Hand & Wrist Trauma
A sudden hand or wrist injury can change how you work, exercise and manage simple daily activities. A fall, sporting accident or workplace injury may leave you with pain, swelling or limited movement. Even a small injury can affect the way your hand functions. Seeking assessment from an orthopaedic surgeon in Midrand and Sunninghill can help determine the extent of the damage and guide the right treatment approach.
Prompt evaluation is especially important when injuries involve bones, tendons or nerves, as these structures all play a role in normal hand and arm movement.
What types of hand and wrist injuries are treated?
Hand and wrist trauma can range from simple fractures to more complex injuries that require specialist care. Dr Dharshen Naicker treats a variety of traumatic conditions, including:
- Fractures of the phalanges, which affect the small bones of the fingers and thumbs.
- Fractures of the metacarpals and carpals, involving the bones that form the hand and wrist.
- Fractures of the wrist, forearm and elbow, which may affect movement throughout the upper limb.
- Tendon injuries, which can interfere with bending, straightening or gripping.
- Nerve injuries, which may cause numbness, weakness or changes in sensation.
Some injuries are obvious immediately, while others may appear less serious at first. Persistent pain, reduced movement or changes in sensation should not be ignored.
What happens after a hand or wrist injury?
Your consultation begins with understanding how the injury happened and how it is affecting you. Your hand, wrist or arm will be examined, and imaging may be recommended to assess the bones and surrounding structures.
Treatment depends on the type of injury and its severity. Options may include:
- Immobilisation with a splint or cast.
- Medication to help manage discomfort.
- Rehabilitation to restore movement and strength.
- Surgical treatment where necessary to repair damaged structures.
Some complex injuries may require procedures related to upper limb reconstruction, particularly when multiple tissues have been affected. Injuries involving joints may also require ongoing care to reduce the risk of future stiffness or symptoms similar to arthritis.
When should you see a specialist after an injury?
It can be tempting to wait and see if an injury improves on its own. However, certain warning signs suggest you should arrange an assessment. These include increasing swelling, an obvious change in shape, difficulty moving your fingers or ongoing numbness.
Many people search for ortho surgeons near them when they need advice about fractures or damage affecting their hand and wrist. Getting the right assessment can help you understand your injury and the available options.
Hand trauma can also overlap with conditions affecting movement and function, including common hand conditions that may develop after an injury or during recovery.
Ready to arrange an assessment?
If you have injured your hand, wrist or upper limb, do not ignore ongoing pain or reduced movement. Contact Dr Dharshen Naicker to arrange a consultation and take the next step towards restoring comfortable movement and function.
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