Benefit From the Expertise of a Hand & Wrist Specialist Near Fairfax, VA
Many injuries and conditions can affect the hand or wrist, leading to pain and reduced function. If you have a hand or wrist issue that is causing you discomfort or interfering with your daily activities, it may be time to see a specialist at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center (NOC) near Fairfax, Virginia, where you can receive the expert care you need and deserve.
What Is a Hand & Wrist Specialist?
A hand and wrist specialist is an orthopedic doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the forearm, wrist, hand or fingers. Through extensive training and focused experience, this type of medical professional has acquired an in-depth understanding of the complex blood vessels, nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones and joints that comprise this unique and intricate structure.
How Do You Know When to See a Hand & Wrist Specialist?
Some hand and wrist injuries may resolve on their own with time and rest, but others may require urgent treatment, such as a fracture or dislocation. In general, you should see a hand and wrist specialist if you experience any of the following symptoms in or around your hand or wrist:
- Severe pain, swelling or bruising
- Pain that disrupts your sleep
- Pain, redness or swelling that worsens with movement
- Reduced range of motion
- A visible deformity
- A weak grip or a tendency to drop things
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Loss of muscle tone
Common Conditions That Can Affect the Hand or Wrist
Sometimes, pain, swelling and bruising can appear immediately after a traumatic injury, such as a fall or direct blow to the hand or wrist. Other conditions gradually develop over time as a result of repetitive movements or age-related degeneration. In addition to fractures and dislocations, some common hand and wrist conditions include:
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Nerve entrapment, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome
- Tendon disorders, such as tendinitis, trigger finger and de Quervain’s tenosynovitis
- Dupuytren’s contracture
- Wrist and finger instability
- Ganglion cysts
- Wounds and infections
How Are Hand & Wrist Conditions Treated?
The hand and wrist specialists at NOC will customize your treatment plan based on your specific diagnosis, the severity of your symptoms and your preferences. We take a conservative approach to treatment and will likely suggest that you begin with non-surgical therapies, such as medications, injections, splinting and hand therapy. You might consider surgery if conservative treatment does not produce your desired results or if significant damage to your hand or wrist requires surgical repair. Surgical treatment may involve tendon repair, joint replacement, fracture repair, nerve repair or infection drainage.
Don’t allow hand or wrist pain to interfere with your active lifestyle. Contact Nirschl Orthopaedic Center today to request an appointment with an experienced hand and wrist specialist at our world-class orthopedic and sports medicine center located near Fairfax, VA.