Upper Extremity Specialists: Things You Need To Know

The upper hand extremity specialists work on all injuries starting from the tips of the fingers all the way to the shoulder. The orthopedic shoulder & elbow surgeons in La Jolla are experienced and trained in the newest and most up-to-date techniques regarding these intricate parts of the body.

Your upper extremities include the entire arm, from the shoulder to the fingers. A severe injury or pain in any of these joints, muscles, and bones may require immediate intervention such as surgery to repair. Read on to learn more about why you may need to see an upper extremity specialist.

Why Choose To See an Upper Extremity Specialist?

We all use our wrists, forearms, and hands throughout the day to perform various activities, from making coffee to driving our kids to school. If your tendons, muscles, and joints are not working as they should, these simple tasks become an uphill task. Your upper hand needs the best-unmatched expertise in hand and upper extremity care with a support structure of renowned experts and resources.

Indicators That You Have Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries are prevalent today, especially in athletes who use repetitive motions in their sports such as tennis players, swimmers, weightlifters, and pitchers. A number of people are living with shoulder pains each day, and if you are one of the people living with these pains, you should consult your physician.

When to see a doctor:

•       Your shoulder suddenly becomes weak
•       You hear a popping sound on your shoulder
•       Your clavicle joint becomes painful
•       Your shoulder has a bump
•       Your shoulder becomes unstable
•       Tenderness on your shoulder
•       Your shoulder can not move from side to side.

What Are the Treatment Options for Shoulder Injuries

•       Medication: Anti-inflammatory medication may be used to treat some hand injuries.
•       Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy: Regular correct exercises can help patients regain motion and strength.
•       Shoulder  Arthroscopy: The surgeon uses a tiny camera and surgical tools to repair and examine inside and around your wrist closely. This surgery is not very invasive with a short recovery period.
•       Tendon Transfer: A healthy tendon is transferred from its original attachment to a new one in the shoulder to improve lost shoulder function.

What Other Symptoms warrant an Upper Extremity Specialist?

•       Joint pain that gets worse during rest.
•       Pain in your fingers, wrists, hands that lasts for more than a few days.
•       A limited range of motion.
•       Joint deformity.
•       Signs of inflammation or redness around your hand or wrists.
•       The difficulty of using your wrist and hands to perform daily activities

Beyond all the degrees on the walls, look for an upper extremity specialist who has completed an accredited fellowship in a sub-specialty related to your suspected condition, in this case- an upper extremity Specialist.

You may be wondering how I know if they are accredited. A fellowship is a period of medical training, usually a year long. These fellowships help physicians develop their sub-specialty. You can always check online if your physician has it, or you could just ask them!