Welcome to the Patient Education Library of Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder
We invite you to explore our comprehensive list of resources and educational materials designed to help educate you about any orthopedic condition you may face or treatment you may undergo. Simply tap on a topic below to learn more.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your condition or treatment, please feel free to contact Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder throughout Maryland at (410) 296-6232. To request an appointment, use our secure online appointment request form.
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation, examination, or the medical advice of your doctor. This information should not be relied upon to determine a diagnosis or course of treatment.
Orthopedics A-Z
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Did You Know?
Originally, the term orthopedics meant the correcting on musculoskeletal deformities in children. Nicolas Andry, a French professor at the University of Paris, coined the term in the first textbook written on the subject in 1741. He advocated the use of exercise, manipulation and splinting to treat deformities in children
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A Guide To Arthroscopy
Arthroscopic Surgery is a procedure that allows surgeons to see, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint. The procedure, also called an Arthroscopy, requires only small incisions and is guided by a miniature viewing instrument or scope. Before arthroscopy existed, ... Read More
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Arthritis
Arthritis is a common disease that causes joint pain, stiffness, immobility, and swelling. Arthritis is actually a term for a group of over 100 diseases that affect the muscle and skeletal system, particularly the joints. Arthritis alters the cartilage in ... Read More
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Arthrocentesis - Pain Management
Arthrocentesis or aspiration is a treatment to relieve joint pain and swelling. Arthrocentesis is appropriate for larger joints including the knee, hip, sacroiliac, shoulder, elbow, and wrist. It is useful for treating joint swelling caused by infection, gout, and rheumatoid ... Read More
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Bennett's Fracture - Fracture of the Base of the Thumb
A Bennett’s fracture occurs when the bone at the base of the thumb breaks and dislocates. It results from a forceful injury, such as during fist fighting, playing football, accidents, or a fall. A Bennett’s fracture causes thumb swelling, pain, ... Read More
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Bite Injuries - Animal Bites
Animal bite injuries can cause skin wounds and structural damage to the hand. Infection and, less commonly, rabies are always a main concern. Pets are the most common source of bite injures, although they may result from wild animals as ... Read More
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Bite Injuries - Human Bites
Human bite injuries result from fist fighting or the intentional act of biting to inflict harm. Bite injuries occur during fist fighting if the fist of one person strikes the teeth of another person. Hand injuries from human bites can ... Read More
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Boutonniere Deformity - Finger Deformity
A boutonniere deformity occurs when the tendon that straightens the middle joint of your finger is injured, weakened or stretched. The injury allows the middle finger joint to bend (flex) and the end finger joint to pull back and hyperextend. ... Read More
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Boxer's Fracture - Knuckle Fracture of the Pinky
A Boxer’s fracture occurs when the bone at the knuckle of the little finger breaks. It can result from a forceful injury during fist fighting or hitting a solid object, such as a wall. A Boxer’s fracture causes swelling, pain, and stiffness. ... Read More
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Carpal Instability - Wrist Ligament Injury
Carpal instability occurs when the small bones in the wrist move out of position and compromise joint functioning. This may result when the ligaments that hold the bones together are torn or when the bones are fractured or affected by arthritis. ... Read More
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that affects the hand and wrist. It occurs when the Median Nerve in the wrist is compressed. Nerves carry messages between our brains, spinal cord, and body parts. The Median Nerve carries signals for sensation and ... Read More
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Endoscopic Release Surgery
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that affects the hand and wrist. It occurs when the Median Nerve in the wrist is compressed. Nerves carry messages between our brains, spinal cord, and body parts. The Median Nerve carries signals for sensation and ... Read More
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Open Release Surgery
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that affects the hand and wrist. It occurs when the Median Nerve in the wrist is compressed. Nerves carry messages between our brains, spinal cord, and body parts. The Median Nerve carries signals for sensation and ... Read More
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Clavicle Fracture - Broken Collar Bone
Clavicle fractures are a common orthopedic injury, especially among infants and young children. The clavicle, known as the collarbone, is a long bone located at the top of the chest. A clavicle fracture most frequently results from trauma. The majority ... Read More
