When is Hand Surgery Necessary? Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Hand injuries and conditions can significantly impact daily life, making even the simplest tasks challenging. While many hand issues can be managed with conservative treatments like rest, therapy, or medications, some conditions require surgery to restore function, alleviate pain, or prevent further complications. If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms or limitations in your hand’s mobility, it may be time to consider hand surgery.
Dr. Shivam Dang, the best plastic surgeon in Dehradun, offers expert care for a wide range of hand conditions at Dangs Maternity & Plastic Surgery Clinic. Let’s explore when hand surgery is necessary and the signs you should look out for.
When is Hand Surgery Required?
Hand surgery becomes necessary when non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief or when an injury or condition is severe enough to affect the function of the hand permanently. Some of the most common situations where surgery may be needed include:
1. Persistent Pain and Discomfort
If you’re experiencing consistent pain in your hand, wrist, or fingers despite rest, medication, or other treatments, surgery might be the next step. Conditions like arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or tendonitis can cause ongoing pain that limits mobility. Surgery can relieve the pressure on the affected nerves or restore joint function.
2. Numbness or Tingling
Chronic numbness or tingling in the fingers and hands may indicate nerve compression or damage, often caused by conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome. If these sensations persist or worsen despite conservative treatment, surgery might be necessary to decompress the nerve and restore feeling.
3. Limited Range of Motion
Difficulty in fully extending or flexing your fingers and wrist could be a sign of tendon or ligament damage, joint disease, or deformity. Trigger finger, Dupuytren’s contracture, and arthritic conditions can limit your hand’s range of motion. Surgery can help release stiff tendons, correct deformities, or remove damaged tissue.
4. Fractures or Dislocations
A broken bone or dislocated joint in the hand may require surgery to realign the bones and promote proper healing. Severe fractures, particularly those involving multiple breaks or fractures of the joint, may need surgical intervention to ensure proper healing and restore full functionality.
5. Severe Injuries or Lacerations
Deep cuts or injuries that sever nerves, tendons, or blood vessels require immediate surgical repair to prevent long-term damage and restore hand function. Microsurgery is often used in these cases to reconnect tiny nerves and blood vessels.
6. Joint Instability
If your hand or wrist joints are unstable due to an injury, deformity, or condition like rheumatoid arthritis, surgery may be required to stabilize the joint and prevent further damage. Joint reconstruction or fusion may be necessary to reduce pain and prevent loss of function.
7. Deformities and Congenital Conditions
Congenital hand defects, such as extra or missing fingers, or conditions like clubbed hands, can require surgical correction. Surgical interventions can improve function, appearance, and comfort for those born with hand deformities.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to consult with an expert hand surgeon, such as Dr. Shivam Dang, to determine whether surgery is necessary:
- Ongoing pain or discomfort that doesn’t subside with rest or medication.
- Swelling that doesn’t go down, particularly if it is coupled with stiffness or limited movement.
- Numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation in the fingers or hands.
- Inability to move your hand, fingers, or wrist normally or perform daily tasks like gripping, lifting, or typing.
- Visible deformities or irregularities in the shape of your hand, wrist, or fingers after an injury.
- Open wounds or lacerations that expose underlying tissues, nerves, or tendons.
- Weakness or lack of strength in your hand, even after attempting physical therapy or other treatments.
Why Choose Dr. Shivam Dang for Hand Surgery?
Dr. Shivam Dang is recognized as the best plastic surgeon in Dehradun, with years of experience in performing advanced hand surgeries. At Dangs Maternity & Plastic Surgery Clinic, we offer personalized care for conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm. Our clinic is equipped with the latest technology to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Dr. Dang’s expertise in microsurgery, tendon repair, and joint reconstruction ensures that each patient receives the most appropriate treatment to restore hand function and alleviate pain. Whether you need minor surgery or complex reconstructive surgery, Dr. Dang and his team are committed to providing exceptional care at every step of the journey.
The Road to Recovery After Hand Surgery
Post-surgery recovery is a crucial part of the treatment process. After hand surgery, your rehabilitation program will typically include:
- Physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility.
- Pain management strategies for a comfortable recovery.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor progress and ensure optimal healing.
Dr. Shivam Dang works closely with patients throughout their recovery, offering guidance and support to ensure the best possible results.
Conclusion: Take Action Early
If you’re experiencing symptoms of hand-related issues or injuries that aren’t improving, don’t wait for them to worsen. Early intervention with the right treatment can prevent complications and help restore function faster.
For expert care and advanced hand surgery in Dehradun, contact Dr. Shivam Dang at Dangs Maternity & Plastic Surgery Clinic. Book a consultation today to learn more about how we can help you regain the mobility and function of your hand.
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📍 Visit Us: Dangs Maternity & Plastic Surgery Clinic, Dehradun