Knowing When to Seek Help From a Hand Doctor for Hand Issues
Experiencing discomfort or limitations in your hand's function can disrupt your daily life. Knowing when to consult a hand doctor is essential for getting the proper care, whether it's from an injury or a persistent condition. But what exactly is a hand doctor, and when should you consider seeing one?
What Is a Hand Doctor?
Hand doctors, often orthopedic specialists, are experts in diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm. With their deep understanding of the intricate network of tissues and bones in the hand, they provide tailored care for people of all ages dealing with hand-related issues.
Seeing a hand specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon or a hand surgeon, can offer several advantages over seeing a general doctor for hand issues:
Expertise
Hand specialists have specific training and experience in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the hands, wrists, and forearms. They possess a deeper understanding of the complex anatomy and biomechanics of the hand, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Specialized treatment options
Hand specialists are familiar with a wide range of treatment options specific to hand conditions, including conservative approaches such as physical therapy and splinting and surgical interventions if necessary. They can tailor treatment plans to address individual patient needs and preferences.
Advanced procedures
In cases where surgery is required, hand specialists are trained in advanced surgical techniques specific to hand and wrist conditions. They have the skills and experience to perform delicate procedures with precision, minimizing risks and maximizing outcomes.
Comprehensive care
Hand specialists often work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists, to provide comprehensive care for hand conditions. They can coordinate multidisciplinary treatment plans to optimize recovery and functional outcomes.
Better outcomes
Research has shown that patients receiving care from specialists tend to have better outcomes than those treated by general practitioners. Hand specialists can offer specialized expertise and personalized care, leading to improved symptom relief, functional recovery, and overall satisfaction with treatment outcomes.
While general doctors can provide initial evaluation and basic treatment for hand issues, seeing a hand specialist can offer specialized expertise and tailored care that may lead to better outcomes in the long run. If you're experiencing hand problems, consulting with a hand specialist can help ensure you receive the most tailored, appropriate, and effective care for your condition.
Meet Our Orthopaedic Hand & Wrist Specialists
Why you can trust us:
We have multiple Orthopaedic Hand & Wrist Specialists who treat hand & wrist-related injuries every day.
We believe in the power of specialization. That means that our patients receive care from doctors, therapists, and orthopaedic wrist, forearm, and hand specialists who treat orthopaedic wrist, forearm, and hand issues on a daily basis.
We have a whole-body health approach when it comes to orthopaedic hand and wrist and we will make sure that your condition is treated as thoroughly as possible so that you can get back to living life.
From arthritis to nerve problems and fractures, various conditions can affect hand health. Whether from sudden injuries or gradual wear and tear, these issues can impair function and cause discomfort.
These are some of the common hand issues that can cause pain or discomfort:
Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the hands, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist can lead to numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers.
Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the hand, such as De Quervain's tenosynovitis or trigger finger, can cause pain and limited movement.
Fractures: Broken bones in the hand, fingers, or wrist can result from trauma or repetitive stress, causing pain and swelling.
Dupuytren's Contracture: Thickening of tissue in the palm can cause fingers to bend inward, resulting in discomfort and difficulty with hand function.
Nerve Entrapment Syndromes: Conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome or radial tunnel syndrome can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand and forearm.
Ganglion Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs near joints or tendons can cause discomfort and may interfere with hand movement.
Tendon Injuries: Injuries to the flexor or extensor tendons of the hand can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty with gripping and extending the fingers.
Hand Injuries: Traumatic injuries such as lacerations, crush injuries, or dislocations can cause significant pain and functional impairment.
Wrist Instability: Weakness or laxity in the wrist ligaments can lead to pain, instability, and difficulty with activities requiring wrist movement.
Recognizing symptoms and seeking timely evaluation and treatment from a hand specialist can help alleviate pain and prevent long-term complications.
Treatment for hand conditions varies based on diagnosis and severity. In many situations these non-surgical methods are often attempted first. However, surgical intervention might be necessary if these methods prove ineffective or if significant damage exists.
Non-Surgical Hand Treatment
Therapy
Splinting
Medications
Surgical Treatment
Tendon repair
Joint reconstruction
Nerve surgery
These procedures aim to both alleviate pain and restore function, offering hope for improved quality of life.
When Should I Seek Out A Hand Doctor Near Me?
Hand pain and issues may fluctuate, potentially arising from overuse or a previous injury. Sometimes though, more attention is required.
Here are some signs that it's time to find an orthopaedic hand specialist near you:
Persistent Pain
Even when resting, ongoing discomfort in your hand warrants attention.
Limited Mobility
Difficulty moving your hand, wrist, or fingers as usual could indicate an underlying problem.
Weak Grip
Struggling to hold objects or experiencing weakness in your grip might signify an issue.
Swelling or Redness
If you're experiencing swelling or redness, especially if these symptoms worsen with activity, it may require professional evaluation.
Tingling or Numbness
Sensations of tingling or numbness in your hand or fingers can indicate nerve-related issues.
Loss of Muscle Tone
Don't discount or ignore noticeable changes in the strength or tone of your hand muscles.
Daily Tasks Becoming Challenging
If activities like brushing your hair become painful or difficult, it's time to seek help.
Lack of Improvement
If symptoms persist despite rest or self-care measures, it's wise to consult a specialist.
Your hands play a vital role in daily activities, making it crucial to address any issues affecting their function promptly. By recognizing symptoms and seeking timely care from a hand specialist, you can embark on a journey toward better hand health and overall well-being.
If you're experiencing hand and wrist pain keep these things in mind:
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye out for persistent pain, weakness, or numbness in your hand.
Seek Professional Evaluation: Don't hesitate to schedule an appointment if symptoms persist or worsen.
Explore Non-Surgical Options: Consider therapy, medications, or splinting as initial treatment avenues.
Discuss Surgical Options: If conservative treatments fail, consult your specialist about surgical options.
Follow Through with Rehabilitation: Commit to post-treatment rehabilitation for optimal recovery.
Preventive Measures: Adopt ergonomic practices and regular hand-strengthening exercises. This can help to minimize the risk of future injuries.
POA is an outcome-focused orthopaedic practice which combines Extraordinary Talent, Techniques & Tools.
