To read more about VOA's medical staff, please click on a physician or provider below.

		Craig T. Arntz, M.D. Shoulder and Hand				Traci G. Barthel, M.D. Hand and Upper Extremity
		John Howlett, M.D. Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery				Niket Shrivastava, M.D. Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery

The intricate bones, joints, muscles, tissue and nerves in your hands and wrist make it possible for you to hold a book while reading, pick up a child, type on the computer, chop garlic, rake leaves, throw a baseball, or knit a scarf. When your hand or wrist is injured it can seriously impede on your ability to participate in everyday activities at work or play. At VOA our objective is to return maximum capability to your hand or wrist as quickly as we can. Our compassionate physicians will provide you with compassionate, exceptional care using the latest technologies.

Injury or degenerative diseases such as arthritis in your hand or wrist can make everyday tasks and the activities you enjoy a painful challenge. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, some common conditions include:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: The median nerve travels from the forearm to the hand through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is "squeezed" at the wrist, resulting in numbness and tingling in the hand.
• Trigger Finger: This condition affects the tendons and pulleys in the hand that make it possible for the finger to bend. Tendons connect the forearm muscles with the bones of the fingers and thumb. The tendons are covered by a slick lining allowing the tendons to easily glide back and forth, guided by the pulley. If the tendon lining becomes irritated or inflamed, a knot may develop preventing the tendons from gliding easily and causing the finger to become locked in a "trigger" or bent position. Although the cause is unknown, people over 40 with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis seem to be at a greater risk for developing trigger finger.
• Arthritis: This disease affects the joints in the body including those in the hands, elbow, arm and shoulder. Osteoarthritis is the most common degenerative joint disease, caused when the cartilage between joints wears out and bone rubs against bone. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common inflammatory arthritis typically affecting the joints in the fingers, wrists, arms and legs.

If you are experiencing a problem in your hand or wrist, talk with your primary care physician about a referral to Valley Orthopedic Associates or call VOA at 425-656-5060.