Denton County Living Well Magazine Winter 2014 | Page 27

WHEN TO SEE A HAND SPECIALIST
By Timothy B. Larson, M.D.

F

rom the moment we reach for the alarm clock
in the morning to the time we switch off the
last light for the day, our hands are in motion.
As essential as our hands are for the activities
of daily living, we often take them for granted. All of
the action our hands get leaves them susceptible to
cuts, bruises and overuse injuries. Problems can also
occur in the muscles and joints of the hand and wrist
due to wear and tear, disease or
injury.
Early diagnosis and treatment of a
hand or wrist issues may resolve a
problem before it can affect hand
function, and possibly prevent the
need for surgery. That’s why it’s important to see a hand specialist for
a condition that may seem trivial.
“As an orthopedic surgeon with
specialized training in the treatment of hand and wrist conditions,
I aim to restore hand mobility and
relieve pain through the least invasive approach whenever possible,” said Dr. Timothy Larson of Orthopedic Surgery
Specialists. “When you experience a hand or wrist
problem, it can hinder your active lifestyle. I make it
my goal to get your fingers and hands moving again.”

KNOW THE SIGNS OF TROUBLE

To get back to what matters, it’s important to seek
treatment from a hand surgery specialist as soon as
possible. Hand and wrist conditions may become
evident through swelling or joint or bone deformity.
Other symptoms of hand/wrist diseases and conditions that are often evaluated and treated include
pain, numbness, tingling, weakness and joint stiffness.

HERE ARE SOME SYMPTOMS THAT, IF
EXPERIENCED, SHOULD PROMPT YOU
TO SEE A HAND SPECIALIST:
• Pain upon starting an activity,
followed by ongoing pain and stiffness
• Weak grip or difficulty carrying a bag or
other item with a handle
• Pain extending to the elbow
• Diminishing muscle tone in the hand
• Joint inflammation or warmth upon touch
• Tingling or numbness in a finger or fingers
• Morning/night hand numbness or pain
• Deformity of the hand or fingers

Any of these symptoms may warrant a diagnosis through physical examination alone. More advanced symptoms may require X-rays or testing to
determine the health of your joints and muscles.

COMMON HAND AND WRIST CONDITION

Osteoarthritis is the “wear and tear” arthritis of the
joints that we commonly see as people age. The
good news is that unlike many other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis
does not affect other organs of the body. Still,
the pain and swelling that often comes with the
condition can complicate everyday activities
a