　　
If you have hurt your hand, going to a surgeon for a consultation does not necessarily mean that you will be having hand surgery in the near future. It is good protection for your body if you go and have it checked out. Not every instance will required surgery, they also take a non surgical approach whenever possible. This area is very sensitive and special care must be take right away in order to prevent permanent damage from occurring.

Hand surgery specialists are typically orthopedic, plastic or general surgeons. They all must test and continue forward with their education for an additional year before being members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. They concern themselves with the care of the forearm, arm and hand. Some will only work with children and others will work with both children and adults. It is best to clarify before you set the appointment.

The doctor will decide if you will require hand surgery once he conducts self inflating mats a thorough examination. The doctors are skilled with conditions such as broken bones, numbing of the fingers, carpal tunnel syndrome and injuries to the area. Some doctors prefer to treat only work related injuries. If you are feeling pain, swelling or numbness in the area, do not put off a visit to see a professional hand surgery specialist of your choosing. This is still considered plastic surgery even though some times the surgery is definitely functional.

The reasons for hand surgery would be to make the patient more comfortable and in less pain when all else has failed. Another major reason for surgeries is to correct birth deformities and make these more useful for the patient. Some of the most common reasons to have a hand surgery is a last resort for help with carpal tunnel and making reparations after someone has been burned in an accident. Other situations include unexpected cysts that are harmless but jut bothersome. The doctor will need to determine the cause first otherwise he may need to refer you to a different hand surgery specialist.

If you are pretty sure that your symptoms point to a hand surgery, be doubly sure the doctor that you choose is board certified and has chosen this area as his only speciality. Also, check to be sure the doctor is covered under your insurance plan. Surgery is never something to look forward to but with the right surgeon you can be looking forward to a speedy recovery and less chances for complications to develop. The early diagnosis can make the difference.

XMary's Dear Diary