When it comes to hand injuries, the best course of action is usually to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Hand injuries can severely impair you. Most of the time, a hand injury needs to be checked by an orthopedic doctor.
If you have sustained a hand injury, there are some signs that you need to pay attention to. If you have any of the symptoms below, it is best to have your hand checked by a hand doctor.
Severe Pain or Swelling
If your hand is swollen or painful beyond what you would expect from a minor injury, it could be an indication that something more serious has occurred. You could have fractured your hand, which needs medical attention for proper healing and to reduce the risk of complications. There is no reason to suffer in doubt when you can see a hand doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Loss of Movement
If your injured hand no longer has a normal range of motion, have it checked out by a doctor? You could have damaged bones, joints, or tendons, which are all critical structures of the hand. An orthopedic doctor can determine if the loss of movement is caused by a broken bone or something else. Even better, a doctor can restore hand function, so you can fully use your hands again.
Deformity/Bruising/Discoloration
Any deformity, bruising, discoloration, or lumps in the hand after an injury-causing incident needs to be evaluated by a medical professional who can diagnose the problem properly. Bruising may be normal after an injury and should go away in a week or two. Deformity should never be ignored. Lumps may be Ganglion cysts that can occur following trauma. All this is to say you can never be sure unless you undergo proper examination and screening.
Numbness/Tingling Sensations
If you experience numbness and tingling sensations, you could have sustained a hand nerve injury. Bruised nerves can heal on their own, but crushed or torn nerves need surgical intervention. An orthopedic surgeon has the training required to perform this surgery, if necessary.
No matter how small your injury may seem at first glance, always remember that when dealing with anything involving the hands, taking no chances by consulting with a trained professional is always a great decision. Nothing beats the care that you can get from an expert.
Experienced Hand Doctor in Maryland
At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons are fellowship trained in hand surgery, which means we are knowledgeable about the complexities of the hand and can provide a full range of treatments for patients with hand injuries. We will determine the type and extent of your injury and discuss treatment options with you. We are committed to the quick recovery of our patients.
To schedule an appointment with one of our hand surgeons, call our office today at (410) 296-6232 or use our convenient online request form.
