When pain or discomfort in your hands affects your daily life, consulting a hand specialist in San Antonio can be life-changing. From minor injuries to chronic conditions, experienced hand specialists provide targeted care to improve function and relieve discomfort.
Let us explore the most common conditions treated by hand specialists, their symptoms, and how specialized care could help.
What Does a Hand Specialist Treat
Hand specialists focus on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the hand, wrist, and forearm. These professionals are orthopedic surgeons who have advanced training in hand-related issues.
Whether you have hand pain, stiffness, or swelling, a skilled hand specialist in San Antonio can help by creating a treatment plan tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle, and health goals.
Common Conditions Treated by Hand Specialists
The most common hand conditions that a hand specialist in San Antonio treats are the following:
1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve that runs in your wrist becomes compressed, leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. This condition is often caused by repetitive hand and wrist movements or underlying health issues such as diabetes or arthritis.
A hand specialist can provide treatments that include wrist splints, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, carpal tunnel release surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve.
2. Fractures and Dislocations
Fractures in the hand or wrist are common injuries resulting from falls, sports accidents, or trauma. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and severe hand pain.
Hand specialists provide treatments such as immobilization with casts, splints, or braces. For complex fractures, corrective surgeries may be necessary to realign bones.
3. Trigger Finger
Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, occurs when a finger becomes stuck in a bent position. This happens due to the inflammation of tendons, often caused by repetitive gripping motions.
Hand specialists recommend options like steroid injections, stretching, and, when needed, surgery to release the affected tendon sheath.
4. Arthritis in the Hand
Arthritis can greatly impact mobility and daily function, especially when it affects the hands. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types of arthritis in the hand.
Symptoms include hand joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Treatments include anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen, hand therapy, corticosteroid injections, or surgical interventions for advanced cases.
5. Tendon Injuries
Tendon injuries, such as tendonitis or tendon tears, are common among individuals who engage in repetitive motions. These injuries can limit the hand’s ability to move and cause significant discomfort.
Hand specialists may recommend rest, immobilization, physical therapy, or in some cases, surgical repairs.
6. Nerve Injuries
Nerve injuries in the hand, such as brachial plexus injuries, often lead to pain, numbness, or loss of function. Restoring nerve function requires prompt attention.
Hand specialists use diagnostic tools to evaluate the severity of the injury and provide treatments ranging from splints and therapy to surgical interventions.
7. Ganglion Cysts
Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled lumps that typically form near joint or tendon sheaths in the wrist or hand. While they are generally harmless, they can cause pain and restrict motion.
Treatment options provided by hand specialists in San Antonio include aspiration, splinting, or cyst removal surgery.
When to See a Hand Specialist in San Antonio
Do not ignore persistent pain, swelling, or reduced hand functionality. These symptoms could be indicators of a condition that might worsen without hand treatment.
Hand specialists offer both surgical and non-surgical solutions designed to restore your mobility and quality of life.
If lifestyle changes or over-the-counter remedies are no longer providing relief, consult a hand specialist to discuss your treatment options.
What to Expect During Your Visit
When visiting a hand specialist in San Antonio, you can expect the following steps during your care experience:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Your specialist will assess your symptoms, medical history, and current health to develop a care plan.
- Advanced Diagnostics: Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans may be recommended to pinpoint the issue.
- Tailored Treatment Plan: Your specialist will craft a plan that could include therapy, medication, or surgery, depending on your condition.
Advanced care means better outcomes, so take advantage of the professional expertise available to you locally.
Hand Specialist in San Antonio, TX
At the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, we understand how discomfort or impaired mobility in your hands can affect your everyday activities. Our team of board-certified hand specialists in San Antonio is here to offer personalized care for everything from trigger finger to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Schedule an appointment with one of our hand specialists and experience compassionate, patient-centered care today. Call us today at (210) 692-7400 or fill out our appointment request form to schedule your visit with our hand doctors.
We look forward to serving you!
