Several injuries and disorders can affect the hand leading to pain and limited function. It is very important to see an orthopedic hand surgeon diagnose and treat the issue before it aggravates correctly. In this blog, Dr. Hillard, a wrist surgeon in Dallas of North Texas Hand Center, P.A., explains what an orthopedic hand surgeon is and when you should see one.
What is a hand specialist?
A hand surgeon or a Hand specialist can be an orthopedic, plastic, or general surgeon specializing in the surgery of the hand. They are qualified to perform surgeries but can also treat problems using non-invasive methods.
What to expect from the hand surgeon?
- Review of your medical history
- Discussion of your daily activities involved
- Discussion of a possible cause of injury
- Examining hand, wrist, and forearm
- X Rays and other tests
- Treatment plans that will be involved
Symptoms that indicate you require treatment:
- Experiencing discomfort while resting the hand
- Symptoms do not improve with rest
- Pain or stiffness which increases with activities
- Difficulty doing everyday activities
- Pain around and near the elbow
- Redness that does not go away
- Swelling that does not reduce
- Swelling increases with time
- Limited motion of hands
- The grip is not strong while holding anything
- Muscle tone is not proper
- A feeling of numbness in the hand
Common conditions of the hand treated by Dr. Hillard:
- Arthritis
- Wrist pain
- Trigger and jammed fingers
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
- Broken hands and wrists
- Creating fingers from toes and other joints
- Sports injuries
- Reattach a finger or a hand
- Tendon repair
- Nerve damage
- Joint replacement
- Realignment and fixation
And many others.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by strain or pressure on the median nerve. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of the hand. When the median nerve is compressed, symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm are seen.
- Cubital tunnel syndrome happens when a particular nerve known as the ulnar nerve, passing through the cubital tunnels on the insides of the elbow, is injured and becomes inflamed and irritated.
What questions should you ask?
Always make sure to ask questions regarding the potential complications after the procedure. The recovery period after a surgery is performed and the kind of therapy involved to make you recover faster. You can also talk to other specialists to get a second opinion.
Treatment options for hand injuries-
Non-surgical treatments for hand injury:
- Medication
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Surgical treatments include
- Carpal tunnel surgery
- Wrist arthroscopy
- Re-plantation
- Tendon transfer surgery
Occupational therapy in Dallas, TX:
Helen Prentice has extensive experience in post-operative and post-trauma therapies. Her treatments are individual-specific and are based on a comprehensive initial evaluation.
Hand surgeon in Dallas, TX:
North Texas Hand Center, P.A. is a premier hand center in Dallas, serving patients of all ages in the North Texas Hand center areas. We are highly committed to providing the most personal and individualized care to every patient. You can mail us at shannon@ntxhand.com or call (940) 442-6760.