If you have a hand condition that is causing you pain, discomfort, or preventing you from carrying out your normal, day-to-day activities, a hand doctor could be the ideal solution to give you the expert care you need.
A hand doctor is an orthopedic doctor who focuses on injuries and disorders affecting the upper extremity, including problems all the way from the ends of the fingers to the elbows. They specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of many different disorders and have a profound understanding of the complex networks of ligaments, tendons, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and small bones that make up the hand and wrist. A hand doctor can work with individuals of all ages, who have a hand injury or condition and are experiencing difficulties with mobility and function as well as experiencing chronic pain.
When to See A Hand Doctor
Your hands are in constant use throughout the day and can be vulnerable to a range of conditions and injuries, such as arthritis, fractures, overuse or repetitive strain injuries, and sports and work-related injuries. Although some hand conditions and injuries may only be short-term and will go away on their own or with rest and ice therapy, other symptoms may require further investigation and treatment by a hand doctor. Professional treatment is recommended if you experience:
- Ongoing pain, discomfort, or stiffness (even when resting the hand)
- Impaired mobility, function, or reduced range of motion in the hand, wrist, or fingers
- A weak grip
- Pain, redness, or swelling that gets worse
- Pain that extends to the elbow
- Tingling or numbness regularly in the fingers or hand
- Loss of muscle tone in the hand
- Increased difficulty or pain when carrying out normal, everyday activities such as cooking
Some symptoms may indicate a serious hand disorder such as a fracture or dislocation, which will require urgent treatment. Signs may include severe pain, swelling, and bruising, an obvious deformity, or an inability to move your hand, wrist, or fingers normally.
Choosing A Hand Doctor
There are a number of key factors to take into account when accessing appropriate care for your hand disorder in order to treat it effectively.
Do Your Research
When choosing a hand doctor, it is important to do your research to ensure you get the professional treatment you require. Use legitimate sites to check a provider’s reputation. Read reviews, feedback, and any other relevant information about the provider.
Choose a Board-Certified Hand Doctor
The hand and wrist are complex structures that require advanced training and specialization. In order to diagnose and treat hand and wrist disorders successfully, you should find a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has the essential skills and knowledge to care for all types of injuries and conditions.
Range of Treatment Options
Many conditions affecting the hand and wrist will not require surgery. A good hand doctor will always explore all nonsurgical treatments before considering surgery to treat your condition. Nonsurgical treatments may include hand therapy, corticosteroid injections, PRP therapy, biologic treatments, arthrocentesis, and electrotherapy.
Convenience
The location of your hand doctor is important when accessing treatment. Choose a hand doctor offering high-quality care that is convenient and easy to access, as you may need to attend more than one appointment as part of your treatment.
Ask Questions
Having a good rapport with your health provider is key. No matter how qualified your hand doctor is, if you don’t trust or feel comfortable with them, it may affect your treatment and hinder your chances of a successful recovery. Feel free to ask direct questions about the treatments and services they provide, possible complications if surgery is recommended, their level of experience, and how many times they have performed the specific procedure recommended. Communicating concerns, feeling listened to, and being happy and willing to follow your doctor’s advice is important to managing your condition successfully.
Hand Doctor in Pembroke Pines and Lauderdale Lakes, Florida
If you have hand or wrist pain, speak to the professionals at Total Orthopaedic Care to get the care you need. Our hand doctors can successfully diagnose and treat even the most complex hand and upper extremity disorders using a range of nonsurgical and surgical treatments.
To find out more or to make an appointment with one of our experts, call us today at (954) 735-3535 or use our online appointment request form. We have two convenient offices to serve you in Pembroke Pines or Lauderdale Lakes, Florida,
