Hosea Angiela Ibanez

When to Visit a Hand Surgeon Source We need our ​hands in everything we do, from when we wake up in the morning to the time we go to sleep. However, problems may arise if we do not take care of our hands. Because we use them in many of our activities, our hands are prone to wear-and-tear damage and injury. When you injure your hand or feel unbearable pain that rest and medications cannot address, you may need to visit a hand surgeon. Here are some conditions and their symptoms that may need the attention of a hand surgeon. Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and it worsens over time and with the repetitive use of your fingers, hand, or wrist. Osteoarthritis is the “wear and tear” of the joints that causes swelling and pain on our hands or wrists, affecting the way we perform our daily activities. If osteoarthritis is left untreated, your condition will only get worse and may cause significant joint dysfunction or even disability. You may need to visit a hand surgeon if this is the case. They can remove loose pieces of bone and cartilage in the joint space, reposition the bones, or perform joint resurfacing. The main options for hand arthritis are fusion and arthroplasty. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Carpal tunnel syndrome is another common condition that affects both the hand and wrist and may radiate up to the shoulders. It occurs when the median nerve is compressed. Rheumatoid arthritis, joint dislocation, and fractures can be some of the causes for the tunnel to narrow. You may experience numbness, tingling, and pain. Treating CTS can be done without the need for surgery. Some treatments may include wearing splints, and doctors may prescribe over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to alleviate the pain and swelling. However, if the symptoms get worse or the medications do not work, a hand surgeon may recommend an open release surgery or endoscopic carpal tunnel release. Hand Fractures Hand fractures may occur due to a fall, sports injury, crush injury, or twisting your hand. Some cases won’t require surgery; however, you need to visit a hand surgeon for open fractures and broken bones that need realignment and stability. Your surgeon will make an incision on the injured area to realign the bone fragments using devices such as screws, pins, and plates. Following your surgery, your ​doctor​ may require you to use a cast to avoid any changes while you heal. Dupuytren’s Contracture If your hands seem to be stuck in a curled position, consult with your doctor right away. This symptom may be due to a condition called Dupuytren’s contracture. It occurs when the tissues underneath the skin in the palm of our hands thicken. The thickened tissues may cause your fingers to bend inward toward your palm. Dupuytren’s contracture typically develops slowly over the years. Unfortunately, there is no means to stop the progression of Dupuytren’s contracture. Doctors may inject pain relievers from time to time, but hand surgery may be required to restore your hands’ normal condition. Hand Surgeon in Missouri Our hands, just like any part of our body, need tender loving care. If you are experiencing any of the conditions above, don’t let pain prevent you from doing what you love. Immediately visit a hand surgeon in your area. Advanced Bone & Joint is here to help you restore the condition of your hands and promote wellness through innovative treatment and personalized patient care. We provided quality services to treat your bone or joint injuries through our ​providers​, who are among the most respected in the St. Louis region. To know more about our services, call us at ​-​, or you may ​request an appointment online​.