Hand and wrist pain can be caused by certain conditions. However, it can be difficult to accurately determine what condition you have. A hand surgeon’s expertise is in diagnosing and treating upper extremity conditions affecting the area from the shoulder down to the hand. These doctors train for years and have many tools they can use to make an accurate diagnosis of upper extremity conditions.
While there are many things you can do to ease your symptoms at home, as a trained medical professional, nothing can replace a hand surgeon’s expertise. In this article, we discuss some of the signs and symptoms that suggest it’s time to see a hand surgeon, and where you can go in Plantation and Miami Lakes, Florida, to consult with an experienced hand specialist.
#1 Severe Pain
If you experience severe, persistent pain in your hand or wrist, especially if it interrupts your daily activities or wakes you up at night, it may be a sign that you should consult a hand surgeon. Pain that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter medication warrants professional evaluation.
#2 An Obvious Deformity
Any visible deformity in the structure of the hands or fingers, such as abnormal growths or bony protrusions, should prompt a visit to a hand surgeon. Obvious deformities can be the result of arthritis or a fracture, and early intervention is important for a better outcome from treatment.
#3 An Inability to Move Normally
Difficulty moving your upper extremities as you normally would with normal range of motion is best brought to the attention of a hand surgeon. Impaired mobility can be caused by problems with the joints or tendons. If one or more of your fingers has contracted and you are unable to straighten them, you could have Dupuytren’s contracture, which starts out as a firm lump in the hand from a thickening palmar fascia.
#4 Numbness and Tingling
Noticeable numbness or tingling sensations in the hands may be due to nerve compression. One very common hand condition is carpal tunnel syndrome, where the median nerve is compressed in the carpal tunnel where it passes through. Carpal tunnel syndrome needs a hand surgeon’s expertise for an evaluation.
#5 A Weakening Grip
If you notice yourself dropping objects or being unable to grip objects, such as a coffee cup, you may have a weak grip. This is another symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome, and a weakening grip is usually a more advanced symptom of the condition. A hand surgeon can make recommendations to strengthen your grip or perform advanced minimally invasive surgery to release pressure on the median nerve.
#6 A Sports Injury
Some of the most common sports injuries of the upper extremities that hand surgeons treat are overuse injuries, such as tendinitis and stress fractures. For individuals with active lifestyles, the proper treatment of an injury can assist with an early return to their sport or other physical activity.
#7 Hand Pain at Work
Our hands are most often used at work. Hand surgeons can create a treatment plan for you that addresses your symptoms and helps you continue doing your job. A combination of assistive devices and ergonomics, as well as hand therapy can help injured workers rehabilitate from their injuries. Just make sure you choose a hand surgeon experienced in the Florida Workers’ Compensation system.
#8 A Medical Professional’s Recommendation to Get a Hand Surgeon’s Expertise
If your primary care physician or another healthcare professional advises you to see a hand specialist, it’s important to heed their recommendation. They may have identified specific concerns or conditions that warrant the expertise of a hand surgeon for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
The Best Hand Surgeon in Plantation, FL
Dr. Tosca Kinchelow at The Orthopaedic Hand and Arm Center is experienced in providing comprehensive care for patients experiencing pain and injury in their upper extremities. Dr. Kinchelow has extensive training in the treatment of hand conditions and cutting-edge techniques in hand surgery.
Our team of hand specialists can treat many acute conditions, from sports injuries to work-related injuries, as well as chronic conditions such as arthritis. When you are in pain, it is very easy to feel like you are alone, but by choosing The Orthopaedic Hand and Arm Center, you will be supported every step of the way.
Find out how our caring team of hand experts can help you. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (954) 635-5300 or use our online form. We are looking forward to serving you.
