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 Claw Hand: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment The human hand is one of the most intricate structures of the body, capable of performing delicate as well as powerful tasks. But certain nerve injuries can severely affect its movement and appearance. One such condition is known as Claw Hand — a deformity that gives the hand a claw-like look. 🔹 What Is Claw Hand? Claw Hand is a deformity of the hand in which the fingers are bent at the joints, giving them the appearance of a claw . This occurs when the muscles that control finger movements become weak or paralyzed due to nerve damage — most commonly the ulnar nerve , and sometimes the median nerve . In this condition, the metacarpophalangeal joints (knuckles) are hyperextended, while the interphalangeal joints (finger joints) are flexed. As a result, the fingers curl abnormally, and the person is unable to straighten them fully. 🔹 Anatomy Behind Claw Hand To understand claw hand, it’s important to know how hand muscles ...

Trigger Finger: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment Have you ever tried to straighten your finger and felt it suddenly “click” or “lock” in place? If yes, you might be experiencing a condition known as trigger finger—medically  called stenosing tenosynovitis . This common hand disorder can cause discomfort, stiffness, and difficulty in moving the affected finger smoothly. 🔹 What Is Trigger Finger? Trigger Finger is a condition in which one of your fingers gets stuck in a bent position and then suddenly straightens with a snapping or popping sound — much like pulling and releasing a trigger, hence the name. This happens when the tendon that helps bend your finger becomes inflamed or thickened , making it difficult to glide smoothly through its sheath (a tunnel-like covering). As a result, finger movement becomes restricted, painful, and sometimes “locked” in one position. 🔹 Anatomy Behind the Condition Each finger has flexor tendons that run from the forearm to t...

 Difference Between Dislocation and Subluxation In the field of orthopedics and physical therapy, two terms are often used to describe joint injuries — dislocation and subluxation . While both conditions involve the abnormal movement of bones from their normal joint position, they differ in severity, symptoms, and treatment approach. Understanding the difference between these two is essential for proper diagnosis, management, and prevention. 🔹 What Is a Dislocation? A dislocation occurs when the bones forming a joint are completely displaced from their normal alignment. This means that the articular surfaces — the parts of the bones that normally touch each other — are no longer in contact. For example, when the shoulder joint is dislocated, the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) comes entirely out of the glenoid cavity (shoulder socket). Common Causes of Dislocation: Trauma or accidents , such as falls or sports injuries Sudden impact , like in car crashes We...

Mobilization: Definition, Types, Techniques, and Clinical Importance What is Mobilization? Mobilization can be defined as: “A manual therapy technique involving low-velocity, passive movement of a joint or soft tissue, applied within or at the limit of its available range of motion, to reduce pain and restore normal mobility.” Objectives of Mobilization Relieve pain by stimulating mechanoreceptors and reducing nociceptive input. Increase joint range of motion (ROM) by stretching capsular and periarticular structures. Restore normal arthrokinematics (joint play movements). Improve circulation and reduce swelling. Prevent or break down adhesions in soft tissues. Enhance functional activities like walking, bending, or reaching. Principles of Mobilization For mobilization to be effective, certain principles must be followed: Patient Positioning – Comfortable, relaxed, and supported. Therapist Positioning – Stable and biomechanically efficient to a...