- Give Thanks for Overcoming These Hand Pain Symptoms
- 8 Reasons To Be Thankful for Orthopedic Surgery if You Have Hand Pain
- 1. Innovations in Non-Surgical Treatments
- 2. Minimally Invasive Surgical Options
- 3. Advanced Imaging for Accurate Diagnosis
- 4. Customized Surgical Care
- 5. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation and Recovery Support
- 6. Rapid Advances in Pain Management
- 7. Success Rates and Patient Satisfaction
- 8. Access to Expert Care
- Top Fort Worth Orthopedic Surgery Center Near You
Hand pain can be debilitating. Several years ago, you may have broken a couple of fingers in a car accident, and they never healed correctly. Maybe you are an avid knitter or gardener, and bouts of carpal tunnel syndrome are something you battle daily. Whether it is due to arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendon injuries, or fractures, the ability to perform everyday tasks can be severely impacted when you can’t use your hands comfortably. Thankfully, orthopedic surgery has advanced in ways that allow people to regain their quality of life.
If you are dealing with hand pain—especially if the condition has not improved—visiting an orthopedic surgeon can open the door to various treatment options to resolve or reduce your symptoms and get you back to living the life you deserve quickly and in the least invasive ways possible. Being thankful for this new lease on life is more important than ever, especially as we approach the winter holidays and a season of gratitude.
Give Thanks for Overcoming These Hand Pain Symptoms
- Pain in your fingers, hands, and wrists
- Limited range of motion
- Joint stiffness
- Weakness when gripping objects with one or both hands
- Numbness
- Pain from deformities
- Swelling, burning, or tingling sensations
- Sprains, strains, fractures
- Locking fingers
8 Reasons To Be Thankful for Orthopedic Surgery if You Have Hand Pain
Your family doctor can help with many bone, muscle, or joint pain issues. However, a hand doctor aka an orthopedic surgeon, specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, connective tissues, and muscles. This includes treating acute and traumatic injuries, managing chronic pain, and diagnosing diseases affecting your quality of life.
Many times, the answer may not require orthopedic surgery. But if it does, there are plenty of reasons to be thankful.
1. Innovations in Non-Surgical Treatments
Before considering orthopedic surgery, one of the great things about modern orthopedic care is that non-surgical treatment options have come a long way. This is particularly beneficial for those with mild to moderate hand pain caused by arthritis or repetitive strain injuries.
Orthopedic specialists often start with less invasive treatments, including the following:
- Physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength in the hands
- Steroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Splinting and bracing to stabilize the hand and provide pain relief
- Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain
These and other treatments can sometimes provide significant relief without needing surgery, which is something to be very thankful for when you have hand pain.
2. Minimally Invasive Surgical Options
If non-surgical treatments are not enough, advancements in orthopedic surgery have introduced minimally invasive techniques that provide quicker recovery times and less postoperative pain. For example, carpal tunnel release surgery, which was once a procedure requiring a large incision, can now often be done endoscopically. This means only a tiny incision is made, reducing scarring and allowing patients to return to normal activities more quickly.
These minimally invasive surgeries are increasingly common for other hand conditions as well, such as:
- Trigger finger release to allow for smoother finger movement
- Arthroscopic surgery for joint problems like arthritis or ligament tears
- Fracture repair using advanced fixation devices that are smaller and less obtrusive
Anyone with hand pain can be grateful for having orthopedic surgery with less pain and a faster recovery time—regardless of the type and severity of your hand condition.
Give thanks for carpal tunnel release surgery, which was once a procedure requiring a large incision, can now often be done endoscopically.
3. Advanced Imaging for Accurate Diagnosis
A key to successful orthopedic care is the accurate diagnosis of the problem. Modern medical imaging technologies, such as MRI, ultrasound, and 3D imaging, have made it much easier for orthopedic surgeons to pinpoint exactly what is causing hand pain.
In the past, doctors had to rely heavily on X-rays or their clinical examination alone, which could lead to some uncertainty. Today, with the precision of advanced imaging, surgeons can better understand:
- The extent of tendon or ligament injuries
- Whether nerves are compressed, as in carpal tunnel syndrome
- The degree of joint degeneration in conditions like osteoarthritis
Having access to these diagnostic tools means that the right treatment plan can be created, ensuring that you receive the most appropriate care for your specific condition.
4. Customized Surgical Care
Gone are the days when hand surgery meant a one-size-fits-all approach. With the growing field of personalized medicine, orthopedic surgery is increasingly tailored to the patient’s specific needs. Surgeons can now access advanced materials, 3D printing technology, and biologics to craft customized surgical plans. For instance, joint replacements in the hand and wrist can now be made to fit the patient’s exact anatomy, improving both the longevity of the replacement and its functionality. Bone grafts and tendon repairs can also be personalized to better integrate with the patient’s natural tissues, promoting faster healing and better outcomes.
