Secretan’s syndrome was first described in 1901 by Henri Secretan.  It is a swelling of the back of the hand that usually occurs after trauma.  The swelling and tenderness fail to resolve and the hand remains swollen in the area and firm to the touch.  Secretan’s syndrome can be confused with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), arthritis, gout and tendinitis.  X-rays and MRIs of the hand are useful to exclude fractures and tumors in the area.  Without treatment significant loss of function of the hand may occur.  Treatment of Secretan’s syndrome begins with conservative modalities such as heat, ice, physical therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.  Injection in to the area with a local anesthetic and a steroid may decrease pain and facilitate physical therapy.