Hand Injuries

Upper Extremity Specialists

Orthopedic Surgeons located in La Jolla, CA & Chula Vista, CA

If you injure your hand, getting treatment from an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the delicate structures of the hand is critical to your recovery. Kristopher Downing, MD, & Dr. James Andry, MD at Upper Extremity Specialists of Ortho 1 Medical Group in San Diego, La Jolla, Chula Vista, and Coronado California, has years of experience in diagnosing and treating hand injuries to relieve pain and restore functionality. Call Upper Extremity Specialists of Ortho 1 Medical Group or make an appointment online today for customized treatments for hand injuries.

Hand Injuries Q & A

What are common hand injuries?

Each of your hands consists of 19 delicate metacarpal and phalangeal bones along with 8 carpal bones. These small bones are held together with a network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments that make your hands stronger than the sum of their parts. However, these tiny bones and muscles are prone to injury, especially if you play sports or have a career that requires repetitive motion. 

Some of the most common hand injuries include:

  •       Fractures
  •       Thumb sprains
  •       Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint dislocation
  •       Tendonitis
  •       Baseball (mallet) finger
  •       Jersey finger
  •       Trigger finger
  •       Boutonniere deformity
  •       Arthritis 

Injuries like fractures and sprains typically stem from impact accidents, such as catching a baseball incorrectly or using your hand to try to prevent a fall. However, repetitive movements that stress and irritate your muscles and tendons over time are also common causes of injuries and hand pain.

How are hand injuries diagnosed?

At Upper Extremity Specialists of Ortho 1 Medical Group, the team provides thorough exams to diagnose the injury or condition causing your pain. They talk to you about your symptoms and how you injured your hand. 

They feel your bones, muscles, and tendons, checking for signs of inflammation and abnormality. Your doctor may also ask you to pick up small objects or flex and extend your fingers. 

If necessary, your doctor orders X-rays, MRIs, or nerve conduction studies to confirm their diagnosis or location of your injury.

How are hand injuries treated?

The team offers customized treatment plans, including operative and nonoperative therapies for all types of hand injuries and pathologies. In most cases, the doctors try nonoperative techniques first. They may recommend:

  •       Physical therapy
  •       Bracing
  •       Compression
  •       Anti-inflammatory injections

If you need surgery, the team has extensive training and experience in the surgical repair of hand injuries. They are meticulous and precise surgeons who can repair small and delicate structures of your hands.

If you have an acute hand injury or pain from a repetitive strain injury, call Upper Extremity Specialists of Ortho 1 Medical Group or schedule a consultation online today for highly customized, expert orthopedic treatment.