Hand Trauma, Infections, and Other Scenarios Warrant a Prompt Response
Brushing your teeth, using a smartphone, drinking a cup of coffee, taking a shower, getting dressed — these are all activities you do every day. Now imagine trying to do them without the full use of your hands.
This bleak scenario isn’t beyond the realm of possibility. Millions of Americans experience hand conditions that cause pain and limit their ability to perform daily activities. While some conditions are mild or temporary, others are severe and require prompt treatment from an orthopedic hand doctor.
How can you tell if you require critical care?
Let’s explore the signs and symptoms of severe hand conditions that warrant contacting a hand doctor in Wichita, KS.
Severe Trauma Requires Immediate Attention From a Hand Doctor
Some hand conditions are difficult to self-diagnose. Hand trauma isn’t one of them. A fractured, crushed, or severely injured hand requires immediate medical attention. If left untreated, it can cause permanent stiffness, loss of function, or chronic pain.
Common signs of hand trauma include:
- Intense pain or swelling after an accident.
- Visible deformity, such as a crooked finger or a bone piercing through the skin.
- Inability to move fingers or grip objects.
- Severe bruising or deep lacerations.
If you suspect a fracture or serious injury, contact an orthopedic hand doctor right away for an expert evaluation. Be prompt and proactive. Delaying treatment can cause further complications or irreparable damage.
Hand Infections Require Immediate Medical Attention
Similar to hand trauma, hand infections warrant prompt medical care. A hand infection can rapidly spread, causing serious complications like permanent tissue damage, sepsis, or loss of function.
Contact a hand doctor if you experience:
- Swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area.
- Severe pain that quickly intensifies.
- Pus or drainage from a wound.
- Fever, chills, or overall illness.
Hand infections are especially dangerous because of how quickly they can escalate. Delaying treatment can permanently damage tendons, joints, and tissues, so don’t hesitate to call a doctor and request a same-day appointment. Every second counts in these scenarios.
Contact a Hand Doctor For Advanced Arthritis That Affects Function
Arthritis in the hands can be debilitating, especially when left untreated. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis can destroy cartilage, weaken and deteriorate joints, and cause intense pain and stiffness.
Schedule a hand doctor appointment if you experience:
- Severe pain and stiffness that lasts for hours or worsens over time.
- Swelling, redness, or warmth around the joints.
- Limited ability to grip objects, button clothes, or perform daily tasks.
- Knobby or deformed joints from bone deterioration.
Time is of the essence when dealing with arthritis. Although arthritis can’t be cured, a hand doctor can slow down its progression with treatment options such as anti-inflammatory medications, splinting, physical therapy, and, as a last resort, surgery.
Schedule a Hand and Wrist Doctor Consultation For Nerve Issues
Hand nerves control sensation and movement. When nerves are compressed or damaged, it can cause numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.
Contact a hand and wrist doctor if you experience:
- Tingling, burning, or numbness in your fingers, palm, or wrist.
- Weak grip strength or inability to hold objects.
- Sharp, radiating pain from the wrist to the fingers.
- Loss of coordination or fine motor control.
Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and peripheral neuropathy cause long-term issues if ignored. A hand and wrist doctor can diagnose and treat nerve issues, helping restore function and avoid surgery.
Call a Hand Doctor For Severe Tendon Issues Affecting Movement
Tendons in the hand and wrist connect muscles to bones, enabling movement and flexibility. Tendonitis, ruptures, or trigger finger can cause pain, swelling, and restricted motion, making everyday tasks more difficult.
Contact an orthopedic hand doctor if you experience:
- Sharp pain and swelling in your hand or wrist.
- Difficulty straightening or bending your fingers.
- A popping or locking sensation in the fingers.
- Worsening pain with movement or gripping objects.
A hand doctor can provide non-surgical treatments like splinting, injections, or physical therapy. Advanced tendon conditions may require surgery.
Don’t Delay Treatment. Contact Our Hand Doctors In Wichita, KS.
Persistent pain, swelling, numbness, or loss of hand function warrant prompt attention and expert care. By contacting a hand doctor, you can prevent complications and ensure proper healing so you can regain full use of your hand.
The hand doctors at Mid-America Orthopedics have the experience and resources to treat any critical hand condition. However, the one thing we can’t create is more time.
That’s why it’s crucial to contact us the moment you notice the telltale signs of a hand condition. A prompt response combined with professional treatment is the best way to minimize your suffering, prevent the problem from worsening, and put you on track to reclaim full use of your hands.
Call (316) 630-9300 to schedule a same-day or next-day appointment with one of our hand and wrist doctors.