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Hand and wrist pain can be debilitating, affecting your ability to perform even the simplest of tasks. Whether you’ve sustained an injury or are living with a chronic condition, seeking the help of an orthopaedic or plastic hand specialist can make all the difference. These skilled professionals have the expertise and experience to diagnose and treat a wide range of hand and wrist conditions, from fractures and sprains to arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
By seeking help early and working closely with a hand and wrist surgeon, you can enjoy pain-free hands and improved mobility, allowing you to live your life to the fullest. In this article, we will explore the causes and symptoms of hand pain and why you might require special treatment for them.
Common Hand Conditions: Causes and Symptoms
The hand is one of the most important parts of the body and is essential for performing everyday tasks. However, there are a number of common hand conditions that can cause pain and discomfort, affecting your ability to perform even the simplest of things. Here are five of the most common hand conditions, along with their causes and symptoms:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the wrist and hand. It occurs when the median nerve runs from the forearm into the hand and becomes compressed or squeezed. Symptoms include pins and needles, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist and commonly waking from sleep.
- Trigger Finger: Trigger finger is a condition in which a finger becomes stuck in a bent position. It is caused by inflammation of the tendons that control finger movement. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, weakness and a popping or clicking sensation when moving the affected finger.Early trigger finger can present with just pain or a swelling sensation prior to catching or locking.
- Dupuytren’s Contracture: Dupuytren’s disease affects the connective tissue in the hand. It causes the fingers to bend towards the palm and can make it difficult to straighten them. The cause of this condition is genetic in nature, and it is more common in men over the age of 40.
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It causes pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the thumb. It is often caused by overuse of the wrist and thumb, such as repetitive movements or gripping, and is very common in new mothers who do a lot of repetitive lifting!
- Arthritis: Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints. It can affect the hands and wrists, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. There are many different types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis) and inflammatory arthritis for example rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek the help of a hand and wrist professional. They can diagnose the condition and recommend a personalised treatment plan to help you regain optimal hand health and function.
The Importance of Seeking Treatment for Hand Pain and Discomfort
Hand pain and discomfort can have a significant impact on your daily life. Whether it’s due to an injury, a chronic condition, or simply overuse, experiencing pain in your hands can make it difficult to perform even the simplest of tasks. That’s why seeking treatment for hand discomfort is so important.
Ignoring hand and wrist pain can lead to further damage and may even result in permanent disability. In some cases, untreated hand conditions can cause irreversible damage to the nerves, muscles, or tendons in the hand, making it difficult to use it properly.
Seeking treatment for wrist pain can also help to prevent the condition from worsening. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and prevent further damage from occurring. By working with hand and wrist specialists, you can receive personalised care and treatment that is tailored to your specific condition and needs.
Treatment for hand pain can include a range of non-surgical and surgical options, depending on the underlying cause of the pain. Non-surgical treatments may include medications, splints or braces, physical therapy, or corticosteroid injections. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying issue and restore optimal hand function.
In addition to alleviating pain and discomfort, seeking treatment for wrist and hand pain can also help to improve your quality of life. By regaining optimal hand function, you can perform everyday tasks with greater ease and independence, improving your overall sense of well-being and reducing your reliance on others for help.
Why Orthopaedic or Plastic Hand Specialists Are the Experts You Need
Orthopaedic and Plastic hand specialists are medical professionals who specialise in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions that affect the hand, wrist, and arm. They are experts in the musculoskeletal system, with specialised training in hand and upper extremity conditions.
These specialists are uniquely qualified to provide the specialised care that is needed for hand and wrist conditions. They are familiar with the complex anatomy of the hand and wrist and have extensive experience in treating a wide range of conditions that can affect these areas.
In addition to their specialised training, they use the latest diagnostic tools and techniques to accurately diagnose and treat hand conditions. They work closely with their patients to develop personalised treatment plans that take into account their individual needs and goals.
Hand and wrist surgeons also have experience in performing complex surgical procedures on these areas. They have the knowledge and expertise to perform delicate operations, such as nerve repair and reconstruction, microsurgery, and joint replacement surgery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are experiencing hand pain or discomfort, don’t delay seeking help from a hand and wrist specialist. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can regain optimal hand health and function, and get back to enjoying the things you love to do.
