Our hands make everyday life possible. In both work and play, it’s easy to take our hands for granted. However, they are not immune to disease, overuse, and injury. If your hands get injured or damaged, it’s time to visit a hand surgeon in Boca Raton, FL.
A hand surgeon can diagnose and treat a wide range of upper extremity problems, which include the following common conditions:
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis. This condition causes the cartilage lining your joints to wear down. Although it usually affects weight-bearing joints, like your hips and knees, your hands and wrists are not immune from this degenerative disease. Osteoarthritis can cause pain, inflammation, and loss of motion in your knuckles, fingers, and wrist.
A hand surgeon in Boca Raton, FL, can prescribe pain medication and physical therapy as first-line treatment for mild cases of hand osteoarthritis. If you don’t respond to conservative treatments, your hand specialist may recommend surgery. The exact surgical procedure will depend on the location and extent of cartilage damage.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by the constriction of the median nerve and usually happens when the tissues and tendons in the wrist become inflamed.
Your median nerve is responsible for sensation and muscle movement. So, when you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you may experience the following symptoms in your hand:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Pain
Most patients also find it hard to grasp items properly and lose a sense of feeling in their fingers.
Fortunately, most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated using non-surgical methods. Your hand surgeon may encourage you to wear a splint and take anti-inflammatory medications to relieve painful symptoms.
Your doctor will only recommend surgery if your carpal tunnel syndrome becomes advanced. During carpal tunnel release surgery, your doctor makes a small incision to widen the carpal tunnel and reduce pressure on the median nerve.
Fractures
The hands are a common site of injury, especially during sports and other physical activities. If you fall and use your hands to soften the impact, the bones in your hands and fingers can fracture. For a mild to moderate fracture, your hand surgeon may advise you to wear a cast or brace while it heals.
Your doctor will recommend surgery if you sustained an open or compound fracture. This kind of fracture happens when the break in your skin is located near the broken bone. Sometimes, surgery may be required if there’s significant damage to the surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and ligaments, or if the bone shatters into multiple pieces.
Work-Related Injuries
Individuals doing manual labor are more likely to injure their hands on the job. A puncture wound can become an entryway for harmful bacteria. To treat hand infections, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics and medications. They can also recommend safety practices and workplace adjustments to reduce your risk of occupational injuries in the future.
A hand surgeon can also treat nerve damage caused by cuts, pressure, stretching, and crush injuries. Mild cases of nerve injuries heal on their own, but fourth and fifth-degree injuries require surgical repair. The type of surgery you need will depend on the extent of the damage to the nerves and the size of the gap between the severed nerve ends.
To help you with your work-related injuries, Dr. Steve Meadows offers workers’ comp services.
Hand Surgeon In Boca Raton, FL
Most people tend to take their hands for granted. Even though we rely heavily on our hands for everyday life, we only think about them when something is amiss. If you want to learn how to take better care of your hands, going to a hand doctor is an excellent place to start.
If you’re looking for an expert hand surgeon in Boca Raton, FL, look no further than South Palm Orthopedics. Our team is led by Dr. Steve Meadows, who has more than 25 years of clinical experience treating hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder problems.
Dr. Meadows uses state-of-the-art technology to provide exceptional hand care to the residents of the Boca Raton area. He also specializes in workers’ compensation injuries. He has helped countless people recover from work-related injuries and get their workers’ compensation evaluations.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Meadows, call us today at 561-496-6622 or fill out our online appointment request form. We also serve Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, and surrounding areas in Palm Beach County. Give us a call today, and let us give your hands the care they deserve!
