Learn About the Conditions Hand Doctors Treat and When You Should Schedule an Exam
Your hands enable you to use silverware, drive a car, type on a keyboard, and numerous other activities that don’t seem too impressive – that is, until you can no longer do them.
A hand injury or chronic hand condition can make even the simplest of tasks seem impossible or too difficult. Fortunately, the modern medical field features healthcare professionals who specialize in specific areas of the human body, including the hand, wrist, and forearm.
Hand doctors are trained in diagnosing, treating, and managing a variety of hand conditions, helping you find relief, regain functionality, and return to the activities you love.
What Is a Hand Doctor Called?
Hand doctors are also called hand specialists, hand surgeons, and orthopedic hand doctors. However, those titles can be misleading because hand doctors don’t exclusively treat hands. They also treat wrist and forearm issues.
What Training Do Hand Doctors Receive?
Although hand doctors specialize in one area of the body, they must earn a doctorate, complete an internship and fellowship, and earn licensure and certifications to practice, the same as any other physician. The difference between a hand doctor and a primary care provider is their area of focus.
Whereas primary care providers are generalists with broad medical knowledge, hand doctors have an in-depth understanding of the complex arrangement of nerves, tendons, bones, and blood vessels that make up the hand and wrist.
To qualify to practice, hand doctors must:
- Complete a four-year college degree.
- Complete medical school.
- Complete a residency in general surgery, plastic surgery, or orthopedic surgery.
- Complete a fellowship focused on hand surgery.
- Obtain board certification in hand surgery.
- Obtain state licensure.
Conditions Hand Doctors Treat
Hand doctors treat trauma, injuries, diseases, and chronic conditions that affect the hands, including:
- Bone fractures.
- Dislocations.
- Tendon lacerations.
- Nerve injuries.
- Crush injuries.
- Sprains and strains.
- Sports-related injuries.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Cubital tunnel syndrome.
- Dupuytren’s contracture.
- Trigger finger.
- Mallet finger.
- Ganglion cysts.
- Arthritis.
- Tendonitis.
- Bursitis.
- De Quervain’s syndrome.
Treatments Hand Doctors Provide
Hand doctors help their patients regain functionality and manage pain using a variety of treatment methods, including:
- Physical therapy to improve mobility and strength.
- Ergonomic modifications to reduce strain during daily activities.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relievers to manage symptoms.
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to promote tissue healing.
- Arthroscopic procedures to repair ligaments or remove scar tissue.
- Internal or external fixation procedures to realign and stabilize broken bones.
- Joint replacement surgery for severe arthritis.
- Tendon or ligament repairs for sports-related injuries.
- Nerve decompression surgeries, such as carpal tunnel release.
Signs It’s Time to See a Hand Doctor
Addressing medical conditions during the earliest stages is the best way to minimize your pain and suffering. Consult a hand doctor if you experience:
- Severe pain, swelling, or redness in the hands.
- Reduced mobility and function, such as difficulty gripping, pinching, or performing fine motor tasks.
- Persistent pain or discomfort in your hands, wrists, or fingers that doesn’t improve with rest or home remedies.
- Visible deformities, such as swelling, lumps, or unusual bends in your fingers or wrists.
- Any suspected fractures or severe trauma to your hands or wrists.
- Sensations in your hands that indicate nerve compression or damage, such as numbness or tingling.
It can be difficult to decide between your primary care physician and a hand doctor when experiencing a hand condition. Although your primary care doctor may be able to provide some general insight, doctors for hand and wrist conditions are more qualified to diagnose injuries and chronic conditions that affect the hands.
Hand doctors are also more experienced in treating hand issues, especially conditions requiring hand surgery, such as bone fractures and advanced arthritis cases.
How to Find a Doctor For Hand Pain
Compromised hand health can affect your personal life, career, and sense of independence.
If you’re experiencing a hand issue, receiving prompt and personalized treatment is the best thing you can do.
Contact a hand doctor to schedule an exam. After providing a diagnosis, your hand doctor will develop a treatment plan that manages your symptoms and helps you avoid future complications.