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General

Why Does My Hand Hurt If Nothing Is Broken?

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hand doctor near me metro detroit

Understanding Hand and Wrist Pain After a “Normal” X-Ray

One of the most common frustrations patients experience is being told that their X-rays are normal, yet they continue to have significant pain, swelling, weakness, or difficulty using their hand or wrist.

Many people assume that if an X-ray does not show a fracture, then nothing serious is wrong. In reality, many hand and wrist injuries involve structures that do not appear on standard X-rays.

If you’ve recently suffered an injury and are still experiencing symptoms despite being told nothing is broken, it may be time to see a hand specialist for a more thorough evaluation.

What X-Rays Can and Cannot Show 

X-rays are an excellent tool for identifying:

  • Broken bones
  • Joint alignment issues
  • Certain types of arthritis
  • Dislocations

However, X-rays do not clearly show many of the structures responsible for pain and function in the hand and wrist, including:

  • Ligaments
  • Tendons
  • Muscles
  • Cartilage
  • Nerves
  • Soft tissue injuries

This means a patient can have a completely normal X-ray and still be dealing with a significant injury.

 

Common Reasons for Hand Pain When Nothing Is Broken 

Ligament Injuries

Ligaments connect bones to other bones and help stabilize joints.

A fall onto an outstretched hand, sports injury, workplace accident, or sudden twisting injury can stretch or tear ligaments in the wrist or hand.

Symptoms may include:

  • Persistent pain
  • Swelling
  • Clicking sensations
  • Weakness
  • Pain when gripping objects

Because ligaments are soft tissue structures, they often cannot be fully evaluated on standard X-rays.

Tendon Injuries

Tendons connect muscles to bones and allow movement of the fingers, hand, and wrist.

Tendon injuries may occur from:

  • Repetitive use
  • Sports injuries
  • Direct trauma
  • Lacerations

Patients may notice pain, stiffness, weakness, or difficulty moving a finger, hand or wrist normally.

Nerve Compression

Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome can cause symptoms that are often mistaken for injury-related pain.

Patients frequently experience:

  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Burning sensations
  • Weakness
  • Nighttime discomfort

Because nerves do not appear on X-rays, additional evaluation is often necessary.

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is one of the most common conditions treated at Arora Hand Surgery.

This condition develops when inflammation affects the tendon responsible for finger movement, causing the finger to catch, lock, or become painful.

Patients often assume they injured their finger when symptoms begin, but trigger finger frequently develops gradually and may worsen over time without treatment.

The good news is that many cases can be successfully treated without surgery.

Arthritis

Early arthritis may not always be obvious on imaging, particularly when symptoms first develop.

Patients often report:

  • Aching pain
  • Stiffness
  • Reduced grip strength
  • Pain during certain activities

A thorough examination can help determine whether arthritis is contributing to symptoms.

 

We Treat Non-Surgical Conditions Too 

One of the biggest misconceptions about visiting a hand surgeon is that surgery will automatically be recommended.

In reality, many conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and elbow can be treated successfully without surgery.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options may include:

  • Hand therapy
  • Splinting and bracing
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Activity modification
  • Anti-inflammatory treatment
  • Observation and monitoring

At Arora Hand Surgery, treatment recommendations are tailored to each patient’s individual condition and goals.

 

When Should You See a Hand Specialist?

You should consider seeking evaluation if:

  • Pain persists beyond a few weeks
  • Swelling does not improve
  • You have numbness or tingling
  • Your grip feels weaker
  • Daily activities are becoming difficult
  • Symptoms continue despite a normal X-ray

Early diagnosis often leads to more treatment options and may help prevent symptoms from becoming worse.

 

Don’t Ignore Persistent Hand or Wrist Pain

Just because nothing is broken does not mean nothing is wrong.

The hand and wrist contain a complex network of bones, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and joints that work together every day. When one of those structures becomes injured or irritated, pain can persist even when imaging appears normal.

