at its origin. Instead, CNSO physicians prescribe them to keep patients comfortable and functional while undergoing other types of treatment, like physical therapy.

Oral Corticosteroids

Oral corticosteroids are another type of oral pain relief medication and are available only by prescription. They are most often prescribed in short courses that last for a few days up to a week. They may be prescribed simultaneously with NSAIDs, or the corticosteroid course may be followed by a longer course of NSAIDs until other treatments can eliminate pain at its source.

Injections

Oral medications are not always sufficient to relieve severe pain. If symptoms are severe enough to interfere with day-to-day activities, the patient’s care team may recommend injections for a tendon, ligament, or joint injections. This treatment approach injects medication directed near the damaged tissue, providing fast-acting and long-lasting relief for many forms of pain.

Surgery

When other treatments fail to provide relief or when the underlying condition cannot be treated non-invasively, then surgical treatment may be necessary. Surgeries at CNSO are planned in coordination with the patient’s pain management team and specialized surgeon, and physical therapy if needed, all of whom are equipped with the latest medical technology. Procedures are performed with exceptional accuracy to maximize positive outcomes and minimize pain, bleeding, and risk.

An Award-Winning Medical Team

CNSO is led by an award-winning medical staff that covers a wide variety of specialties. CNSO medical experts include, but are not limited to:

• Neurosurgeons
• Plastic surgeons
• Hand surgeons
• Interventional pain management physicians
• Physiatrists
• Rehabilitation specialists
• Certified physical therapists

These professionals combine their expertise to deliver effective treatment for a wide range of conditions. They address pain in the hands, arms, legs, feet, spine, and elsewhere in the body, helping patients get back to a normal quality of life.

Among the CNSO team is Dr. Hakan Kutlu, an award-winning reconstructive plastics and hand surgeon. Dr. Kutlu specializes in performing complex procedures, including hand surgeries, to achieve the best possible results. He delivers compassionate care with an emphasis on clear patient communication and personal engagement, helping patients feel at ease through the treatment process.

Trust CNSO for Hand Pain Treatment Near You in NJ

Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO) understands the impact that hand conditions may have on a person’s quality of life. When patients choose CNSO to treat hand pain, they are assured care from a committed and compassionate team of licensed physical therapists, physicians, surgeons, and other specialists who work together to provide a solution that prioritizes conservative methods. CNSO offers treatment at multiple convenient locations near you across northern New Jersey, including Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Morris, Union, Middlesex, and Hudson counties. To learn more about treatments for hand conditions, contact the CNSO medical team today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hand Conditions

What hand conditions are treated at CNSO?

The CNSO team has expertise in treating arthritis, trigger finger, Dupuytren’s contracture, fractures, ganglion cysts, carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve damage, hand ligament injuries, hand tendon injuries, mallet finger, and others.

What treatment options are available at CNSO?

CNSO offers a wide range of treatments, including medication, injections, physical therapy, and surgery. Conservative treatments are prioritized, with surgery recommended only when necessary to provide relief.

Who provides hand condition treatment at CNSO?

Hand conditions are treated by a multi-specialty team, including neurosurgeons, interventional pain management physicians, physiatrists, rehabilitation specialists, and certified physical therapists.

Why should patients seek treatment at CNSO?

CNSO is New Jersey’s most comprehensive medical center, led by award-winning surgeons and physicians. They provide personalized treatment plans with thorough education, helping patients understand their condition and the treatment options available to them.

What languages are spoken at CNSO?

CNSO offers services in Spanish, Korean, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Mandarin Chinese, and English.