Precision Care for One of Your Most Important Tools
From everyday function to fine motor control, your hands are essential to nearly every activity in life. Whether you’re dealing with sudden trauma or chronic conditions like arthritis or nerve compression, the hand specialists at Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons offer advanced care that restores comfort, dexterity, and confidence in your hands.
Our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons provides both non-operative and surgical solutions tailored to your lifestyle, activity level, and condition severity.
Conditions
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cause
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This compression can result from repetitive hand movements, wrist anatomy, or underlying health conditions.
Symptoms
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers
- Weakness in the hand and difficulty gripping objects
- Pain that may extend up the arm
Treatments
- Non-Surgical Options:
- Wrist splinting, especially at night
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Activity modification
- Corticosteroid injections
- Wrist splinting, especially at night
- Surgical Option:
- Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cause
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is caused by increased pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow, often due to prolonged elbow flexion or direct pressure.
Symptoms
- Numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers
- Weakness in hand grip
- Pain on the inside of the elbow
Treatments
- Non-Surgical Options:
- Elbow padding and splinting
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Elbow padding and splinting
- Surgical Option:
- Ulnar nerve decompression or transposition surgery
De Quervain’s Tendinosis
Cause
De Quervain’s Tendinosis involves inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, often due to repetitive hand or wrist movements.
Symptoms
- Pain and swelling near the base of the thumb
- Difficulty moving the thumb and wrist when grasping or pinching
- A sticking or stop-and-go sensation in the thumb when moving it
Treatments
- Non-Surgical Options:
- Thumb spica splint
- NSAIDs
- Corticosteroid injections
- Activity modification
- Thumb spica splint
- Surgical Option:
- Release of the first dorsal compartment to relieve tendon pressure
Dupuytren’s Contractures
Cause
Dupuytren’s Contracture is a hand deformity that develops over years, caused by the thickening of the palmar fascia leading to finger flexion.
Symptoms
- Nodules in the palm
- Fingers (usually ring and little fingers) bending toward the palm
- Difficulty straightening fingers
Treatments
- Non-Surgical Options:
- Enzyme injections to soften and break down the cord
- Needle aponeurotomy
- Enzyme injections to soften and break down the cord
- Surgical Option:
- Fasciectomy to remove the thickened tissue
Finger Dislocations
Cause
Finger dislocations occur when the bones of the finger are forced out of alignment, typically due to trauma or injury.
Symptoms
- Visible deformity
- Swelling and bruising
- Pain and inability to move the finger
Treatments
- Non-Surgical Options:
- Manual reduction
- Splinting or buddy taping
- Physical therapy
- Manual reduction
- Surgical Option:
- Surgery if there is associated fracture or soft tissue injury
Finger Fractures
Cause
Finger fractures result from trauma, such as falls, sports injuries, or direct blows.
Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness
- Swelling and bruising
- Deformity and inability to move the finger
Treatments
- Non-Surgical Options:
- Splinting or casting
- Buddy taping
- Splinting or casting
- Surgical Option:
- Open reduction and internal fixation for displaced fractures
Finger Sprains
Cause
Finger sprains are injuries to the ligaments of the finger, often due to hyperextension or twisting injuries.
Symptoms
- Pain and swelling
- Bruising
- Limited range of motion
Treatments
- Non-Surgical Options:
- R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
- Splinting
- Physical therapy
- R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
- Surgical Option:
- Rarely required unless there is severe ligament damage
Flexor Tendon Injuries
Cause
Flexor tendon injuries occur from deep cuts on the palm side of the fingers, hand, or wrist, or from sports injuries.
Symptoms
- Inability to bend the finger
- Pain and tenderness along the finger
- Numbness in the fingertip
Treatments
- Non-Surgical Options:
- Splinting in select partial tears
- Splinting in select partial tears
- Surgical Option:
- Tendon repair surgery followed by rehabilitation
Ganglion Cyst
Cause
Ganglion cysts are noncancerous lumps that commonly develop along the tendons or joints of wrists or hands.
