If you’re experiencing pain that is severe, doesn’t improve with rest, extends to your elbow, or has become persistent; bruising or swelling; tingling sensation; and/or limited range of motion in your hand, you should consider consulting a hand surgeon for appropriate intervention.
A hand surgeon is essentially an orthopedic physician who specializes in the diagnoses, treatment, and prevention of injuries and disorders that affect the fingers, hand, wrist, elbow and all the way up to the shoulder. Examples of conditions and injuries treated by a hand surgeon include reuse syndrome injuries (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff injuries, golfer’s elbow, etc.); arthritis; hand infections and deformities, and fractures. A hand surgeon has extensive training in many delicate surgical procedures as well as in nonsurgical treatment methods, all aimed at addressing the symptoms and restoring normal hand function.
Read on to get a general understanding of what to expect at your appointment when you visit a hand surgeon.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Your hand surgeon will usually start the appointment by reviewing your medical history, including any past injuries and surgeries. They will ask about your daily activities and whether you are taking any medications, about any significant family health history, allergies, and details and duration of your symptoms.
They will then perform a thorough physical examination to evaluate your condition. This may include assessing your sensation and fine motor function, grip and strength, flexibility and range of motion, and the vascular status of the hand (color, temperature). They will also check for any obvious deformities or abnormalities.
Further diagnostic testing, such as an X-ray or blood test, may also be necessary to check for any abnormalities, and to help identify the cause of your symptoms and confirm diagnosis.
After your physical examination, and once your diagnosis has been determined, your hand surgeon will discuss their findings and create a suitable treatment plan.
Treatment for Hand Conditions and Injuries
Your treatment will vary, depending on the diagnosis and severity of your condition or injury. Usually, your hand surgeon will initially try to exhaust conservative interventions, which can include:
- Rest
- Prescription pain medications
- Hand therapy
- Splinting
- Cortisone shots (steroid injections)
- PRP therapy
Surgery may be recommended if nonsurgical treatments fail to work successfully, if there is significant damage to any of the structures of the hand or wrist, or severe deformity.
Hand Surgeon in Miami Lakes and Plantation, FL
If you are in search of a reliable hand surgeon in Miami Lakes or Plantation in Florida, visit us at The Orthopaedic Hand and Arm Center. Our board-certified hand surgeon, Dr. Tosca Kinchelow, is highly experienced in diagnosing and treating all types of hand and wrist problems, and she is committed to providing you with personalized and comprehensive care.
If you would like to find out more about our services or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kinchelow, call us today at (954) 635-5300. You can also use this secure form to request an appointment.
