Approximately 42 percent of the US workforce is now working from home and many companies are extending their working-from-home program until the summer of next year. Investing in an ergonomic work-from-home setup can help prevent injuries while working from home.
Being on the computer for a long time combined with keeping your home extra clean during the pandemic can affect your hands. The number of repetitive strain injuries (RSI) has increased since the big shift towards working-from-home. Pain, sore, and weakness in the hands, wrists, and arms can prevent you from working, maintaining your home, and caring for your family. A hand specialist or hand surgeon can diagnose the condition early and treat it before it gets worse.
What’s a Hand Specialist?
A hand specialist is an orthopedic hand surgeon who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing the full range of hand conditions and injuries. He or she is fellowship-trained in hand surgery and experienced in treating hand problems both simple and complex. Trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist pain and fractures, de Quervain’s tendonitis, and hand arthritis are just a few examples of what a hand surgeon can treat. For some injuries that can be treated with conservative methods, such as repetitive strain injuries, a hand surgeon would usually recommend anti-inflammatories, ice therapy, and hand therapy. He or she may also use injection therapy to reduce hand inflammation.
Hand Therapy
An essential part of treatment for a variety of hand conditions and injuries include hand therapy, which is a specialized rehabilitation for the hands. A hand therapist is either an occupational therapist or a physical therapist that works closely with the hand surgeon to reduce pain and swelling and promote healing and restore normal function. Additionally, a hand therapist can provide preventive care to patients who are at higher risk of hand injuries due to their occupation.
Hand Surgery
A hand surgeon may recommend surgery for hand conditions that do not respond to conservative treatment. For example, in carpal tunnel surgery, the surgeon cuts the tendon that is putting pressure on the median nerve causing the symptoms. Arthroscopy is another surgery performed to examine the interior of your hand and wrist and make the necessary repairs to relieve symptoms and restore normal function.
Hand Surgeon in San Antonio, TX
Pain-free hands enable you to do your best at your job, maintain a clean and coronavirus-free home, and raise a healthy family. Our hand surgeon at the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Dr. Michael Jones is an expert in the treatment of all hand conditions and injuries. Since 1991, he has helped his patients recover from injuries and regain normal hand function, and nothing makes him happier than seeing his patients make a full recovery.
Your hands are very important in your day-to-day life and deserve the attention of a hand specialist if they start hurting. To schedule an appointment with a hand specialist, call our clinic at (210) 692-7400 or use our convenient online form.