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Cold Therapy
Cold therapy is a non-surgical non-medication modality used to help relieve pain and swelling. Cold therapy is commonly used immediately following an injury. There are many forms of cold therapy, including ice massage, commercial cold packs, or ice packs. Your doctor ... Read More
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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a type of chronic pain syndrome. CRPS was formerly called reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and shoulder-hand syndrome. CRPS causes severe burning pain and possible eventual deterioration of an affected arm or leg. The cause ... Read More
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Congenital Hand Differences
Congenital hand differences are abnormalities present at birth. They occur before birth when an embryo is developing the upper extremity. Congenital hand differences are caused by genetic, environmental, and unknown reasons. A variety of hand conditions may occur. A hand ... Read More
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Cubital Tunnel Syndrome - Ulnar Nerve Transposition (Elbow)
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is a condition caused by pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Nerves carry messages between the brain, spinal cord, and body parts. When a nerve is compressed, it cannot function properly. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is ... Read More
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deQuervain's Tendonitis - Wrist Tendonitis
De Quervain’s Tendonitis is a condition caused by an inflammation of the tendons located at the thumb side of the wrist. Tendons are tissues that attach our muscles to our bones. They can become swollen and sore from over use. ... Read More
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Dupuytren's Disease
Dupuytren’s disease causes an abnormal thickening of the tissues located underneath the skin in the palm of the hand. As the tissue thickens it can form lumps and strong cords. The abnormal growth causes the fingers to bend in ... Read More
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Electrotherapy - Pain Management
Electrotherapy is a treatment method that can help reduce acute and chronic pain. It may be especially helpful immediately following an injury. Electrotherapy involves stimulating nerve fibers with small electrical currents. The electrical stimulation may promote the release of natural pain ... Read More
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Exercise Therapy - Pain Management
Exercise therapy focuses on helping the body function at a higher level of efficiency. Exercise is important for helping all body systems function optimally while preventing injury, pain, and deterioration. Exercise therapy may help improve flexibility, strength, endurance, and posture. ... Read More
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Extensor Tendon Injuries (Hand)
An extensor tendon injury occurs when the tendon is torn, cut or otherwise detached. The extensor tendons attach to the back of your fingers and thumbs. They allow your fingers and thumbs to straighten and perform fine coordinated movements. Extensor ... Read More
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Flexor Tendon Injuries (Hand)
A flexor tendon injury occurs when the tendon is cut or ruptures. The flexor tendons attached at the palm side of your fingers and thumbs. They allow your finger and thumb joints to bend, grasp items, and perform fine coordinated ... Read More
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Fractures
Bones are the hardest tissues in your body. Although bones are strong, they can split or break under too much pressure or force. A broken bone is called a fracture. Fractures can occur in a variety of ... Read More
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Ganglion Cysts - Wrist/Hand Lumps and Bumps
Ganglion Cysts are a common condition. They are not harmful or cancerous, although they may cause some people discomfort. Ganglion Cysts usually appear as bumps on the back of the hand and at either side of the wrist. They are ... Read More
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Golfer's Elbow - Medial Epicondylitis
Golfer's Elbow (medial epicondylitis) is a type of cumulative trauma injury. Golfer's Elbow results when the tendons that attach to the inner elbow degenerate. Tendons do not stretch easily and are vulnerable to degeneration during repetitive motions, such as those ... Read More
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Hand Dislocations
Hand dislocations occur when a force causes the bones in the fingers or wrist to move out of position. Sports, falls, job-related injuries, and motor vehicle crashes are the most common causes of hand dislocations. Symptoms can include deformity, extreme ... Read More
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Hand Nerve Injury and Repair
Nerve injuries in the hand can result from cuts, pressure, stretching, or crush injuries. An injured nerve cannot transmit nerve signals. An injured nerve can cause a lack of sensation, movement, or both. Some types of nerve ... Read More
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Hand Therapy
Hand Therapy is a specialized area of rehabilitation. Your doctor may refer you to an occupational therapist or physical therapist with advanced skills or a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) for hand therapy. A CHT is an occupational or physical therapist ... Read More
