Health

Reasons Why You Should See an Expert for Your Hand Injury

Published

3 years ago

August 6, 2021

Have you ever broken your hand and wondered where to go in such a situation? You might not have known hand surgeons exist. Your hands are critical, as they help accomplish many activities, and any time you are injured, you would want help as soon as possible. Kristopher Downing, MD, a La Jolla hand injuries expert, has what it takes to help your hands regain function after an injury.

Types of hand injuries

Hands are complex body parts with many bones in them to help you hold objects firmly. The hands consist of bones such as the phalangeal, and eight bones that make up the carpal that gives them their unique shapes and functions. In addition, the hands have a series of joints, tendons, and muscles, which help you make flexible movements possible for holding uniquely shaped objects. That is why you would want a way to get back to normal functioning much faster anytime you have a hand injury. Some common injuries that affect the hands include:

Jersey’s finger
Arthritis
Baseball finger
Fractures
Trigger finger
Thumb sprains
Tendonitis
Boutonniere deformity

Many hand injuries stem from common accidents, which might occur when you play baseball or wrongly protecting yourself from a fall using your hands. Stress is also why some people have hand injuries, as repeated movements irritate the muscle joints and inflame them.

How does a doctor diagnose hand injuries?

Diagnosis of hand injuries begins with thorough examinations, which involve extensive scans of the injured area. Upper Extremity Specialists have a unique way of accomplishing the diagnostic session. The doctors there include a talking session where they discuss the injury with you and provide ways to find relief much faster. Other procedures vital in the diagnostic session include feeling your bones. They investigate whether you have any swelling at any point in the hand and check for abnormalities that show signs for the best treatment plans.

Extensive x-rays or MRIs can also come in handy when the physical examinations do not give the desired results. Once the cause of your injury is established, your Upper Extremity Specialists will work with you to create the best yet most comfortable treatment plan available.

What techniques can help treat hand injuries?

Upper Extremity Specialists do not just give you a general treatment to deal with your problem; the center custom creates one that fits your profile. The first line of treatment involves the non-invasive ones, followed by the advanced ones for more profound injuries. The treatments you will likely find incudes:

Compression
Physical therapies
Bracing
Anti-inflammatory drugs delivered through needles

Surgery is an option for those with deeper cuts or extensive issues in their joints. However, for such procedures, Upper Extremity Specialists have the tools and skills to accomplish these surgeries.

Hand issues can make you less productive if they are ignored. That is why you need a partner like Upper Extremity Specialists, who have experience dealing with hand complications. Reach the center via phone call, or book your spot online to begin your journey to faster healing.

Health

9 Simple Steps to Dealing with a Broken Tooth

Published

2 months ago

February 14, 2024

Michelle Langton

Credit: freepik via Freepik

It’s movie night, and you have an obligatory bowlful of popcorn balancing on your lap. You toss a handful of popcorn and — crack — you unknowingly bite down on a kernel with the full power of your jaw.

Lightning strikes your mouth as you realize this humble kernel broke your tooth.

Now what?

Besides pausing the movie and spitting out your mouthful of popcorn and tooth, you might not know your next steps.

What should you do, and how can you pay for it? Find the answers to these questions and more below:

1. Save the Pieces

If possible, save any broken pieces of the tooth. Your dentist might need these pieces.

2. Rinse Your Mouth

Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Avoid using hot or cold water, as it might aggravate any exposed nerves.

3. Control Bleeding

If you bleed, apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean cloth or gauze. You can also use a cold compress on your jaw or cheek to reduce swelling.

4. Contact Your Dentist

Reach out to your dentist immediately. Explain the situation and try to schedule an emergency appointment. Many dentists reserve slots for urgent cases. If they don’t have a spot available, look at specialty emergency clinics in your area.

5. Get Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Broken and chipped teeth can hurt, so take some over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage this pain until you can see your dentist.

6. Check Insurance Coverage

Review your dental insurance policy to understand coverage details. Some policies may cover emergency procedures, while others may have limitations.

7. Discuss Payment Options

If cost is a concern, discuss financing options with your dentist. Some dental offices offer flexible arrangements that give you a break. If you qualify for these plans, you might be able to push out your due date to coincide with your payday. You may even be able to break up your total outstanding amount over several payments.

8. Take out a Personal Loan

If you’re just shy of what you need to cover your emergency dental expense, consider going online to scope out personal loans. A personal loan may fill in for savings in urgent situations. You can quickly visit a website like MoneyKey to see what you need to apply. If approved, a personal loan gives you the means to pay for your visit upfront and pay off what you owe over time.

9. Consider Urgent Care Clinics

If your financial situation is such that you can’t afford a personal loan’s payments, reconsider your choice of dentist. Some dental practices apply a sliding scale to their services so that they can provide immediate care at a lower cost for at-risk individuals.

Next Steps: Thinking About the Future

So, you’ve managed to repair your tooth and pay the bill, too. What’s next? Make sure you hit these three goals soon. They can help you prevent another broken tooth in the future!

Stay on Top of Dental Hygiene: Brush at least twice a day and floss once a day — these simple habits can protect your teeth over time.
Schedule Regular Checkups: Keeping up with regular cleanings can also help you prevent future dental emergencies.
Build an Emergency Fund: Sometimes, accidents happen. Consider building an emergency fund specifically for unexpected dental emergencies.