As your hands are extremely important when it comes to your ability to function, do not take them for granted. Learn about how a hand surgery specialist can help you if problems develop.
Imagine trying to perform your usual daily activities without the use of your hands. With that sobering thought in mind,
hopefully you recognize how vital they are to your everyday life. Since there are many diseases, conditions, and injuries that can negatively affect them, possibly leaving you disabled and out of a job, you should enlist the services of a specialist promptly if you develop pain or other symptoms in your extremities.
The anatomy of your hand is complex as it is made up of a combination of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and skin. If any one of its parts is not functioning correctly, the extremity is then considered impaired. Some injuries are due to traumatic events, but others are the result of specific diseases or conditions. Whatever the cause; however, any symptoms should be evaluated and treated, preferably by a specialist in the field.
A hand surgery specialist is a general, orthopedic, or plastic surgeon who has completed medical school and then has undergone an additional year of specialized training in this field. Many of these specialists also work with elbow, shoulder, or arm problems. Although they perform operations when necessary, such as repairing ruptured tendons or nerves, that is not all they do. For example, simple fractures are set using casts and splints, and lacerations and burns are treated superficially in the office. Sometimes, they will refer you to a therapist for a strengthening and rehabilitation program when necessary.
At your appointment, the hand surgery specialist will typically examine you and provide any necessary imaging studies. He or she will then discuss your diagnosis, the different procedures that are available to you for your particular problem, and his or her treatment recommendation. All of your questions should be fully answered at this appointment. These may include concerns about possible complications, the expected length of recovery time, and the anticipated outcome. If an operation for the hands has been recommended, you will need to sign a consent form, at which time the planned surgical procedure will be explained to you at length.
Following treatment, a course of physical therapy may be prescribed so you can regain strength and functioning in your affected extremity. You will see a hand therapist for this, which is a combination of an occupational therapist and a physical therapist. This type of therapist is specifically trained to work with patients who have sustained injuries such as strains/sprains, fractures, or amputations, as well as those with arthritis or congenital deformities. In addition to treating you with strength and flexibility exercises, they will also evaluate your work capacity and make ergonomic recommendations for your occupational and home environment.
If you are experiencing pain or other symptoms in one or both hands, you should definitely see a hand surgery specialist to help diagnose and treat your problem. Do not take any chances when it comes to your hands because your quality of life will definitely suffer without the full use of these important appendages.
