Patient guide · 5 min read
Hand or Wrist Pain: When to Stop Waiting and Get It Evaluated
May 19, 2026 · Deborah Austin, OTR, CHT
Most people wait too long. The hand is the part of the body we can least afford to lose function in, and it is the part we are most likely to work through pain with.
Signs worth an evaluation now
- Numbness or tingling that has become constant instead of intermittent.
- Pain that wakes you at night, more than a few nights a week.
- A finger that catches, locks or cannot be fully straightened.
- Grip weakness — dropping objects, struggling with jars, keys or door handles.
- Swelling or stiffness that has not improved in two to three weeks.
- Visible loss of muscle bulk at the base of the thumb or between the fingers.
- Pain that limits work, sleep, driving or a sport you care about.
Why earlier is genuinely easier
Early problems are usually inflammation and mechanics — those respond quickly. Late problems add joint contracture, muscle atrophy and adhesions, all of which take far longer to reverse and sometimes do not fully reverse.
What a first visit gives you
Even if you decide to wait on treatment, an evaluation gives you objective measurements, a clear explanation of what is happening in the hand, and a home program you can begin immediately.
Booking in Boca Raton
Call 561-362-8757 to schedule. The office is at 2061 NW 2nd Ave, Suite 106, Boca Raton, open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, by appointment only. This article is general information and is not medical advice — please do not send health details by email.
Frequently asked
- Do I need a diagnosis before I call?
- No. Many patients call with symptoms rather than a diagnosis. We will let you know what your insurance plan requires and whether a physician referral is needed first.
- Do you treat elbow problems too?
- Yes. The practice treats the hand, wrist and elbow, including tennis and golfer's elbow and post-surgical elbow rehabilitation.
Talk with a Certified Hand Therapist
This article is general education, not medical advice. For your own hand, call the office.