If you’ve been searching online for a “hand specialist near me,” “hand doctor near me,” or wondering why your hand still hurts despite normal X-rays, a specialized evaluation may provide the answers you need.

Dr. Avery Arora provides expert diagnosis and treatment for hand, wrist, and elbow conditions throughout Metro Detroit, including West Bloomfield, Macomb, and Howell.

 

Hand Pain Patients Also Ask 

  1. Can I have a wrist injury if my X-ray is normal?

Yes. Ligament injuries, tendon injuries, nerve compression conditions, and other soft tissue problems often do not appear on standard X-rays.

  1. What is the most common cause of hand pain after a fall?

Sprains, ligament injuries, tendon injuries, and bone bruises are all possible causes of ongoing pain after a fall.

  1. Can trigger finger go away on its own?

Some mild cases may improve, but many patients benefit from treatment to relieve pain and improve movement.

  1. Does seeing a hand surgeon mean I need surgery?

No. Many hand and wrist conditions can be treated successfully with non-surgical options.

  1. When should I see a hand specialist?

If pain, swelling, numbness, weakness, or limited movement persists despite rest or a normal X-ray, it may be time to schedule an evaluation.

If you’re experiencing pain after negative X-rays, contact Arora Hand Surgery today to schedule your appointment.

Categories
Conditions Fingers

Everyday Habits That Can Make Trigger Finger Worse

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Everyday Habits That Can Make Trigger Finger Worse

If you’ve ever noticed your finger catching, locking, or feeling stiff when you try to straighten it, you might be dealing with a condition called trigger finger (medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis). This happens when inflammation narrows the space around the tendon in your finger, making it harder for it to glide smoothly.

While certain health conditions and repetitive motions can increase your risk, many people are surprised to learn that everyday habits can make trigger finger symptoms worse — or slow down recovery if you already have it.

At Arora Hand Surgery, Dr. Avery Arora sees many patients throughout Southeast Michigan who benefit from early diagnosis and adjustments to their daily routine. Here are some common habits to watch out for.

 

Repetitive Gripping or Pinching 

Activities that require you to grip or pinch for extended periods put extra strain on the flexor tendons in your fingers. This can include:

  • Using hand tools
  • Playing certain musical instruments
  • Gardening
  • Using scissors or shears

Tip: When possible, take frequent breaks and use ergonomically designed tools with padded grips.

 

Long Hours on Smartphones or Tablets 

Scrolling, typing, and texting for long periods can aggravate trigger finger, especially if you hold your phone tightly or use your thumb excessively.

Tip: Switch hands, use voice-to-text features, or take regular “screen breaks” to give your hands and fingers a rest.

 

Ignoring Early Symptoms 

One of the most damaging habits is simply waiting too long to seek treatment. In the early stages, trigger finger may cause mild stiffness or occasional locking, but over time, the finger may become permanently bent without proper care.

Tip: If you notice any locking, popping, or persistent stiffness, schedule an appointment with a hand specialist before symptoms progress.

 

Sleeping With Your Fingers Curled 

Many people sleep with their fingers curled into a fist without realizing it. This position can cause the tendons to remain in a shortened state for hours, making morning stiffness worse.

Tip: A lightweight finger splint worn at night can help keep your fingers straight while you sleep.

 

Skipping Stretching or Hand Exercises 

Your fingers benefit from gentle stretching and mobility exercises — especially if your daily activities involve repetitive motion. Not moving your fingers through their full range of motion can lead to increased stiffness.

Tip: Try gentle exercises, like slowly bending and straightening your fingers several times a day. Your hand therapist can recommend the best exercises for you.

 

Overusing the Injured Finger During Recovery 

If you’ve been diagnosed with trigger finger, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions. Continuing to overuse your hand during recovery can delay healing and increase the likelihood of needing more aggressive treatments.

Tip: Follow activity restrictions, use splints as recommended, and attend all follow-up appointments to track your progress.

