Injuries to the hand and wrist account for 11 to 20% of emergency room visits in the US, according to a National Center for Biotechnology Information study.
Although that may seem like a disproportionately high number of visits, Americans regularly suffer hand and wrist injuries at work, particularly workers in the service industry, manual laborers, and people who deal with computers. Acute or chronic hand and wrist discomfort and injuries can result from workplace accidents, repetitive wrist motions, and excessive typing. Additionally, there is a heightened risk of lower extremity injuries in numerous sports and leisure activities.
In this area, the musculoskeletal and neurological systems are connected. Therefore, determining the true cause is only sometimes simple unless you visit a specialist. It’s essential to know which doctor to see to make sure you receive the right care.
WHAT IS THE WRIST EXPERT CALLED?
Although you might be tempted to visit your primary care physician for your wrist pain, they could eventually advise seeing a specialist due to their complexity and the potential need for an orthopedic specialist for adequate diagnosis and treatment, the orthopedic systems of the hand and wrist. You may be sent to an orthopedic surgeon or a rheumatologist (joint specialist), depending on the nature of your injury or the degree of pain or damage.
The majority of hand and wrist injuries are frequently handled by orthopedic doctors or surgeons, whereas arthritis and rheumatology-related wrist discomfort is referred to and treated by a rheumatologist. Some orthopedic physicians and surgeons specialize in treating hand and wrist injuries. The network of blood arteries, bones, muscles, and ligaments surrounding the hand and wrist are well-known to these professionals. Additionally, they are pretty knowledgeable about the nerves, muscles, and tendons that make up the hand, wrist, and fingers.
These experts are adept at identifying the underlying source of the discomfort. Following a diagnosis, they develop a treatment strategy to enable their patients to live pain-free lives. These doctors rely on their expertise and knowledge to conduct thorough examinations and make precise diagnoses while treating injuries and diagnosing ailments.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF WRIST PAIN?
It is time to get therapy if you’ve had chronic pain of any kind for a prolonged period of time. Delaying a thorough diagnosis and course of treatment will only make your disease worse or lead to irreparable damage.
Here are some common causes of wrist pain and wrist injuries :
- Hand fracture
- Ulna break
- Rounded fracture
- Tendon wounds
- Torn flexor tendon
- A torn extender tendon
- Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Arthritis rheumatoid
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF WRIST PAIN
- Dull pain
- Swelling
- Pain while moving
- Tingling feeling
- Bruising
- Instability in the area
- Pendulum-like feelings
- Tenderness
- Inability to utilize the wrist or move
GET IN TOUCH WITH A HAND SPECIALIST
Orthopedic doctors and surgeons can accurately diagnose the majority of problems due to their excellent proficiency and thorough training. However, individuals who focus on hand and wrist injuries and ailments undergo training that gives them a more in-depth understanding of the causes, therapies, and cares for particular wrist problems. These surgeons and doctors go through a demanding additional two-year specialty. This equips them with the extra information and training they need to manage the hand and wrist’s complexity.
If you’ve sustained an injury in the wrist, such as a complex fracture, you should get medical help right once. It could be time to get therapy if you’ve had chronic pain of any kind for a prolonged period of time. Consult our expert at Specialty Care Clinics.
Contact: (469) 545-9983 to book your appointment.