Putting An End To Frequent Hand Or Wrist Pain
People can experience hand or wrist pain for a variety of reasons. From overuse to a fractured wrist, discomfort associated with any injury diagnosis is common. Often, at-home remedies are sufficient to reverse or prevent further damage from occurring. However, not every individual is so lucky. Sometimes, a full recovery won’t happen independently, and more serious medical interventions are needed. Here are a few signs that at-home care isn’t enough and that a medical consultation with an orthopedic surgeon is necessary.
When the pain persists
A common sign that a person should seek professional help for a wrist or hand injury is when the pain continues more than 48 hours after onset. In some cases, the discomfort might get worse, indicating that the damage has progressed. Temporary soreness is expected with a recent injury, even in overuse or repetitive injuries. However, if pain persists or changes from dull and aching to sharp and extremely uncomfortable, individuals should seek help.
Physical function is impaired
When pain impedes an individual’s ability to manage basic functions, seeking medical attention should be a priority. Common examples include no longer being able to comfortably grasp items, reduced range of motion in the fingers and wrist, and routinely avoiding activities that might aggravate symptoms. All of the above show a reduction in mobility and can negatively impact quality of life.
When a known injury exists
A person dealing with a broken bone or torn ligament or tendon should seek medical attention. While some prescribed treatments may include at-home care, failing to have the injury inspected by a medical professional could delay healing. More importantly, conditions like broken bones need to be set correctly to ensure that an individual can return to previous activity levels with bones that have healed and are in proper alignment.
When the problem returns
Not all hand and wrist issues start out requiring an orthopedic surgeon. Conditions are often progressive or initially clear up, only to return later. A person who has already tried previous solutions like physical therapy, adjusting routines, corticosteroid shots, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications to control discomfort may find that a surgical solution is the only one that provides true relief.
How an orthopedic surgeon can help
Sometimes, surgery is the only option to treat more stubborn conditions. An orthopedic surgeon may recommend a variety of solutions depending on the severity of a patient’s condition. For example, an arthroscopy may be suggested to remove damaged or torn tissue. Similarly, a carpal tunnel diagnosis may improve after undergoing a keyhole surgery to prevent medial nerve compression. Ultimately, taking a proactive approach to addressing hand or wrist pain is vital for individuals who want to fully recover and get back to previous activity levels.
