When it becomes hard to open and close your hand because of stiffness, weakness, swelling, or pain, it’s time to see a hand specialist. There are a variety of hand conditions that can cause decreased mobility in the fingers. All of these should be evaluated by a hand specialist, because the decreased mobility in your fingers may be caused by a condition that is progressive, which means it will worsen.
Trigger Finger may be the cause of one of the most dramatic instances of decreased range of motion in the hand. Trigger Finger typically starts with stiffness in the affected finger, tenderness, catching, popping, clicking or locking as the affected finger bends. Eventually, it can become locked in a bent position. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult with a hand doctor.
Carpal Tunnel can cause numbness, pain and weakness primarily in the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers (the “pinky”, or “little”, finger is not often affected by Carpal Tunnel.) Carpal Tunnel affects the hand’s median nerve, which is involved in the ability for the thumb to make a pinching motion. If you’re finding it difficult to pinch, have weakness, pain, numbness or decreased range of motion, it would be a good idea to consult a doctor who specializes in the hand.
If the range of motion in the hand or fingers is reduced after an injury or trauma, it may mean there is damage to bones, ligaments, tendons or nerves. Tears, breaks, or other damage to the critical structures of the hand can make fingers immobile. If there has been an injury to your hands or fingers that has resulted in reduced mobility, seek help from a hand specialist right away.
Decreased range of motion in the fingers or hands can have a huge impact in your ability to do the things you love. Don’t delay addressing these issues; find a hand doctor to examine your condition and get you on the path to recovery. The Midwest Hand Surgery team stands ready to address your hand conditions in our Elmhurst, Palos Heights and Lockport offices. Give us a call or request an appointment here.
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