A stiff hand refers to a condition characterized by limited movement of the fingers. It can result from various factors, including infections, arthritis, prior hand surgeries, or hand injuries.
Stiff hand can manifest in different forms, such as:
Limitation of Extension Movement: In this type, the inability to straighten the fingers can result from tightness in structures located on the palm’s inner aspect. Possible causes include scarred skin, palmar fascia issues (like Dupuytren’s contracture), tendon sheath shortening and contracture, and tendon problems such as shortening or adhesions.
Limitation of Flexion Movement: This type involves the inability to bend the fingers inward and can be caused by tightness in structures located on the hand’s dorsal (back) aspect. Causes may include scarred skin on the back of the hand, capsule and ligament shortening, and extensor tendon shortening or adhesions. Bone blockage can also contribute to this type of stiffness.
Patients with a stiff hand typically experience the following:
Pain when attempting to move the fingers.
Limited finger movement, with restrictions in either bending the fingers inward (flexion) or straightening them (extension). This limitation can affect both active and passive finger movement.
The sensation of fingers getting stuck or blocked during movement, is akin to a trigger finger.
The stiff hand is often observed following burn injuries, accidental hand injuries, or hand infections.
Effective non-operative management is often more successful in the early phase following a hand injury, infection, or surgery, as it allows for fluid displacement and collagen remodeling. Measures may include:
Splinting
Edema reduction techniques, like extremity elevation and compression gloves.
Use of moist heat and ultrasound to enhance the effects of splinting.
Surgical intervention is considered when non-operative measures have failed to restore finger movements. Procedures may vary based on the specific condition:
For soft tissue and skin contracture: Techniques like Z-plasty with transposition of triangular flaps (with or without graft cover) and Joshi homolateral digital flap cover may be employed.
Tendon or tendon sheath shortening: Tenolysis, adhesiolysis, or tendon lengthening procedures.
Correction of tendon and nerve deficiencies.
Joint stiffness: Closed or open capsulotomy may be performed.
Surgery for trigger finger: Involves releasing the A1 pulley with a small incision in the palm, enabling tendon gliding.
Wear a splint for approximately three weeks, depending on the procedure.
Initiate active exercises and engage in active physiotherapy for better and faster results.
Addressing stiff hands through timely intervention and a combination of treatments helps improve finger movement and overall hand functionality.
Are you ready for a consultation?
Your treatment will be performed by board certified plastic surgeon. Schedule your appointment now!
Are you ready for a consultation?
Your treatment will be performed by board certified plastic surgeon. Schedule your appointment now!
Related Videos
A True Devotion to Healing
Where Compassionate Care Meets Advanced Medicine, Guiding You on the Path to Recovery and Well-being.
24/7 Patient Support
We understand that questions and concerns don’t have office hours. That’s why we offer round-the-clock support, ensuring you have access to the care and information you need, whenever you need it.
Premium Quality Materials
We commit to only using the highest-grade materials and the latest technology in your procedures. This commitment is our promise to you for superior outcomes and your utmost satisfaction.
Safety and Hygiene Promise
Your well-being is our top priority. Across our practice, we adhere to stringent safety and hygiene protocols, reassuring you of your safety and comfort at every step of your journey with us.
Stiff Hand is a condition characterized by limited hand mobility, often resulting from various causes. It differs from other hand conditions due to its specific focus on reduced hand flexibility and movement.
Stiff Hand can result from a variety of causes, including trauma, injuries, neurological conditions, or underlying medical conditions. Contributing factors may involve tissue damage, inflammation, or neurological impairments.
Symptoms of a Stiff Hand may include limited range of motion, pain, and functional limitations. The specific symptoms vary based on the cause and type of hand stiffness.
Diagnosis typically involves a clinical examination by a healthcare professional. In some cases, imaging studies like X-rays, MRI, or nerve conduction tests may be used to assess the underlying cause and severity of stiffness.
Kayakriti Clinic specializes in Stiff Hand management with a focus on personalized treatment plans, which may include physical therapy, medication, minimally invasive procedures, or, when necessary, surgical interventions. Their approach includes a team of experts experienced in hand conditions and rehabilitation.
Kayakriti Clinic offers a patient-centric approach to Stiff Hand treatment, providing individualized care plans tailored to the specific underlying causes and functional goals of the patients. Their comprehensive care may involve conservative treatments or surgical interventions, as needed.
Privacy is of utmost importance to us. Rest assured, all your personal and medical information is handled with strict confidentiality.
TRUST
Our Surgeon is highly qualified and internationally certified with a team of skilled staff to perform any surgical or non-surgical treatment on your body.
SAFETY
Safety is our priority. We maintain stringent protocols to ensure a secure environment for all patients and staff members.
Breast augmentation and breast reduction are two very different procedures. Augmentation (breast enlargement) increases breast volume and alters shape, usually for cosmetic or reconstructive goals. Reduction removes breast tissue and skin to make breasts smaller and relieve symptoms. In general, augmentation is chosen by patients who want fuller, more symmetrical breasts (or as reconstruction after…
Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job,” is a surgical procedure to reshape the nose. It can be performed for cosmetic enhancement of appearance or for functional improvement of breathing (and often both). If you’re medically informed and considering rhinoplasty, it’s important to understand the types of rhinoplasty, what the surgery involves, and how the…
When diet and exercise don’t address certain stubborn fat deposits, liposuction can be a safe and effective solution—when chosen for the right reasons and in the right patient. As a commonly performed body-contouring procedure, liposuction reshapes specific areas of the body rather than serving as a weight-loss method. At Kayakriti Plastic Surgery & Dental Center…