hand and wrist

An illustration showing the early and later symptoms of Lyme disease

Lyme arthritis is a type of joint inflammation that results from the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) receives about 30,000 reports of Lyme disease each year, and they estimate an additional 270,000 cases go unreported. Of those who know they have Lyme disease, about 25 percent of them will […]

Baseball finger

Tendons connect muscles to bones to help them move. Extensor tendons straighten joints, while flexor tendons help them bend. When people suffer an extensor tendon tear in their hand, they cannot fully straighten the affected finger(s) or wrist.  Common Extensor Tendon Tear Tendons are strong, thick bands of fibrous tissue that connect muscles to bones. […]

Dupuytren’s Contracture: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

It’s easy to take simple, day-to-day maneuvers for granted — putting on gloves, opening jars, or turning a doorknob. Easy, that is, until you start to lose those abilities. If you have a condition called Dupuytren’s contracture, simply laying your hand flat on a table or putting it into your pocket may eventually prove impossible. […]

Are brachial plexus injuries serious?

The not-so-satisfying short answer: It depends. Like any other orthopedic injury, the seriousness of a brachial plexus injury depends on its cause, severity and treatment options.  What is the brachial plexus? The brachial plexus is a network of five intertwined nerves that stretch from the neck, through the upper chest and into the armpit. This bundle of […]

What is sports medicine? - Heiden Orthopedics

Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior or simply lead an active lifestyle, you will almost certainly suffer from an orthopedic injury at one point or another. A study in the Journal of Athletic Training found that while male athletes had a higher rate of acute injuries, female athletes see a higher rate of overuse […]

carpal-tunnel-symmtoms-heiden-orthopedics

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common nerve disorders in the United States, affecting 4 to 10 million Americans every year. In general, carpal tunnel is more prolific in the middle-aged and older population and affects women up to three times more often than men. If you think you’re suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, the […]

Do I Need a Wrist Specialist? What Type of Doctor to See for Wrist Pain

According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, it’s estimated that 11 – 20% of emergency room visits in the United States are for hand and wrist injuries. That may seem like a disproportionate percentage of visits, but Americans – especially service people, laborers and those in computer-based careers – injure […]

The Most Common Mountain Biking Injuries: Stats and Types of Injuries

After the snow has melted and the trails have dried, throngs of mountain biking enthusiasts flock to their local mountains to tackle tough climbs and race downhill with abandon. No matter whether you’re a newbie, a weekend warrior or adrenaline junky on the hill every day, you can expect to suffer from a mountain biking […]