Getting a Grip on Wrist and Elbow Problems
Pain , tingling , numbness or weakness in your hand or fingers could be a sign of either carpal tunnel syndrome or its lesserknown cousin , cubital tunnel syndrome . Both conditions occur when a nerve is compressed , either the median nerve at the wrist ( in the carpal tunnel ) or the ulnar nerve at the elbow ( in the cubital tunnel ).
With carpal tunnel syndrome , you ’ ll feel symptoms in your thumb , index and middle fingers , and part of your ring finger ; with cubital tunnel syndrome , you ’ ll feel symptoms in your pinky and part of your ring finger , explains Matthew Nevitt , MD , an orthopedic hand surgeon on the medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center and Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano .
Some people are more prone to these conditions simply because of the natural shape of their wrists or elbows . Also , activities that involve repetitive or awkward motions — like working on an assembly line , typing , or holding a phone to the ear for long stretches — can make things worse .
For people experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome , braces , anti-inflammatory medications , stretching exercises and corticosteroid injections can provide relief . If they don ’ t , surgery is an option .
The Case for a Partial Knee Replacement
For some people with arthritis in their knee , a partial knee replacement can ease pain .
Khalid Yousuf , MD , an orthopedic surgeon on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano , outlines some of the potential benefits of partial knee replacement compared with full knee replacement :
• It ’ s a less invasive surgical procedure , so recovery usually is faster and less painful .
• Because the ligaments stay in place , the knee feels more natural .
• Range of motion is improved . Partial knee replacement is not for everyone , however , Dr . Yousuf says . Good candidates need healthy ligaments , and the arthritis needs to be limited to one of the three compartments in the knee . Otherwise , a full knee replacement may be advised .
Dr . Yousuf notes that partial knee replacements have shown similar durability and survivorship as full knee replacements . “ It ’ s a common myth that a partial knee replacement is a stepping stone to a full knee replacement , but that ’ s not the case ,” he says .
The replacement joints can last about 30 years , so ideal candidates are in their 60s . But , Dr . Yousuf says , partial knee replacements can be performed on people in their 40s .
Orthopedic Care Where You Are
Visit BSWHealth . com / Ortho to register for the Feb . 20 joint pain class at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano . Or call 1.844 . BSWDOCS for a referral to an orthopedic joint specialist on the medical staff .
Photographs may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients . The material in In Motion is not intended for diagnosing or prescribing . Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment . Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health ’ s subsidiary , community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers , Baylor Health Care System , Scott & White Healthcare or Baylor Scott & White Health . If you are receiving multiple copies , need to change your mailing address or do not wish to receive this publication , please send your mailing label ( s ) and the updated information to Robin Vogel , Baylor Health Care System , 2001 Bryan St ., Suite 750 , Dallas , TX 75201 , or email the information to robinv @ baylorhealth . edu . © 2018 Baylor Scott & White Health . BSWORTHO _ 99 _ 2018 _ FBC
4 In Motion | Winter 2018 Visit us at BSWHealth . com / Ortho