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Heat Therapy
Heat therapy is a treatment used to help relieve pain and muscle stiffness. Heat therapy is commonly used to reduce long-lasting or chronic pain. There are many forms of heat therapy, including commercial heat packs, heating pads, and moist or ... Read More
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Humerus Fracture - Broken Upper Arm
Humerus fractures are common. The humerus is the long bone in your upper arm. A fracture is a broken bone. The humerus is most frequently fractured as the result of a fall or motor vehicle crash. Depending on the location ... Read More
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Kienbock's Disease (Wrist)
Kienbock’s disease is a progressive condition that affects the lunate bone in the wrist. It occurs when there is a disruption of the blood supply to the lunate bone. Without a proper blood supply, the lunate bone decays and dies. ... Read More
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Mallet Finger Injury - Baseball Finger
A mallet finger injury occurs when the tip of a finger or the thumb is forcefully flexed. The force injures the tendon that straightens the fingertip joint. A mallet finger injury is also referred to as a baseball finger injury ... Read More
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Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a rehabilitation treatment that can relieve pain and relax muscles and tissue. Myo is the prefix for muscle, and fascial refers to the smooth tough tissue that covers them. When muscles are injured or strained, both the muscles ... Read More
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Neuromuscular Re-education
Neuromuscular re-education is a technique used by rehabilitation therapists to restore normal movement. Together, your nerves and muscles work to produce movements. Nerves send signals between your muscles and your brain about when, where, and how fast to move. It ... Read More
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Occupational Therapy: An Overview
An injury, disease, or traumatic event may change the way your body functions and the way that you perceive your environment. A single problem or combination of conditions may change the way that you think, act, feel, see, or move ... Read More
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Pain Management - An Overview
Pain management for orthopedic conditions consists of a variety of treatments aimed at reducing pain. There are many types and causes of orthopedic pain. Orthopedic pain is commonly caused by injury and aging. Back pain may result from irritated or ... Read More
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Pain Management - Arthrocentesis
Arthrocentesis or aspiration is a treatment to relieve joint pain and swelling. Arthrocentesis is appropriate for larger joints including the knee, hip, sacroiliac, shoulder, elbow and wrist. It is useful for treating joint swelling caused by infection, gout, and rheumatoid ... Read More
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Pain Management - Facet Injections
Facet injections are non-surgical treatments to relieve pain and inflammation of the facet joints in the spine. Facet joints are located on the top and bottom of each vertebra. Facet joints connect the vertebrae to form the spine and allow ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Bite Injuries, Human Bites
Human bite injuries result from fist fighting or the intentional act of biting to inflict harm. Bite injuries occur during fist fighting if the fist of one person strikes the teeth of another person. Sometimes toddlers bite other people when ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Congenital Hand Differences
Congenital hand differences are abnormalities present when a child is born. They occur before birth when an embryo is developing the upper extremity. Congenital hand differences are caused by genetic, environmental, and unknown reasons. A variety of hand conditions may ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Fractures
Bones are the hardest tissues in the body. Although bones are strong, they can split or break under too much pressure or force. A broken bone is called a fracture. Fractures can occur in a variety of ways. The most ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Little League Syndrome, Pitcher's Elbow
Little League elbow, also called Pitcher’s elbow, results from excessive throwing motions used in sports. It most frequently occurs in baseball, but is associated with other sports that involve throwing. Pitcher’s elbow causes pain and interferes with motion. Many cases ... Read More
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Pediatrics- Bite Injuries, Animal Bites
Animal bite injuries can cause skin wounds and structural damage to the hand. Infection and, less commonly, rabies are always a main concern. Pets are the most common source of bite injures, although they may result from wild animals as ... Read More
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Phantom Limb Pain
Phantom limb pain is a real condition that occurs in some people after the amputation of an arm or leg. People with phantom limb feel pain as if the amputated limb is still there. The exact mechanism of phantom limb ... Read More
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Physical Therapy: An Overview
An injury, illness, chemotherapy, bed rest, inactivity, or disease may change the amount of control that you have over moving your body. Alterations in your health status may result in poor endurance, decreased muscle movement, paralysis, and loss of balance, ... Read More