Patients no longer fear long, generalized recovery periods or complications with customized surgical solutions. Instead, surgery is designed to suit their bodies, lifestyles, and goals.
5. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation and Recovery Support
One of the challenging aspects of hand surgery can be the recovery process. But thanks to advancements in post-surgical care, patients now have access to comprehensive rehabilitation programs designed to ensure optimal recovery. After surgery, hand therapy plays a crucial role in regaining function, strength, and mobility.
Certified hand therapists (CHTs) specialize in guiding patients through exercises, stretches, and therapeutic modalities tailored to their specific recovery needs. This personalized attention is invaluable, especially for those recovering from complex surgeries like tendon or ligament repairs. Therapists also help manage pain, swelling, and stiffness, ensuring that recovery is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
6. Rapid Advances in Pain Management
Pain is one of the biggest concerns for people facing surgery, and historically, managing post-operative pain could be challenging. Today, there is much to be thankful for in the field of pain management, which has come a long way in reducing discomfort after surgery. Modern orthopedic surgery is often performed with the help of advanced anesthesia techniques, such as nerve blocks, which can numb the hand for hours to days after surgery. This reduces the immediate post-surgical pain and decreases the need for strong oral pain medications, such as opioids, which can carry the risk of side effects or dependency.
In addition, orthopedic surgeons now employ multimodal pain management strategies, which involve using a combination of medications, therapies, and techniques to minimize pain. This approach means less reliance on any single form of pain control, which helps reduce the overall pain burden and speed up recovery times. With the advent of telemedicine and digital health, many patients can now engage in virtual therapy sessions from their homes. This flexibility allows patients to receive expert guidance, even if they live far from a specialized clinic, making rehabilitation more accessible and convenient.
Give thanks for modern orthopedic surgery, often performed with the help of advanced anesthesia techniques, such as nerve blocks, which can numb the hand for hours to days after surgery.
7. Success Rates and Patient Satisfaction
One of the most reassuring aspects of orthopedic surgery is its proven success in treating hand pain. Procedures like carpal tunnel release, joint fusions, and tendon repairs have high success rates, with many patients experiencing a significant reduction in pain and improved function. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, most patients who undergo hand surgery report high levels of satisfaction and quality of life improvements. Whether it is being able to return to work, engage in hobbies, or perform daily tasks like cooking and dressing, the outcomes of orthopedic hand surgery can be life changing.
The success rates of these surgeries are mainly due to advancements in surgical techniques, rehabilitation practices, and post-operative care. With modern tools and knowledge, surgeons can often restore the hand’s function to near-normal levels, making these procedures worth considering for those with chronic pain.
8. Access to Expert Care
Lastly, one of the most important things to be thankful for is access to expert care. Orthopedic hand surgeons have years of training and experience treating complex hand conditions. Many surgeons today are also part of multidisciplinary teams, working alongside rheumatologists, neurologists, and physical therapists to provide comprehensive care. With the rise of specialized orthopedic centers and clinics, patients have more options than ever for receiving expert care tailored to their specific needs. These centers are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and the latest treatment protocols—including orthopedic surgery—ensuring patients get the best possible outcomes.
Patients can also access information, reviews, and recommendations about surgeons and treatment facilities, empowering them to make informed decisions. Whether through referrals from primary care physicians or researching specialists online, finding the right orthopedic surgeon for your hand pain is easier than ever.
Give thanks that most patients who undergo hand surgery report high levels of satisfaction and quality of life improvements, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Top Fort Worth Orthopedic Surgery Center Near You
If you are experiencing hand pain, there is much to be thankful for in today’s world of orthopedic surgery. From non-invasive treatments and minimally invasive surgeries to customized surgical solutions and expert rehabilitation care, the advances in this field are providing hope and healing to millions of people. Modern imaging, pain management, and high patient satisfaction rates mean that the path to relief is possible and more comfortable and efficient than ever. The bottom line is this: hand pain doesn’t have to be a life sentence.
With the many innovations in orthopedic care, patients can look forward to regaining full use of their hands and enjoying a better quality of life. For that, there is every reason to be grateful.
If surgery is your best treatment, our orthopedic physicians operate in state-of-the-art, accredited surgery centers. To schedule an appointment, call 817-877-3277 or complete the form below. We care about our patients and strive to provide the best care.
Prior to starting any new treatment or if you have questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Fort Worth Hand Center serves the DFW area, including Bedford, Benbrook, Blue Mound, Burleson, Colleyville, Crowley, Dallas, Dalworthington Gardens, Edgecliff Village, Euless, Everman, Flower Mound, Forest Hill, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Haltom City, Haslet, Hurst, Keller, Kennedale, Lakeside, Lake Worth, Mansfield, Newark, North Richland Hills, Pantego, Pelican Bay, Richland Hills, River Oaks, Saginaw, Sansom Park, Southlake, Trophy Club, Watauga, Westlake, Westover Hills, Westworth Village, White Settlement, Arlington, Azle, and all of North Texas.
*Patient names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.