When to See a Hand Specialist 

Trigger finger can often be treated successfully with non-surgical options like splinting, activity modification, or steroid injections — especially if caught early. However, in severe or long-standing cases, a quick outpatient procedure may be necessary to release the tendon and restore normal movement.

Dr. Avery Arora, a board-certified hand surgeon, has extensive experience diagnosing and treating trigger finger. With four offices conveniently located in Southeast Michigan, including West Bloomfield, Howell, Macomb, and Warren, our team is here to help you find relief and get back to the activities you enjoy.

Don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen. Schedule an appointment with Arora Hand Surgery today to discuss your treatment options and prevent long-term damage.

Categories
Hands Wrists

When to See a Hand Doctor About Hand or Wrist Pain

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When to See a Hand Doctor About Hand or Wrist Pain

Your hands and wrists are incredibly important to your ability to work and play. Imagine trying to cook a meal, play catch with your kids, or even type up documents at work without the full dexterity and strength of your hands. It’s not a pretty picture, and anyone who’s ever experienced hand or wrist pain – even temporarily – can tell you how difficult it is to grip a soda can, a wrench, or even a pen with that feeling of pins and needles running through your palm and fingers. If this all hits home for you, hopefully this blog gives you a better idea when to see a hand doctor for that hand or wrist pain that refuses to go away.

It can be difficult to tell when to see a hand doctor or hand surgeon is necessary. We know questions such as these can play a role in how quickly someone decides to seek help:

  • Will this pain eventually go away?
  • Can I heal this on my own?
  • Do I really want to know what’s wrong?

We’ve seen many cases where a patient pinched a nerve in their hand, for example, and while it did heal on its own over a period of several weeks, the pinched nerve was indicative of a larger, more chronic problem. In general, if there are questions and a decreased ability to live your normal day-to-day life, we recommend calling a top hand doctor for an appointment immediately. Michiganders, here are some specific cases that absolutely warrant a call to your local Michigan hand specialist:

 

Prolonged Tingling or Numbness

Tingling and numbness – the feeling like your hand has gone “to sleep” – may be early symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. If you hold your hands in a position that’s not ergonomically correct for long periods of time, you can compress the carpal tunnel, through which the main nerves to your hand travel. If those nerves are pinched, serious and permanent damage can be done.

If you notice your hands falling asleep regularly, or you get that pins and needles feeling for longer than a few moments, it’s time to call a hand doctor such as Dr. Avery Arora. Getting a proper diagnosis by a hand specialist now could save you a lot of pain and potentially a surgery that could have been avoided.

If you develop carpal tunnel and other repetitive motion injuries in the hands and wrists early, you can usually treat them with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, etc.), an ergonomic brace or stabilizer, and/or physical hand therapy.

 

Joint Pain in Your Hand or Wrist

Having trouble bending or flexing your fingers or your wrist? It’s time to call a hand doctor immediately. This may be a sign of either rheumatic arthritis or osteoarthritis, either of which can be treated, but, again, treatment is much more effective and much less invasive if you catch it early. For example, if you wait until you have lost function in your hands, you may never recover that function or you may need surgery to regain it.

When to See a Hand Doctor About Hand or Wrist Pain

Swelling in Your Hand or Wrist

Swelling in the wrist joints or in the joints of your fingers could be due to arthritis, but it could also be a symptom of a repetitive motion injury. Repeating the same motions can put increased strain and stress on the muscles and ligaments of your hands and wrists, which can then become inflamed, causing swelling, tenderness, pain, and/or numbness. Talk to your hand doctor right away to treat swelling in your hands, wrists, and/or your elbows before it becomes a bigger problem than it already is.

If you’ve been putting off speaking with a hand doctor about a hand, wrist, or elbow issue that has been bothering you, it may be time to get in touch with top MI hand surgeon Dr. Avery Arora. You can schedule an appointment at one of his four offices in West Bloomfield, Warren, Macomb, or Howell, Michigan.

