Lori Algar OTD, OTR/L, CHT on Wed, May 13,2020 @ 02:57 PM
Medial epicondylitis or golfer's elbow as it is commonly termed, is characterized by pain at or around the boney prominence at the medial aspect of the elbow where the wrist flexors and one of the forearm pronators (pronator teres) originate. This diagnosis is associated with degenerative changes of the musculotendinous origins at the medial elbow and most often involves the pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis or palmaris longus.
Read MoreLori Algar OTD, OTR/L, CHT on Fri, Apr 10,2020 @ 02:15 PM
Wrist instability is a common injury treated by many hand therapists. The anatomy of the wrist includes eight carpal bones that, with the combined efforts of the intercarpal ligaments, allow for circumduction of the wrist joint while imparting stability anywhere within the range of motion. An injury to one or several of the ligaments can lead to wrist instability.
Read MoreLori Algar OTD, OTR/L, CHT on Fri, Mar 27,2020 @ 02:50 PM
Jennifer Curtis on Wed, Mar 18,2020 @ 11:50 AM
The Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) is a group of ligaments and cartilage on the ulnar side of the hand. The TFCC ligaments attach the cartilage to the small wrist bones which also suspend the ends of the two forearm bones, the ulna and the radius.
Jennifer Curtis on Wed, Mar 04,2020 @ 12:50 PM
The primary cause of Ulnar Deviation of the Metacarpal Phalangeal joints (MP) of the fingers, a chronic, irreversible condition, is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The MP joints are a primary site of rheumatoid deformities due to several anatomical and bio mechanical factors. Chief among the factors are:
Lori Algar OTD, OTR/L, CHT on Fri, Feb 14,2020 @ 12:20 PM
Instability in the ulnar carpal wrist may present with pain, swelling, and tenderness in the ulnar aspect of the wrist. Instability due to weakened or rupture ligaments, can occur between the ulna and the carpus, the lunate-triquetral joint, and/or the triquetrohamate joint.
The following describes a few important assessments to assist clinical evaluation of ulnar sided wrist pain when the symptoms are suspected to be related to ulnar carpal instability.
Read MoreLori Algar OTD, OTR/L, CHT on Tue, Feb 04,2020 @ 03:30 PM
As skiing enthusiasts hit the slopes this time of the year, the likelihood of the number of thumb injuries increases. An ulnar collateral ligament injury of the thumb called Skier’s Thumb represents 5-10% of all skiing injuries and has been described as the most frequent injury to the upper extremity experienced by skiers.
Read MoreLori Algar OTD, OTR/L, CHT on Fri, Jan 17,2020 @ 03:57 PM
Scaphoid fractures most often occur in males between the ages of 15 to 30 years old and usually are sustained with wrist hyperextension and radial deviation as a consequence of a fall onto an outstretched hand. Individuals with a scaphoid fracture often present with pain, swelling, decreased range of motion, and tenderness in the anatomic snuffbox.
Read MoreLori Algar OTD, OTR/L, CHT on Tue, Jan 07,2020 @ 12:30 PM
The term Gamekeeper’s Thumb is used when referring to an ulnar collateral injury caused by repetitive stress on the thumb during such activities as using a wrench, twisting electrical cords or wringing out heavy cloths. The term Skier’s Thumb is commonly used when there is an acute, forceful abduction of the thumb as when a skier falls without letting go of the ski pole. The injury may also be the result of falling on an outstretched thumb or catching a ball with an outstretched thumb.
Read MoreLori Algar OTD, OTR/L, CHT on Mon, Dec 09,2019 @ 03:20 PM
Osteoarthritis (OA) at the base of the thumb is a common diagnosis among older individuals. Research suggests that 26.2% of women and 13.4 % of men age 71-100 years old have symptoms of this diagnosis and that approximately 70% of community dwelling individuals with hand pain have OA at the base of the thumb as well.
Studies have consistently found that using an orthosis helps to decrease pain and improve function for individuals with arthritis at the base of the thumb. There is no consistent evidence to suggest that one orthosis is more effective than another, however, research does suggest that individuals prefer pre-fabricated designed orthoses. Read More
