While difficulty making a fist may seem like an issue that just involves the hands and arms, it turns out that grip strength problems may be a sign of a more serious issue. Harvard Health Publishing noted that decreased grip strength was linked to a 17 percent increased risk of dying from a heart attack, and a 7-9 percent increased risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke in the next four years.

Whatever the case may be, people in the Marietta and Atlanta, GA area should take changes to the health of the hands seriously. Dr. Steven Bailey and the team at The Hand Center at Crawford Plastic Surgery would like to go over some causes of reduced grip strength. If you have problems making a fist, our team is here to help.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve, which runs through the forearm into the hand. The nerve passes through the carpal tunnel, which is a narrow passageway on the palm side of the wrist. When the median nerve is compressed, it can cause pain as well as weakness in the hands and fingers.

Arthritis

Arthritis refers to different conditions in which the joints become inflamed. Arthritis of the hands can lead to joint pain, changes in grip strength, and the inability to make a fist. Osteoarthritis is the result of long-term wear on the cartilage of the joints in the hand. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that often affects smaller joints of the body.

Sprains and Ligament Injuries

Ligaments are the structures that hold the bones and cartilage in place at a joint. When you suffer a sprain or other type of ligament injury, it can lead to serious discomfort while trying to use the affected joint. Sprains of the fingers and other structures of the hand could result in weak grip strength and the inability to make a fist.

Tendon Injuries

Tendons are the structures that connect the muscles to the bones. When your tendons are injured, performing certain actions such as making a fist can be difficult. We’ve previously looked at problems bending the thumb and problems bending the fingers, and tendon injuries came up a lot in these cases.

Nerve Injuries

In addition to the median nerve, conditions that affect the radial and ulnar nerves can result in reduced grip strength. For example, the ulnar nerve (the other major nerve of the hand) runs from the neck down through the arm to the pinky and ring fingers. Ulnar nerve entrapment occurs when this nerve is compressed by the structures of the wrist or arm. It can lead to altered grip strength and tingling in the ring finger and pinky.

Learn More About Treating Hand and Wrist Conditions

If you would like more information about treating hand and wrist problems, be sure to contact a skilled hand and wrist surgeon. The team at The Hand Center at Crawford Plastic Surgery is here to help you experience restored grip strength and better overall health.