Post-Injury Symptoms: When to See an Orthopedic or Neurologist - Orthopedics

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In your case, it sounds like you may be experiencing symptoms related to a soft tissue injury, possibly involving the tendons or ligaments in your hand and wrist. The pain you describe, which has progressed from your finger to your wrist and now to your entire arm, could be indicative of a few different issues, including tendonitis, nerve irritation, or even a strain of the muscles or ligaments in the area.

When you sustain an injury, especially one that involves impact, it is common for the surrounding tissues to become inflamed. This inflammation can lead to pain, tenderness, and sometimes a limited range of motion. The fact that you feel pain upon pressing certain areas suggests that there may be localized inflammation or irritation in the tissues.

When to See an Orthopedic or Neurologist
1. Orthopedic Consultation: If your symptoms are primarily related to pain and discomfort in the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, ligaments, tendons), an orthopedic specialist would be the appropriate choice. They can evaluate for any potential fractures, ligament tears, or tendon injuries. Given that your injury involved a direct impact, an orthopedic evaluation can help rule out any structural damage that may not be visible on initial examination.

2. Neurological Consultation: If you experience symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or radiating pain that suggests nerve involvement, a neurologist would be the right specialist to consult. Nerve injuries can sometimes occur with trauma, and they may require specific diagnostic tests, such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG), to assess the function of the nerves and muscles.


Recommendations
- Initial Steps: Since your symptoms began after a specific injury, it is advisable to start with an orthopedic evaluation. They can perform a physical examination and may recommend imaging studies, such as X-rays or an MRI, to assess for any underlying issues.

- Symptom Monitoring: Keep track of your symptoms. If you notice any changes, such as increased pain, swelling, or the development of new symptoms (like numbness or weakness), it is important to report these to your healthcare provider.

- Rest and Ice: In the meantime, resting the affected area and applying ice can help reduce inflammation and pain. Avoid activities that exacerbate your symptoms.

- Physical Therapy: Depending on the findings from your orthopedic evaluation, physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen the muscles around the affected area and improve your range of motion.


Conclusion
In summary, based on your description of the injury and subsequent symptoms, starting with an orthopedic consultation would be the most appropriate course of action. They can help determine the extent of the injury and guide you on the next steps for treatment. If there are indications of nerve involvement, a referral to a neurologist may be necessary. Always listen to your body and seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen or do not improve with conservative measures.