Common Hand Conditions
Your hands rarely get a day off. From typing and driving to preparing meals or picking up your little one, they are involved in almost everything you do. When pain, numbness or stiffness begins to interfere with these everyday tasks, it is worth finding out why. If symptoms persist or begin affecting your daily routine, it may be time to see an orthopaedic surgeon in Midrand or Sunninghill.
Some conditions improve with simple measures, while others require further investigation. Early assessment can help identify the cause and guide the most appropriate treatment before symptoms become more disruptive.
What are the most common hand conditions?
Many hand conditions develop gradually, although some appear after an injury or repetitive strain. Common conditions include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome, which can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the thumb and fingers.
- Cubital tunnel syndrome, where pressure on the ulnar nerve leads to tingling in the ring and little fingers.
- Trigger finger, causing a finger or thumb to catch, lock or click during movement.
- Ganglions and cysts, which appear as fluid-filled lumps around the thumb side of the wrist, especially when grappling or lifting.
Some of these conditions may feel similar to symptoms caused by hand and wrist trauma or even early arthritis, making an accurate diagnosis important.
What happens during my assessment?
Your consultation begins with a discussion about your symptoms, daily activities and medical history. Your hand will then be carefully examined to understand what is causing your discomfort. In some cases, imaging or specialised tests may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment depends on the condition and its severity. Many people improve with non-surgical management, while others may benefit from surgery if symptoms continue despite conservative treatment.
Options may include:
- Activity modification
- Splinting or bracing
- Medication to reduce inflammation
- Corticosteroid injections
- Surgical release or removal of the underlying problem where appropriate
- Surgical correction of the problem where appropriate
If your symptoms developed after a sporting injury or are affecting your performance, they may also relate to sports-related conditions involving the upper limb.
When should you arrange an appointment?
You should consider seeking assessment if your symptoms are becoming more frequent or interfering with everyday life. Signs that should not be ignored include ongoing pain, numbness that wakes you at night, loss of grip strength or difficulty moving your fingers normally.
Many people searching online for an orthopaedic surgeon near them simply want answers about why their hand is no longer working as it should. Others look for a hand orthopaedic surgeon near them after an injury or because symptoms have gradually worsened over time.
Identifying the cause early often allows treatment to begin before the condition progresses. If more advanced care is required, procedures involving upper limb reconstruction may also be considered for certain complex cases.
Take the next step towards comfortable movement
Hand pain should not prevent you from working, enjoying hobbies or managing everyday tasks. If you are experiencing ongoing discomfort, numbness or reduced movement, arrange a consultation with Dr Dharshen Naicker. Together, you can determine the cause of your symptoms and discuss the treatment options that are most appropriate for your condition.
Book an appointment