Symptoms
- Visible lump
- Pain or discomfort
- Weakness in the affected area
Treatments
- Non-Surgical Options:
- Observation
- Aspiration
- Splinting
- Observation
- Surgical Option:
- Excision of the cyst
Hand Arthritis
Cause
Hand arthritis involves inflammation of the joints, commonly due to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Swelling
- Reduced range of motion
Treatments
- Non-Surgical Options:
- Medications (NSAIDs)
- Splinting
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy
- Medications (NSAIDs)
- Surgical Option:
- Joint replacement or fusion
Hand Fractures
Cause
Hand fractures result from trauma, such as falls, direct blows, or crush injuries.
Symptoms
- Pain and swelling
- Bruising
- Deformity and inability to move the hand
Treatments
- Non-Surgical Options:
- Splinting or casting
- Physical therapy
- Splinting or casting
- Surgical Option:
- Open reduction and internal fixation for complex fractures
Mallet Finger (Jamming a Finger)
Cause
Mallet finger occurs when the extensor tendon is damaged, often due to a direct blow to the fingertip.
Symptoms
- Drooping fingertip
- Pain and swelling
- Inability to straighten the fingertip
Treatments
- Non-Surgical Options:
- Splinting the fingertip
- Splinting the fingertip
- Surgical Option:
- Tendon repair in cases where splinting is ineffective
Osteoporosis
Cause
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by decreased bone density, increasing fracture risk.
Symptoms
- Often asymptomatic until a fracture occurs
- Fractures from minor injuries
- Back pain or loss of height
Treatments
- Non-Surgical Options:
- Medications to strengthen bones
- Calcium and vitamin D supplementation
- Weight-bearing exercises
- Medications to strengthen bones
- Surgical Option:
- Fracture repair surgeries as needed
- Fracture repair surgeries as needed
Sprained Thumb
Cause
A sprained thumb results from stretching or tearing of the ligaments, commonly due to falls or sports injuries.
Symptoms
- Pain at the base of the thumb
- Swelling and bruising
- Difficulty gripping objects
Treatments
- Non-Surgical Options:
- R.I.C.E. protocol
- Splinting
- Physical therapy
- R.I.C.E. protocol
- Surgical Option:
- Ligament repair for severe sprains
Trigger Finger
Cause
Trigger finger is caused by inflammation of the tendons in the finger, leading to difficulty in finger movement.
Symptoms
- Finger stiffness
- Popping or clicking sensation
- Tenderness or a bump at the base of the finger
Treatments
- Non-Surgical Options:
- Rest and activity modification
- Splinting
- NSAIDs
- Corticosteroid injections
- Rest and activity modification
- Surgical Option:
- Tendon sheath release surgery
Treatments
Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons offers a wide range of treatments designed to restore function, reduce pain, and prevent future complications.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
- Activity modification
- Bracing and splinting
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
- Enzyme injections for Dupuytren’s
- Aspiration of ganglion cysts
- Medications for arthritis and osteoporosis
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Procedures
- Carpal Tunnel Release
- Cubital Tunnel Release / Nerve Decompression
- Trigger Finger Release
- Fasciotomy or Fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s Contracture
- Tendon Repair (Flexor/Extensor)
- Ganglion Cyst Excision
- Joint Reconstruction or Fusion
- ORIF (Open Reduction and Internal Fixation) for fractures
- Ligament repair for severe sprains
- Hand Joint Replacement (for advanced arthritis)
Our philosophy is to explore conservative treatments first, and only recommend surgery when necessary to improve quality of life or prevent long-term damage.
Doctors
Request an Appointment
If you’re experiencing hand pain, stiffness, weakness, or injury, don’t wait. Our experienced team of hand specialists will diagnose the issue and develop a treatment plan tailored to you. Trust the experts at Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons to help you get back to work, play, and life.
Find a hand Specialist