Categories
General

What to Expect at a Michigan Hand Surgery Consultation

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What to Expect at a Michigan Hand Surgery Consultation

You suspect you may need hand surgery and have decided to speak with a specialist. Before we begin, may we just commend you for taking the first step in bettering your health? We want to assure you that hand surgery is not always the only option after a diagnosis and that good hand surgeons like Dr. Avery Arora will always keep your best interest in mind. Here’s what to expect at a Michigan hand surgery consultation.

“What Types of Questions Will the Doctor Ask?”

It’s vital you know that open transparency of your medical background is of the utmost importance. Your doctor will want to know:

  • if you have had any other medical conditions
  • if you are presently going through any other medical treatments or prescribed any medications
  • if you have ever had any other surgeries
  • if you have any known drug allergies
  • about tobacco use, alcohol, and other drugs

 

“What Should I Tell the Doctor About My Hand?”

The short answer? Everything. Be prepared to share the full medical history of the condition in question. The doctor’s office may require images of the hand, such as x-rays, to help paint a clearer picture of the problem.

During the consultation, the doctors will determine your overall health status and whether you have any risk factors or conditions that may prevent you from being a good candidate for surgery.

They will discuss the available options you have that will give you the best chance of restoring function of your hand and returning to a normal quality of live. If you decide to proceed with the procedure, the doctor will explain what happens from start to finish and will let you know of any potential risks involved.

What to Expect at a Michigan Hand Surgery Consultation

“What Questions Should I Ask?”

We empower you to ask questions, too. While it might seem as though it’s the doctor’s role to ask questions during the consultation, patients need to make their voices heard as well. Some questions a patient should ask their hand physician could include:

  • If surgery is the best option, what could the potential complications mean for me in my day-to-day life?
  • How long will it typically take someone to recover from this particular type of procedure?
  • What type of therapy would be useful to help recover faster?
  • What else can I do in my day-to-day life to help the recovery process?

You can find more recommended questions in one of our other blogs.

During your hand surgery consultation, we can’t stress enough how important it is for local patient to feel empowered to vet if that particular Michigan hand doctor is right for them. If you have any reservations about the doctor, do not feel as though you are “locked in.” Speak with other Michigan hand specialists to get second opinions and feedback.

Your hand surgery consultation is the chance to learn everything you need to know about the procedures that could help improve or restore function to your hand. Pay attention, ask questions, and get peace of mind before surgery.

If you’ve been putting off speaking with a hand doctor about a hand, wrist, or elbow issue that has been bothering you, it may be time to get in touch with top MI hand surgeon Dr. Avery Arora. You can schedule an appointment at one of his four offices in West Bloomfield, Warren, Macomb, or Howell, Michigan.

 

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Stories

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Dr. Aroras office from my first call to schedule my appointment was friendly. Walking in the first day, I felt like I was in a nice atmosphere. Dr. Arora was EXCELLENT in taking great care of my hand injury. He was gentle and very understanding to the concerns I had about my hand. His expertise was admirable and I would recommend anyone with an injury to their hand to his office to be under his care. Because of him, I have healed faster than expected and will make an 100% recovery! Thank you Dr.

Jackie S.

I first thought I was going to have to have painful injections or surgery, but Dr. Arora suggested physical therapy may do the trick. I was doubtful, but I agreed to do it. Now, my pain is gone, and with the help of an ergonomic keyboard at work to keep my hands in the correct position, I am virtually pain free. The therapy strengthened my wrists and shoulders, and built more flexibility into my wrists.

Jerry T.

My experience with this doctor was positive from the outset. Dr. Arora was kind and spent a great deal of time with me. Staff was friendly. The office was nice and bright.

Ariel G.

Very friendly and helpful Great staff!!! Doctor Arora was very professional and did great work. I was very happy with everything!

L B.