Stiff hand syndrome

Stiff hand syndrome is a medical condition characterized by a progressive loss of hand function due to stiffness and immobility. It is often associated with diabetes mellitus, particularly in patients with long-standing disease.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of stiff hand syndrome is a limited ability to move the fingers and hand. This can make it difficult to perform tasks that require fine motor skills, such as writing or buttoning a shirt. The stiffness is usually worse in the morning and may improve slightly throughout the day. Other symptoms can include pain, swelling, and a feeling of tightness in the hand.

Causes

Stiff hand syndrome is most commonly associated with diabetes mellitus, especially in patients who have had the disease for a long time. High blood sugar levels can cause a buildup of glycosylated end products in the tissues of the hand, leading to stiffness. Other potential causes include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and scleroderma.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of stiff hand syndrome is typically based on the patient's symptoms and a physical examination. The doctor may also order blood tests to check for underlying conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs may be used to rule out other causes of hand stiffness.

Treatment

Treatment for stiff hand syndrome focuses on improving hand function and reducing stiffness. This can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and exercises to improve flexibility and strength. In some cases, medication may be used to manage underlying conditions or to reduce inflammation. Surgery may be considered in severe cases.

See also

• Diabetic hand syndrome
• Cheiroarthropathy
• Diabetes mellitus

Rheumatologic diseases

Arthritis is often used to refer to any disorder that affects the joints. Rheumatic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Rheumatologic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles.

Connective Tissue Diseases

Rheumatology and	Connective Tissue Diseases
Ankylosing spondylitis	Arthritis
Arthritis and Rheumatic diseases	Autoimmune diseases
Autoinflammatory diseases	Behçet’s disease
Bursitis	Giant cell arteritis
Gout	Juvenile arthritis
Knee problems	Lupus
Osteoarthritis	Polymyalgia rheumatica
Psoriatic arthritis	Reactive arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis	Scleroderma
Sjögren’s syndrome	Systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus)
Tendinitis	Rheumatologic diseases

Stiff hand syndrome Resources
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