An orthopedic doctor specializing in hands has focused training to treat issues with the hand, wrist, and elbow. Our hands and wrists enable us to perform many daily tasks, such as typing or opening jars. These important parts of our body allow us to do almost everything. However, problems like carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures, or arthritis can cause pain and make it hard to use them.
Seeing a specialist early can stop problems from getting worse and make recovery much better. If you feel pain, numbness, or have trouble moving your hands, it is important to get help quickly. Acting fast can lead to a quicker recovery and help you get back to your usual activities sooner.
Here is how an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hands can help.
What Does an Orthopedic Hand Surgeon Do
An orthopedic hand surgeon is a doctor who treats problems with the hand, wrist, and forearm. They are experts in the complex structure of the upper body. This means they know how bones, muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels all work together.
What Is Hand Surgery
Hand surgery includes many procedures, such as fixing tendons, repairing broken bones, and rebuilding joints.
After completing their regular orthopedic training, these doctors go through extra training. That is when they focus on hand and upper body surgery. This extra education helps them handle even the toughest cases.
Hand surgeons often work with physical and occupational therapists during treatment. This teamwork helps patients regain movement and function more effectively.
Common Conditions Treated
An orthopedic surgeon specializing in hands typically addresses the following:
Fractures and Injuries
Hand surgeons often treat broken wrists and fingers caused by falls, sports, or accidents. They also fix dislocations and torn ligaments from injuries. Proper care is important to avoid problems like stiffness or arthritis later on.
Arthritis
Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, often affects the fingers, thumbs, and wrists. It can cause pain, swelling, and trouble moving. Hand specialists provide treatments to ease symptoms and keep your hands working well.
Nerve and Tendon Problems
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common nerve issues treated by hand surgeons. They also help with cubital tunnel syndrome and tendon injuries. These problems can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness, making daily tasks harder.
Sports and Repetitive Motion Injuries
Athletes and people who do the same motions repeatedly can develop injuries like:
- Tennis elbow
- Trigger finger
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
Hand surgeons know how to treat these overuse injuries effectively.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Do you have ongoing pain, numbness, swelling, or weakness that does not improve with basic care? It is time to visit a hand surgeon. Here is what you can expect during diagnosis:
First Appointment
During your first visit, the surgeon will ask about your medical history and symptoms. They will do a detailed physical exam to check how your hand works. This includes testing grip strength, movement, and feeling in your hand.
Imaging and Tests
Your orthopedic surgeon specializing in hands may order the following:
- X-rays to find broken bones, arthritis, or other bone issues
- MRI scans for detailed images of soft tissues like tendons and ligaments
- Ultrasound to detect tendon tears or swelling
- Nerve tests to measure electrical signals for problems like carpal tunnel syndrome
A Complete Evaluation
Hand surgeons look at the entire arm, not just the problem area. They check how your hand, wrist, and elbow work together. This full evaluation helps them create a treatment plan that targets the root cause of your issue.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Your orthopedic surgeon may recommend the following treatments:
Therapy
Physical and occupational therapy can improve movement and strength. Therapists teach exercises and techniques to ease symptoms and prevent future problems.
Splints and Braces
These provide support during healing and daily activities, reducing stress on injured areas.
Medications and Injections
Anti-inflammatory drugs, creams, and steroid injections can help. They reduce pain and swelling for conditions like arthritis or tendonitis.
When Surgery Is Needed
Surgery is only considered if non-surgical treatments do not work. Most patients feel better with early, conservative care, avoiding the risks and recovery time of surgery.
Surgical Options and What to Expect
Here are some surgical procedures as well:
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Some surgeries, like arthroscopy, use small cuts and tiny cameras. Surgeons perform them to fix ligaments or remove damaged cartilage.
These methods are less scary and allow for quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery. Patients can often get back to their normal activities sooner.
Open Surgeries
For more serious issues, open surgery may be needed.
- Broken bones might require plates, screws, or pins to hold them in place.
- Tendon transfers can restore movement when tendons cannot be fixed.
- Joint reconstruction or replacement can help reduce arthritis pain and improve how the joint moves.
Recovery Time
How long it takes to recover depends on the type of surgery. Simple surgeries may need only a few weeks of healing, while more complicated ones can take several months. Rehabilitation, like physical therapy, is very important for the best recovery.
Follow-up appointments help the surgeon check your healing and address any concerns.
Orthopedic Surgeon Specializing in Hands in Miami Lakes & Plantation, FL
If you are ready to regain strength, mobility, and comfort, book a consultation with Dr. Kinchelow at The Orthopaedic Hand and Arm Center. With a focus on patient-centered care and leading medical techniques, we can help you every step of the way.
Our team will listen to your concerns, educate you on your diagnosis, and create a personalized treatment plan. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us today (954) 635-5300 or use our appointment request form.
We look forward to serving you!
