When to See a Hand Surgeon

by Viralkumar Patel MD

Hand surgeons are specially trained to treat acute and chronic issues for the hand, wrist and elbow. Here are some of the symptoms that require their attention and delaying evaluation and treatment could cause further harm. Early treatment can improve outcomes.

Numbness, tingling, burning and pain in the hand could be because of nerve related issues. These symptoms can occur all together or separately. They can be occasional or frequent and occur at rest. Weakness of the hand can be a sign of more severe nerve damage.

Open wounds to the hand, wrist, forearm or elbow could have damage to ligaments, tendons, nerves or joints. Even small penetrating wounds can cause damage deeper than the skin. You may have normal movement with a partial injury which requires treatment before it worsens. Open wounds also have a risk of deeper infection developing.

Pain in your hands, wrist, forearm or elbow from a fall, car accident, or other injury, could be a sign of fracture or other injury. A fracture can heal incorrectly if treatment is delayed. Pain occurs with movement or lifting and the bone can be tender to touch.

If your fingers, hands, wrist, forearm or elbow are red, hot, and swollen, you may have an infection to the area. The infection can cause damage to tissues and bone if not treated early.

Any animal or human bite should be evaluated due to risk of infection. Infection can sometimes develop slowly from small wounds such as from animal bites and have little swelling or redness at first. However, the infection can spread into the tissues and bones and cause damage.

Pain in your hands, wrist, forearm or elbow that is not improving and limiting your activities, could be a sign of inflammation (tendonitis) or injury. This pain usually develops over time from overuse and occurs with movements or weight bearing.

When joints in your hand, or wrist or elbow are painful or stiff you may have inflammation, injury or arthritis in these joints. Pain can worsen with activity but also can occur at rest and in the morning. Joints can sometimes swell and limit the motion you normally had.

Masses or bumps on your hand, wrist, forearm or elbow, even if painless, need further evaluation for diagnosis. Masses can increase and decrease in size or stay fixed. Masses can also occur inside of bones or deeper tissue in the hand and cause pain without being visible on the surface.

Locking, catching, or popping in the hand, wrist or elbow could be a sign of inflammation or joint injury.

Deformities of fingers can occur over time, with different medical conditions and can be painless or painful.
Foreign material or foreign objects that enter the hand, wrist, forearm or elbow can damage deeper tissues and need evaluation. Foreign objects from previous injuries can move inside the body and can cause pain later after the wound has healed.

Pressure or crush injuries can also cause significant damage even without a visible wound.

Nail color changes or nail deformities can also be evaluated by a hand surgeon.