Ulnar distortion can be painful and aesthetically undesirable.
Overview
Ulnar deviation is a hand condition characterized by swollen knuckles.
Over time, the condition can cause you to have some trouble performing daily activities.
Verywell / Hilary Allison
It can also cause your hands to look bent and distorted.
This can occur when ulnar deviation is due to an underlying autoimmune disease.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritiscan also result in ulnar deviation.
With this condition, joint cartilage wears away due to overuse or age rather than being damaged byautoimmune disease.
However, unlike with RA, the inflammation does not cause joint erosion.
When it does, it typically occurs in reverse and is related to psoriatic nail disease.
In PsA, the deformity starts in the distalinterphalangeal(DIP) joint at the top of the finger.
Brachial plexus palsy in babies can be brought on by shoulderdystocia(a birth injury).
It can also occur as a result of sports injuries, trauma, inflammation, pressure, or tumors.
Genetics
Genetics may play a factor in ulnar deviation as well.
It may be present at birth but commonly develops in early adulthood.
It may start with pain at the base of the thumb, followed by a slow drifting of fingers.
It is not always painful and may or may not impact dexterity.
Diagnosis
Ulnar deviation is usually evident from an examination of your hand.
Your medical history will also be considered.
Treatment
There is no cure for ulnar drift, which tends to progress over time.
Lifestyle changes, exercises, therapies, and interventions can help ease discomfort and potentially slow progression.
They may be able to recommend assistive devices to make things easier.
Hand Exercises
You may be able to improve your ulnar deviation symptoms with hand exercises.
These primarily involve stretching and are recommended to preserverange of motionas much as possible.
Medications and Therapies
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can relieve pain.
The procedure involves replacing painful knuckle joints with artificial knuckle joints.
This is known as post-operative therapy.
Summary
Ulnar deviation is a hand deformity where fingers lean toward the outer side of the hand.
Symptoms include swollen knuckles, pain and stiffness in the hand, and difficulty bending your fingers.
Osteoarthritis, a nerve injury, or genetics can also cause it.
Ulnar deviation treatment aims to maintain hand function, relieve pain, and manage underlying autoimmune disease.
Surgery may sometimes be needed to fix the deformity, relieve pain, and improve functioning.
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Chapter 1, Introduction.
