Voluntary muscles get their name because normally we can control their actions. In contrast, involuntary muscles, such as the heart, beat to their own rhythm. The muscles in our hands and thumbs are voluntary muscles. Sometimes, though, our voluntary muscles seem to go rogue, twitching uncontrollably. There are a number of reasons your thumb might […]
arthritis
What Are Those Bumps and Lumps on Your Hand?
The sudden appearance of a round or oval bump on the back of the hand or on the side of the wrist may be upsetting, if not downright alarming. Most likely, it’s a ganglion cyst. That sounds scary, but don’t let the name frighten you. Ganglion cysts are a common condition that are neither harmful […]
Is Cracking Your Fingers Bad for You?
Many people crack their knuckles, toes, back, and especially their fingers. The snapping, popping sound can cause those within earshot to recoil. Perhaps you have heard that cracking your fingers (or knuckles) can lead to arthritis, or that your fingers will become permanently disfigured. Maybe you were told as a child that cracking your fingers […]
What is Tennis Elbow?
Lateral epicondylitis is the medical term for tennis elbow, which is a condition that can even affect people who have never played tennis. Below, we discuss what you need to know about tennis elbow – what it is, its symptoms, and how best to treat it. Repetitive Strain Injury of the Elbow Tennis elbow is […]
Types of Arthritis in the Hand
Thanks to high-tech power tools, exercise equipment, and lots of typing with the Internet and texting, our hands are exposed to constant stress and pressure. Modern life has been anything but kind to our hands, and many of us feel the brunt of this when they stiffen up or swell. If you are feeling pain […]