The hand and wrist combine small joints, tendons, nerves and structures used for precise movement. Similar symptoms can have different explanations and should not be turned into an online diagnosis.
When a hand and wrist assessment may be useful
Persistent or recurrent pain
Pain limits lifting, turning, leaning on the wrist, typing, working, sleeping or gripping objects.
Numbness, tingling or weakness
You notice sensory changes, reduced grip, dropping objects or symptoms that become more noticeable at night.
A finger that catches or locks
A finger catches during bending or straightening, clicks or requires help to restore movement.
Problems after an injury
Pain, stiffness, swelling or loss of function continues after a fall, impact, immobilization or initial treatment.
The symptom pattern helps identify what should be examined
Nerve-related pattern
Numbness, tingling, electric sensations or weakness may lead to a review of sensation, distribution and strength. These symptoms do not confirm carpal tunnel syndrome by themselves.
Tendon-related pattern
Pain with specific movements, clicking or finger locking may require an assessment of tendon motion and function.
Joint or wrist pattern
Pain with lifting, turning, weight bearing or wrist movement may involve different structures. Exact location and the injury mechanism affect the interpretation.
Lump or change in contour
A cyst or other prominence is assessed by its size, consistency, progression, pain and effect on motion; not every lump requires a procedure.
Recent trauma
A fall or impact with deformity, severe pain or sudden loss of function belongs first to an acute-care pathway. Also review fracture care.
Persistent symptoms without a clear diagnosis
When symptoms continue despite time or previous treatment, the assessment can reorganize the information and clarify which question remains unresolved.
What is reviewed during the assessment
The visit combines information that a photograph, report or symptom list cannot resolve on its own:
- Onset, location and progression of the problem.
- Activities, positions or movements that change the symptoms.
- Motion of the wrist, hand and fingers.
- Strength, sensation and function when relevant.
- Swelling, locking, instability or changes in contour.
- Previous treatment and response.
- Available X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, EMG or other studies.
- Whether the findings match the patient’s actual limitation.
Possible paths after the assessment
Non-surgical follow-up
Some cases may continue with conservative care and follow-up. The specific recommendation is defined after reviewing the likely cause, function and progress.
Additional testing
A study may be considered when there is a focused question about bone, joint, tendon or nerve and the result could change the plan.
Second opinion
This can clarify the reasoning behind a previous recommendation and review its benefits, limitations, alternatives and remaining questions.
Surgical assessment
This may enter the discussion when examination, progress and studies support a clinical indication. This page does not confirm specific procedures.
For general pathways that do not begin with a surgical indication, review non-surgical options. The orthopedic services page can help when the main reason for consultation is still unclear.
Warning signs that require immediate medical care
How to prepare for the consultation
- Bring available studies in digital or physical format.
- Include prior medical reports, notes and recommendations.
- Note when the symptoms began and how they have changed.
- Identify which fingers or areas are affected.
- Record which activities, positions or movements change the symptoms.
- Bring a list of previous treatments or immobilization and the response.
- Note changes in strength, sensation, dexterity, work capacity or daily activities.
Cost and location
Cost depends on the type of consultation, imaging review and follow-up needs. Any additional estimate is defined after assessment; insurance agreements, direct billing or coverage are not assumed.
Scheduled consultations take place at Hospital Punta Mita in Corral del Risco. The page serves patients from Riviera Nayarit, Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta without presenting those areas as additional offices.
Frequently asked questions
Does every hand or wrist problem require surgery?
No. Pain may involve tendons, joints, nerves or a previous injury. The pathway depends on the examination, progress, function and available studies; surgery is not assumed at the first visit.
Does numbness always mean carpal tunnel syndrome?
No. The pattern may suggest nerve irritation or compression, but other causes are possible. Symptom distribution, strength, sensation and examination help determine what should be investigated.
Do I need an EMG or MRI before the visit?
Not necessarily. Bring any studies you already have. The need for X-rays, ultrasound, MRI or electrodiagnostic testing depends on the clinical question that needs to be answered.
What if a finger catches or locks?
Catching or clicking may relate to the tendon mechanism, but this page cannot confirm the cause. The assessment reviews which finger is affected, how long it has been happening, whether it remains locked and how much function is limited.
Does a wrist lump always need to be removed?
No. Some lumps can be observed when they do not cause pain or limit function. The next step depends on examination, behavior over time and functional impact.
Can I request a second opinion before surgery?
Yes. The visit can review symptoms, examination, imaging and the previous recommendation to clarify benefits, limitations, alternatives and unresolved questions. A second opinion does not guarantee that the recommendation will change.
Where does the consultation take place?
Scheduled consultations take place at Hospital Punta Mita in Corral del Risco. Patients from Riviera Nayarit, Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta are seen without presenting those areas as additional offices.