Hand and Wrist Surgery
What is Hand and Wrist Surgery?
Hand and wrist surgery encompasses a range of surgical procedures aimed at treating conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm. These surgeries can be performed for various reasons, including trauma, degenerative diseases, congenital conditions, and repetitive stress injuries. The goal is to relieve pain, restore function, and improve the quality of life.
How to diagnose Hand and Wrist Surgery? When to consult a doctor?
The doctor will review your medical history and ask about symptoms, previous injuries, and the impact on daily activities. A thorough examination of the hand and wrist will be conducted to assess range of motion, strength, and areas of tenderness.
You should consult a doctor if:
- Persistent Pain: Ongoing pain that interferes with daily activities or does not respond to rest or over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Numbness or Tingling: Symptoms that persist or worsen, especially if they affect the fingers or hand.
- Inability to Move: Difficulty moving the fingers or wrist, particularly after an injury.
- Swelling: Noticeable swelling or deformity in the hand or wrist.
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Causes
- Broken bones in the hand or wrist due to trauma, such as falls or accidents.
- Inflammation of the tendons, often resulting from overuse or repetitive motions (e.g., De Quervain's tenosynovitis).
- Compression of the median nerve in the wrist, causing pain, tingling, or numbness in the hand.
- Degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain and limit movement in the hand and wrist.
- Damage to nerves in the hand or wrist, which can lead to weakness, numbness, or pain.
Symptoms
- Chronic Pain
- Swelling
- Numbness or Tingling
- Visible Deformities
- Weakness
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery time varies by procedure but generally ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the surgery and the individual's health.
Most patients benefit from physical or occupational therapy to regain strength, mobility, and function after surgery.
Risks include infection, nerve damage, stiffness, pain, and complications from anesthesia.