Avoiding long-term complications is often a key priority when recovering from injury, and wrist injuries are a good example. There are a few resources available to you during the process of wrist injury recovery to help avoid long-term issues, and a hand doctor is often one of the top such resources.
At The Orthopaedic Center, we’re proud to offer the best hand doctor services to patients around Tulsa, Jenks, and nearby areas, including for wrist injuries of various types. Here are some basics on how common wrist injuries are and why early care matters, plus how hand doctors diagnose and treat these injuries – including some hand doctor wrist injury treatments to help avoid long-term complications of any kind.
Wrist Injury Frequency and Importance of Early Care
So how common are wrist injuries? Very common – and this is because the wrist joint, which connects your hands to your arms, is complex in its anatomy. This makes it a very versatile part of our body that allows us to do many things, like rotate, bend, and flex our hands in various directions. However, this same complexity also means that it can be easily injured because there are many small bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves that can be affected by even minor traumas or repetitive use.
And in cases where the wrist has been injured, early care and treatment are essential to avoid long-term complications and restore full function. Avoiding immediate care risks causing further damage and can even lead to permanent loss of flexibility and strength in the hand and fingers. But with immediate attention, you can typically recover full function and movement in the wrist and hand.
How a Hand Doctor Diagnoses and Treats Wrist Injuries
When you see a hand doctor for any kind of wrist injury, they will first perform a thorough examination to determine the extent of the damage and identify any other potential injuries. This may involve taking X-rays or other imaging tests to get a clear view of the bones and soft tissues in your wrist.
Once an accurate diagnosis has been made, your hand doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific injury and individual needs. This may include a combination of non-surgical methods such as immobilization, physical therapy, and medication, or surgery if necessary.
Non Surgical Options
In many cases, wrist injuries can be treated without surgery. This may involve immobilizing the wrist with a splint or cast to prevent further damage and allow it to heal properly. Your hand doctor may also recommend physical therapy exercises to improve strength and flexibility in your wrist, which can help speed up the healing process.
In addition, certain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. These can be taken orally or applied directly to the affected area in the form of creams or gels.
Surgical Options
If non-surgical methods are not effective in treating your wrist injury, your hand doctor may recommend surgery. The type of surgical procedure will depend on the specific injury and its severity. Some common surgical options for wrist injuries include arthroscopic surgery, open reduction and internal fixation, and wrist fusion.
Preventive Strategies to Avoid Long-Term Issues
In addition to the treatments above, your hand doctor may also recommend a number of preventive strategies to avoid any kind of long-term stiffness, weakness, or other complications:
- Regular stretching: One of the most important ways to prevent long-term issues with your wrist is to regularly stretch and strengthen the muscles in your hand and forearm. This can help improve flexibility and range of motion, reducing the risk of stiffness.
- Proper ergonomics: Make sure you are using proper ergonomics when performing any repetitive tasks, such as typing or using a computer mouse. This means keeping your wrists straight and avoiding excessive bending or twisting motions.
- Protective gear: If you engage in activities that put you at risk for wrist injuries, such as sports or manual labor, make sure to wear appropriate protective gear. This can include wrist guards, gloves, or other equipment designed to support and protect your wrists.
- Rest and recovery: Just like any other part of your body, your wrists need time to rest and recover after a period of repetitive use. Make sure to take breaks throughout the day to give your wrists a break from typing or using tools.
Role of Therapy and Follow-Up Care in Wrist Injury Recovery
In some cases, follow-up physical therapy and related care may be recommended for individuals who have experienced a wrist injury. This can provide continued support and guidance as the individual works towards regaining full strength and function in their wrists.
As you can see, a hand doctor plays a key role in helping avoid long-term complications during wrist injury recovery. To learn more about this, or to schedule an appointment with one of our hand doctors as a patient around Tulsa, Jenks, or nearby areas, contact our team at The Orthopaedic Center today.