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Pitcher's Elbow - Little League Elbow
Pitcher’s elbow, also called Little League elbow, results from excessive throwing motions used in sports. It most frequently occurs in baseball, but is associated with other sports that involve throwing. Pitcher’s elbow causes pain and interferes with motion. Many cases ... Read More
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Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy is a cutting-edge procedure that is revolutionizing the field of orthopedic medicine. PRP therapy is a new treatment that relieves pain and promotes long lasting healing of musculoskeletal conditions. PRP Therapy uses components of the body’s ... Read More
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Preparing for Surgery
Surgery can be an overwhelming experience. It is important to go into your surgery feeling secure and confident. This guide will help you to understand what to expect. Understand the procedure Talk to your doctor. Learn what to expect before, during ... Read More
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Progressive Strengthening
Progressive strengthening exercises are used in rehabilitation to increase muscle strength, tone, size, and function. Progressive strengthening is also referred to as “progressive resistance,” “exercise progression,” and the “overload principle.” Injury, disease, and neurological disorders, such as stroke or traumatic ... Read More
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Progressive Strengthening Exercises
Progressive strengthening exercises are used in rehabilitation to increase muscle strength, tone, size, and function. Progressive strengthening is also referred to as “progressive resistance,” “exercise progression,” and the “overload principle.” Injury, disease, and neurological disorders, such as stroke or traumatic ... Read More
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Radial Tunnel Syndrome (Forearm)
Radial tunnel syndrome occurs when the radial nerve in the arm is compressed. The radial nerve travels through the radial tunnel located on the top (dorsum) of the forearm. The radial nerve can be compressed or irritated in the radial ... Read More
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Rehabilitation - Hand Therapy
Hand Therapy is a specialized area of rehabilitation. Your doctor may refer you to an occupational therapist with advanced skills or a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) for hand therapy. A CHT is an occupational or physical therapist that has completed ... Read More
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Rehabilitation - Neuromuscular Re-education
Neuromuscular re-education is a technique used by rehabilitation therapists to restore normal movement. Together, your nerves and muscles work to produce movements. Nerves send signals between your muscles and your brain about when, where, and how fast to move. It ... Read More
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Rehabilitation - Progressive Strengthening
Progressive strengthening exercises are used in rehabilitation to increase muscle strength, tone, size, and function. Progressive strengthening is also referred to as “progressive resistance,” “exercise progression,” and the “overload principle.” Injury, disease, and neurological disorders, such as stroke or traumatic ... Read More
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Rehabilitation - Shoulder Rehabilitation
Shoulder rehabilitation can reduce pain and restore function to an injured shoulder. The shoulder moves in more directions and to greater extents than any other joint in your body. However, because it performs so many movements, the shoulder is vulnerable ... Read More
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Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Reverse shoulder replacement is an advanced newer surgical treatment that was approved by the FDA in 2004. A reverse shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged shoulder joint with an artificial one. The new joint stabilizes the ... Read More
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Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Hand
Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects the hand. Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term chronic inflammatory disease. It causes the joints in the hand to become painful, swollen, and stiff. Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to hand deformity and loss of function. Symptoms are ... Read More
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Rotator Cuff Tear & Repair
Rotator cuff tears are a common source of shoulder pain. The rotator cuff consists of four shoulder muscles and their tendons. Tendons are strong fibers that connect our muscles to our bones. The shoulder muscles and tendons cover the upper ... Read More
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Scaphoid Fracture - Broken Wrist
A scaphoid fracture most commonly results from a fall on an outstretched hand. The scaphoid is a small bone located on the thumb side of your wrist. It is the most commonly broken bone in the wrist. Because symptoms can ... Read More
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Shoulder Arthroscopy
The shoulder can perform movements in more directions and to greater extents than any other joint in our body. But because it can perform so many movements, the shoulder is vulnerable to stress and injury. Shoulder injuries are very common, ... Read More
