Hand and Microsurgery Associates
For most conditions that cause problems with your hands and arms, nonsurgical treatments are the safest and most successful approaches. If you have a problem with any part of your arm from hand to shoulder, you can be confident that the Hand and Microsurgery Associates team in Columbus, Ohio, will use less invasive forms of treatments before suggesting options like surgery. To find out about the range of nonsurgical treatments available or schedule a consultation, call Hand and Microsurgery Associates today.
What are nonsurgical treatments?
Nonsurgical treatments are the frontline for most hand and arm disorders and injuries. Unless your condition is one that requires immediate surgery to restore health and function, nonsurgical treatments are the most effective and safest options.
The Hand and Microsurgery Associates team offers a variety of safe and effective nonsurgical treatment options. Every patient’s treatment starts with a physical exam and a discussion about your pain or discomfort. In many cases, you can obtain relief through a treatment plan designed to avoid surgery.
As part of this process, they may request X-rays or other imaging studies to better understand the source of your pain or discomfort. The team communicates openly and honestly, presenting all available treatment options and making recommendations with your needs and goals in mind.
What nonsurgical treatments are available?
If the Hand and Microsurgery Associates team determines surgery isn’t required, there are a number of treatment options available, including:
Rest and medication
Sometimes allowing the affected hand or arm to rest can reduce stress on the area and help to heal certain problems. Medication like painkillers and anti-inflammatories can keep you comfortable and help reduce inflammation.
Outpatient orthopedic physical therapy
The best medicine for many injuries involves using massage and exercises aimed at stretching or strengthening the muscles. Your physician may give you a few to try on your own, or refer you to one of the experienced certified hand therapists (CHTs) at Hand and Microsurgery Associates, who will work with your physician to design a hand therapy program.
Common orthopedic procedures
The Hand and Microsurgery Associates team can relieve the pressure and pain caused by some conditions using a thin needle to remove fluid buildup. For troublesome or significant swelling, injections of medications that reduce inflammation or irritation are often beneficial.
Do I need to have a cast for my hand or arm injury?
If your hand or arm needs immobilizing, the Hand and Microsurgery Associates team can fit a splint or brace. They use custom splints rather than plaster casts. Splints not only prevent you from incurring more damage but are often the most effective way to fix certain hand and arm problems.
The Hand and Microsurgery Associates splints are removable and lightweight. They’re OHSAA (Ohio High School Athletic Association)-approved and you can wear them during practices and games. The splints can also undergo waterproofing to make them suitable for swimming.
To find out more about the range of nonsurgical treatments available and how they could benefit you, call Hand and Microsurgery Associates to schedule an appointment today.