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Hand injuries are painful and can prevent you from performing routine activities like typing, driving, or holding utensils. At his practice in New Port Richey, Florida, John B. Fuller, MD, provides complete care for hand injuries. He uses conservative therapies and minimally invasive surgery to relieve pain and restore mobility. Call the office today to schedule hand injury treatment, or book your appointment online.
Hand Injuries Q&A
What are hand injuries?
Hand injuries damage the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and/or ligaments in your fingers, hands, and wrists. Each hand has 27 bones and 27 joints, sturdy components that help you pick up objects, perform fine motor skills, and more. Unfortunately, they’re also susceptible to injury.
Most hand injuries are mild and improve with rest and activity modification, but if you experience chronic hand pain or similar issues, seek treatment immediately. Doing so reduces your risk of complications and preserves your mobility.
What are common hand injuries?
Dr. Fuller treats various hand injuries, including:
- Broken bones (fractures)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Ganglion cysts
- Trigger finger and trigger thumb
- Arthritis
- Tendinitis
Sometimes, hand injuries result from repetitive strain, for example, regular use of hand tools.
How are hand injuries diagnosed?
Dr. Fuller reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, what they feel like, and if they’re worse during certain activities. He examines your hand, fingers, and wrist, checking for swelling, bruising, and other visible abnormalities.
Dr. Fuller has you open and close your hand and gently presses on the affected area to pinpoint sensitive places and may ask you to complete a series of fine motor skills, such as holding a pencil.
Most hand injuries are easy to identify, but if Dr. Fuller suspects an underlying problem, like arthritis or tendinitis, he orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or an ultrasound.
How are hand injuries treated?
Dr. Fuller treats hand injuries using an integrative, minimally invasive approach. He might suggest:
- Casting or splinting
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Corticosteroid injections
- Ice and rest
- Activity changes
- Physical therapy
- Joint fusion surgery
- Wrist arthroscopy
- Vascular repair of the hand and wrist
- Tendon transfer
- Nerve transfer
- Soft tissue coverage
- Reconstructive hand and wrist surgery
The goal is to relieve pain, prevent further damage, and restore mobility. It might take two or more treatments to achieve lasting relief; the number depends on the severity of your injury.
Dr. Fuller works with each person to determine the best hand injury treatment. If you’d rather try an alternative procedure to avoid surgery, that can also be explored. Dr. Fuller is well-versed in these procedures and can discuss their pros and cons.
Call the office of John B. Fuller, MD, today to schedule hand injury treatment, or book your appointment online.