When Do You Need Hand Surgery?
Hand injuries are extremely common. While some are mild in nature, others require surgical intervention. However, people often feel nervous when thinking about having surgery. They underplay their symptoms in the hopes of receiving a nonsurgical treatment plan. In some cases, hand surgery is not optional, it’s necessary. In this article, we’ll discuss five signs that you require hand surgery.
1. You Are Unable to Use Your Hand
If you cannot use your hand because of severe pain or immobility, you may require hand surgery. Mild to moderate injuries often resolve within a few days or weeks. However, if you have trouble performing routine chores for longer than anticipated, your hand structure and functionality may have been affected. This is a cause for concern.
2. Your Symptoms Are Worsening
If your symptoms are getting worse, your injury is potentially serious. Common symptoms include dull or sharp pain when the hand is moved, swelling in the wrist and surrounding joints, stiffness, numbness, and bruising. If even one of these symptoms is showing no signs of improvement, consult a hand specialist as soon as possible.
3. Home Remedies Aren’t Working
If you have tried and failed to improve your symptoms using home remedies like ice application, elevation, and rest, your injury is serious. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative arthritis, trigger finger, and basal joint arthritis may require surgery. If you don’t have a formal diagnosis yet, get one as soon as you can.
4. Your Mental Health Is Suffering
Serious hand injuries that require surgical intervention may not heal for months. This can affect a person’s ability to work and their mental health. If you cannot perform routine tasks, you’ll feel frustrated, overwhelmed, confused, and dependent. These feelings can trigger stress, anxiety, and even depression.
If your condition worsens, it’s time to see an orthopedic hand specialist before it affects your mental health. Physical pain combined with mental and emotional stress does affect a person’s well-being. Many patients will seek a mental health specialist in addition to a surgeon while they undergo treatment for their hand issue.
5. Your Hand or Fingers Feel Weak
Hand or finger weakness is often the result of damage to the bones, tissues, tendons, or nerves. See your doctor to find out about noninvasive and surgical interventions that can help you gain relief.
If you’re looking for an experienced orthopedic hand specialist in Texas, visit the Houston Physicians’ Hospital website to learn more about your condition and related treatment. Scroll down the page to find an orthopedic hand specialist who’s right for you. This leading surgical and specialty hospital is recognized for providing award-winning care from highly skilled and compassionate professionals.
The hospital also provides Lower back pain treatments near NASA TX, noninvasive treatment for essential tremors, neurosurgical treatments, and more.
