Fishing injuries are usually the result of overuse of a particular joint. Pain symptoms in the upper body, back, hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder are common and tendon conditions or arthritis can develop. The joints affected and the severity of pain depend on a variety of factors including frequency of participation, grip and casting style as well as the type of equipment used.
Fishing in salt water or deep sea conditions requires greater strength and effort. Not surprisingly, enthusiasts of this type of fishing report the most problems. Fly-fishing, a variant of fishing which is generally of a lower impact but involves repetitive motion, can cause all of the aforementioned conditions due to the style and mechanics of casting.
Another concern for anglers is infections of the hand. In the Chesapeake Bay or other brackish water, an organism called Mycobacterium Marinum can enter the tissues of the hand and cause a smoldering infection. Another organism that can be very serious is the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria. It is typically spread when an open area of the skin comes in contact with contaminated water. Sudden onset of redness, pain and swelling are the main manifestations.
Treatment
Conditions involving overuse of the joints can be prevented by using proper equipment and casting techniques, particularly in the case of fly-fishing which requires repetitive motions. Warming up and stretching, often neglected by anglers, are also important. Rest is important for treatment while serious conditions may require surgery to alleviate pain and restore function to the joint.
Infections of the hand are often not recognized as an infection initially and these conditions can be advanced before the sufferer seeks medical assistance. Rapid medical treatment with antibiotics and surgical removal of infected tissue is essential.
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Testimonials
I was impressed by Dr. Desai’s skills and how he treated me. My Dupuytren’s contracture had progressed. He saw me quickly, gave me several options and I chose needle aponeurotomy. About 45 minutes later I was on my way home with full range of motion in my hand. I would see
him again.
C.H.
I had lost the use of my thumb and could not write my name, get dressed, open things or do other tasks. After my surgery I had it all back, regaining full mobility of my thumb. I got excellent care. Dr. Desai and his staff are patient and considerate. He’s the best hand surgeon in this area.
S.A.
Before seeing Dr. Desai, I had terrible arthritic pain in my thumbs. I’m a nurse and I couldn’t even write or administer IVs. Pain kept me awake at night. After my arthoplasty, my pain is gone and I have full use of my thumbs. Great results, and I’m absolutely happy.
S.S.
Had basal bone arthroplasty, (trapezium removed). Recovery was exactly as predicted, almost full use of hand in less than 3 months. Dr. Desai answered my questions completely. He was very attentive to my concerns, fully explained options & what to expect.
D.W.
My husband has had 2 carpal tunnel releases, and I recently had thumb arthroplasty and ligament reconstruction, all performed by Dr Desai. Dr. Desai is a brilliant hand surgeon whom we continue to sing praises about. Dr. Desai is direct and soft spoken. I will recommend him to anyone who needs a hand surgeon.B.S.
I've worked in the medical field for the last 16 years, and when it comes to doctors, I've see the good, the bad and the ugly. I have never done a review for a doctor until now.I recently had a 4.3 x 2.3 cm lipoma removed from my right hand by Dr. Desai. Not only was the surgery a breeze, but the recovery time was a lot quicker than I thought it would be. I had virtually no pain after surgery. He did a great job suturing using a vessel loop technique that he learned from a plastic surgeon. Because of that, my incision is barely visible. On top of that, the staff and everyone involved were amazing! In my professional opinion, Dr. Desai is the best hand surgeon I know. He takes his job very seriously and yet maintains great bed-side manners that a lot of doctors lack. I would refer Dr. Desai to anyone I know. In fact, if anyone in my family needs to have hand surgery, they will be coming to VA to have it done. My family lives in MI and TN. I wouldn't let them go to anyone else. Thank you, Dr. Desai!You're the Best!
K.D.