41 Questions answered

I injured my right thumb and I feel pain in the dorsal region of the metacarpophalangeal joint. what could be the reason for the pain and when should I see a doctor? (photo)

Thank you for your inquiry. From the photographs, there appears to be some swelling and redness over the dorsal aspect of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) of the right thumb. in the second photograph, it seems that the extension of the thumb is possible. In fact, the thumb is hyperextended at the MCPJ of the thumb which may indicate a normal variant of MCPJ laxity, commonly seen in young persons.

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Answered By

Dr Aaron Gan

Hand Surgeon

What are the long-term side effects of a TFCC surgery

If the TFCC surgery is done well and results in full healing of the damaged TFCC, there should not be any long-term side effects. In fact, patients who have received successful treatment with good post-operative hand therapy may regain full strength and motion in the wrist in around 6 months.

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Answered By

Dr Aaron Gan

Hand Surgeon

What should I do if my index finger feels numb and painful when extending it?

Symptoms of numbness and pain on finger extension do not fit into a specific diagnosis. It is highly suggested that one consults a Hand Surgeon to obtain an accurate and detailed assessment of the finger.

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Answered By

Dr Aaron Gan

Hand Surgeon

Why do women have a higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome?

Due to the hormonal differences between a male and female, with an increased likelihood of fluid retention occurring in a female, the chances of a female developing carpal tunnel syndrome is consequently and statistically higher. It is precisely the same reason why carpal tunnel syndrome is common in pregnancy and in post-partum females.

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Answered By

Dr Aaron Gan

Hand Surgeon

What are some causes of crooked fingers and how is it treated in Singapore? (photo)

The crooked fingers seen in the picture are very likely because of osteoarthritis of the joints. Due to severe cartilage wear and destruction, the joints become progressively deformed and bent. Unfortunately, this is an irreversible process. If there is a lot of pain in the joints with swelling, treatments are targeted to reduce inflammation with splinting and rest, warm packs and oral medication. The only solution to correct the deformities in the joints is surgery.

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Answered By

Dr Aaron Gan

Hand Surgeon

What could possibly cause my finger to turn green and painful? (photo)

This is an infection of the fingertip called paronychia. This is usually caused by a bacterial infection due to a break in the skin near the nail. Individuals who bite their nails have a higher chance of getting such infections. The greenish collection seen is pus, which is a result of the bacterial infection causing necrosis of tissue. The painful and red areas surrounding this pus collection is due to inflammation caused by the infection.

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Answered By

Dr Aaron Gan

Hand Surgeon

What are the differences between endoscopic and open carpal tunnel release?

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release is a minimally invasive method of performing carpal tunnel release surgery. Through a small incision made over the base of the palm, a device which carries a small camera and a retractable blade is inserted under the transverse carpal ligament. The transverse carpal ligament is then divided using the retractable blade under the vision of the endoscopic camera. On the other hand, open carpal tunnel release is performed via a longer incision directly above the transverse carpal ligament.

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Answered By

Dr Aaron Gan

Hand Surgeon

For Madelung deformity, what are the available treatments in Singapore?

Madelung deformity is a congenital deformity affecting the forearm bone and this results in a bowed appearance of the upper extremity. The only treatment available is surgery to correct the deformity. This usually involves cutting the deformed bone and re-shaping it to correct the deformity. Bone grafts are frequently required and metal implants such as plates, screws and wires will be used to secure the bone in its new position until the bone ends unite.

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Answered By

Dr Aaron Gan

Hand Surgeon

What kind of sports can worsen a preexisting carpal tunnel syndrome?

Technically, all sports which involve the use of the hand and wrist can worsen a pre-existing carpal tunnel syndrome. In fact, any form of repetitive movement done from the wrist over an extended period can make carpal tunnel syndrome worse. These movements lead to swelling and compression of the median nerve [1].

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Answered By

Dr Aaron Gan

Hand Surgeon

What are some measures to prevent arthritis after a joint injury?

After a joint injury, there is a high likelihood of the development of secondary osteoarthritis at the affected joint. Some measures to prevent that includes: Reduce the load and strain on the affected joint This may involve a change in habits and lifestyle, depending on the affected joint. Appropriate exercises must be performed daily to improve the strength and condition of the muscles surrounding the affected joint. These exercises should be guided by a qualified physiotherapist or occupational therapist.

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Answered By

Dr Aaron Gan

Hand Surgeon

What are the ways to diagnose joint arthrosis?

Joint arthrosis is a common cartilage degenerative disease. It is also known as osteoarthritis. The condition can be diagnosed through 2 ways: [1] A detailed clinical history and examination The most common symptom is joint pain. Some patients also complain of morning stiffness and decreased range of motion. By analyzing your symptoms and physically examining the joints, doctors are able to diagnose the condition, even without laboratory testing.

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Answered By

Dr Aaron Gan

Hand Surgeon

How is trigger finger treated in Singapore?

There are 3 ways to treat trigger fingers: Splinting, hand occupational therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. These aim to relieve the inflammation around the involved tendon, mobilise and prevent adhesions from forming between the tendons. Corticosteroid injections. These are very effective and quick in relieving the pain and inflammation around the tendons that cause the triggering of the finger. Trigger finger can recur after treatments 1 and 2. Surgery.

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Answered By

Dr Aaron Gan

Hand Surgeon

What are treatment options for painful, sore and swollen finger joints due to arthritis?

Main types of arthritis in the hand Arthritis in the hand can be categorised into 2 main types: Degenerative or osteoarthritis inflammatory arthritis such as psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis and gouty arthritis Of the two, degenerative or osteoarthritis is the more common type. Osteoarthritis is simply the premature wear of the cartilage surfaces in a joint and can be primary or secondary. Primary causes of osteoarthritis can be either from age-related degeneration or excessive wear and tear from repeated overuse of the particular joint.

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Answered By

Dr Aaron Gan

Hand Surgeon

What are possible causes of a painless bump on my finger that has been there for months? (photo)

The majority of lumps and bumps in the finger, such as the one shown in the picture, are benign in nature. They may arise from any of the structures in the finger, ie skin, subcutaneous tissue, tendon, nerve, blood vessels or even bone. The diagnosis can be obtained through a detailed history and clinical examination, preferably by a Hand Surgeon. Further investigations may be required such as X-rays, ultrasound scans or MRI scans to evaluate the lump more closely before the treatment plan can be made.

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Answered By

Dr Aaron Gan

Hand Surgeon

How will joint replacement surgery (replacement arthroplasty) affect my lifestyle?

I assume that you are referring specifically to the replacement of the 1st carpometacarpal joint. After such a replacement is done, you can expect a better quality of life. Pain should be eliminated almost immediately, and joint motion will improve with the presence of the new joint. Certainly, the pinch strength of the thumb after replacement will not match that of a completely normal thumb, although it will be stronger than what it is before surgery. The ability to play musical instruments, using the computer and mobile devices will post-surgery.

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Answered By

Dr Aaron Gan

Hand Surgeon

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3 Mount Elizabeth Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre #06 - 05 Singapore 228510

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* This profile has been last updated on November 21, 2020.