Causes and risk factors
Claw hand can be as a result of congenital birth defect. Common causes of claw hand include damage to the nerve either due to injury or disease like diabetes, scarring on the arm or hand due to burn injury. Damage to the nerves can be due to causes like cervical spondylosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, alcoholic neuropathy, and diabetic neuropathy.
Clinical presentation
Patient presents with curved or bent fingers. It is characterized by hyperextension of metacarpophalangeal joints and flexion of interphalangeal joint. There is loss of abduction and/or adduction of the fingers and wasting of the interosseous muscles. Numbness in the distribution of the involved nerves is experienced.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Physical examination to check the strength and flexibility of the fingers. Electromyography is recommended to check the function of the nerve.
Treatment
Nerve repair or nerve root decompression is the treatment of choice. If the nerves are irreparable or repairs have failed, tendon transfers can be considered. If surgical treatment cannot be done, rehabilitation with physiotherapy and splint may help the patient.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating claw hand. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly, the Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating claw hand.
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