käsivaivoja

käsivaivoja are conditions that affect the hands and wrists, causing pain, stiffness, numbness, or functional impairment. The term is most commonly used in Finnish-speaking contexts and covers a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal, neurological, and systemic disorders that manifest in the hand region.

Common examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, which results from compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel; rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that can erode joint cartilage and bone; trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis), where tendons become inflamed and lodge at a pulley; and osteoarthritis, characterized by cartilage degeneration and bone spur formation in the finger joints. Less frequent but still significant conditions are ulnar nerve entrapment, Dupuytren’s contracture, and hand‑related manifestations of systemic illnesses such as diabetes or thyroid disease.

Typical symptoms involve pain or aching, swelling, reduced range of motion, tingling or numbness, tingling that worsens at night, and an inability to fully grasp objects. Diagnosis is usually clinical, supported by imaging such as X‑ray, ultrasound or MRI, and, in nerve‑compression cases, by nerve conduction studies. Treatment varies by cause: anti‑inflammatory medication and splints for inflammatory causes; corticosteroid injections for tendon inflammation; physiotherapy and ergonomic adjustments for degenerative changes; and surgical decompression or joint replacement for advanced or refractory cases.

Preventive measures center on ergonomic work practices, regular breaks during repetitive tasks, maintaining healthy body weight, and managing systemic factors like blood sugar control. Early recognition and multidisciplinary management are essential to preserve hand function and prevent permanent disability.