The hand and wrist specialist are also known as orthopaedic doctors. It is a field of medical science which looks after your bones, muscles, and joints. So, when you have an injury, disease, or medical conditions related to any of these, the orthopaedic doctor comes into the picture. Many people assume that in case of an injury, taking rest for a few days is enough; however, you must see an orthopaedic doctor so that the pain or injury doesn’t progress any further.
In case you are looking for a hand and wrist specialist, Dr David Graham is one of the best doctors in the John Flynn Hospital. With his years of experience and expertise, he makes the treatment quite easy and comfortable experience for the patients.
How is the first appointment with a hand and wrist specialist?
If you are meeting an orthopaedic specialist, it doesn’t mean you need surgery, or you can meet them only for consultation on surgery. The specialists always try conservative methods of treatment before surgery. Whenever possible, they suggest physical therapy or prescription medications. If your injury doesn’t respond to any of these treatments, then the doctor may consider surgery. Some signs that you may need surgery are as follows:
- Consistent swelling in joints which refuses to go
- A deformity in bone or broken bone
- Instability of joints
- Decrease in the range of motion which doesn’t improve with strength training
You don’t simply go and meet an orthopaedic specialist; the chances are that your regular physician or physical therapist may advise you to see them. In this case, it is important to offer your doctor as much details as possible about the injury or pain. You must discuss your expectations about the treatment or surgery with the specialist as they will let you know if you have realistic expectations or not. Also, you must know that though surgery improves your condition, it doesn’t offer the same range of motion that you had before the injury.
The doctor may ask certain questions for evaluating your overall health such as the medications that you are taking, your current health conditions and past surgeries. If you are a smoker, you may be advised to stop smoking a few days before the surgery and during the recovery phase.
How to avoid injury in future?
Following doctor’s recommendations and below-mentioned tips can help in avoiding injuries in future:
- You need to make sure that you stretch and warm-up before you do any physical activity and cool down afterwards.
- You must begin a new fitness routine for giving your body a chance to get used to it.
- You can consider total body conditioning for increasing the mobility, strength, and flexibility of the body.
- Your level of fitness and age should be taken into consideration when deciding a fitness routine.
For any orthopaedic treatment, John Flynn Hospital is one of the best medical centres with state-of-the-art technology and experienced doctors, which offer excellent medical care.