Our hands have incredible precision and skill. They enable us to perform many daily tasks. No matter what we do, our hands keep us functional and independent. When injuries or conditions in the hand disrupt this complex machine, their impact can be significant. The expertise of an orthopedic hand surgeon can be invaluable in such cases. In this article, you will learn why hand health is so important and when to consult with an orthopedic hand doctor.

Hand Anatomy in Complexity

The human hand is incredibly complex. The hand is made up of a number of bones, ligaments, and tendons, as well as muscles and nerves that all work together in harmony. This complexity leaves hands vulnerable to many injuries and diseases that can impact both the form and functionality.

Common Hand Injuries and Conditions

Accidents, excessive use, aging, or other medical conditions can cause hand injuries, conditions, and diseases. Here are common issues that may require the help of an orthopedic hand surgeon.

  • Breakage: Hand and wrist fractures can result from trauma or accidents. Fractures can result in pain, deformity, as well as limited hand mobility.
  • Injuries to Tendons: They connect muscles with bones and are the cause of hand movements. Injuries like tendonitis and tears of the tendon can negatively impact hand function and cause pain.
  • Nerve Compaction: Conditions such as the cubital tube syndrome and radial tube syndrome can cause pain in the hands and result in loss of sensation.
  • Dupuytren’s contraction: A condition where the fingers are bent toward the palm due to the thickening of the connective tissues.
  • Ganglion Cysts: The lumps that can form in the palm and cause pain are non-cancerous.

When to Consult with an Orthopedic Hand Specialist?

Understanding when to consult an orthopedics hand surgeon is essential for timely diagnosis. Following are some scenarios when consulting a Hand Surgeon is recommended.

  1. Swelling: Severe swelling in the wrist or fingers or persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest and over-the-counter Treatment may warrant evaluation by hand surgeons.
  2. Functional Loss: When you experience significant hand dysfunction, such as difficulty gripping, the inability to do daily tasks, or a weakening of your hand, it is essential to consult a surgeon.
  3. Tingle or Numbness: Consistent numbness is required by hand specialists, especially when it’s accompanied by muscle atrophy.
  4. Deformities Visible: A hand surgeon should examine any deformities visible, unusual lumps on the hands or fingers or any changes to their shape or alignment.
  5. Injuries: Traumatic injuries such as fractures, dislocations, and deep cuts to the fingers or hands require immediate medical attention. A hand surgeon can provide the proper diagnosis.
  6. Contact Conditions: If you have a chronic condition like arthritis that causes pain and disability on a regular basis, it is best to consult a hand surgeon who specializes in treating this issue.
  7. Failed Treatment: if conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or splinting have not helped your condition, you may want to consult a doctor for a more thorough evaluation and possible surgical options.

Hand health plays a vital role in our independence and overall quality of life. Consultation with an orthopedic hand specialist is usually the best option when it comes to hand injuries and conditions. These specialists are equipped with a wealth of expertise in diagnosing, treating, and managing hand-related issues. They strive to restore function and alleviate patients’ pain. You can benefit from timely consultations with hand surgeons, whether you are dealing with a new hand injury or chronic hand conditions.