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Shoulder Impingement Syndrome - Shoulder Tendonitis
Shoulder impingement syndrome is a painful condition in the shoulder. It occurs when the tendons in the shoulder are irritated, inflamed or degenerated from repetitive overhead motions or structural abnormalities in the shoulder. Shoulder impingement syndrome is treated with activity modification, ... Read More
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Shoulder Rehabilitation
Shoulder rehabilitation can reduce pain and restore function to an injured shoulder. The shoulder moves in more directions and to greater extents than any other joint in your body. However, because it performs so many movements, the shoulder is vulnerable ... Read More
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Skier's Thumb
Skier’s Thumb is an injury that occurs when the ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpal phalangeal joint of the thumb is injured. The ligament can be injured when the thumb is bent back away from the fingers (hyperextended). A sports ... Read More
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Swan Neck Deformity - Finger Deformity
A swan neck deformity occurs when the structures that keep the middle joint of your finger from bending back too far are injured, stretched or weakened. The injury causes the middle finger (proximal interphalangeal) joint to hyperextend. This ... Read More
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Tendon Transfers
Tendon transfers are used to restore function after an injury or medical condition has compromised function in the hand. Loss of function in the hand can occur because of several types of problems including paralysis from nerve injury, tendon loss, ... Read More
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Tendonitis
Tendonitis is an inflammatory condition that can develop in a tendon. Tendons are strong fibers that connect your muscles to your bones. Tendonitis most frequently results from overuse of a joint. Symptoms include pain and tenderness. Most cases of tendonitis ... Read More
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Tennis Elbow - Lateral Epicondylitis
Tennis Elbow is a condition that results in deterioration of the tendon fibers that attach to the bone at the outside of the elbow. Tendons are strong fibers that attach muscles to bone. They are tissues that do not stretch ... Read More
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Thumb CMC (Basal Joint) Arthroplasty - Thumb Joint Reconstruction
The thumb joint at the base of the thumb is the most mobile in the hand. The thumb can move up and down, in and out, and rotate slightly to touch the fingers. We move our thumbs hundreds of times ... Read More
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Total Shoulder Replacement
The shoulder has a greater range of motion than any other joint in our body, but because it can perform so many movements, the shoulder is vulnerable to stress, injury, and arthritis. Arthritis is a major cause of shoulder pain. ... Read More
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Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Injury - Wrist Sprain
The Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) is a structure that is made of cartilage and ligaments. It is located on the ulnar side of the wrist (side toward the little finger). The TFCC stabilizes the bones in the wrist, acts as ... Read More
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Trigger Finger and Trigger Thumb
Trigger Finger and Trigger Thumb, medically termed Stenosing Tenosynovitis, are common hand conditions. This condition occurs when the tendons in the thumb and fingers do not glide smoothly. Tendons are strong tissues that connect our muscles to our bones. Trigger ... Read More
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Ultrasound Therapy - Pain Management/Rehabilitation
Ultrasound therapy is used to minimize muscle pain and movement dysfunction. Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves to deliver deep heat to the treated tissues. The treatments may help reduce stiffness, swelling, and pain, increase circulation, and promote pain-free movement. Ultrasound ... Read More
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Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when the head moves suddenly from severe impact, such as during a car crash. Whiplash can cause neck pain, upper back pain, shoulder pain, tight muscles, and burning or tingling sensations in your neck or upper back. Most ... Read More
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Whiplash - Chiropractic Treatment
Neck and upper back pain may occur immediately or in a somewhat delayed fashion after an auto crash. If you have neck pain, upper back pain, shoulder pain, tight muscles, and burning or tingling sensations in your neck or upper ... Read More
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Wrist Fracture - Open Reduction and Internal or External Fixation
Wrist fractures are a very common type of orthopedic injury. They occur most often as the result of a fall. When we fall, it is our natural instinct to stretch out our arms in an attempt to cushion ourselves. However, ... Read More
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X-Rays
X-rays use radiation energy to create images of internal body structures. X-rays are a non-invasive procedure, meaning that the body does not have to be surgically opened to see a bone or tissue. X-rays are used to help diagnose a ... Read More
Copyright © - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.
The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.
