Untreated hand injuries can lead to long-term problems. In the issue of a break, for instance, there is a possibility that the bone will not heal properly and will become misaligned. Chronic pain, arthritis, or even disability may result from this. The consequences of an untreated fracture can be fatal in some cases. A punctured bone, for instance, can create an entry point for bacteria. It can cause infection and sepsis, which can be fatal. Any wrist or hand injury, no matter how minor, should be treated by a medical professional. The consequences of ignoring an injury can be serious and may be difficult or impossible to treat in the future.   The first thing you should do if you suffer a wrist injury or hand injury is to visit a physician for diagnosis and treatment. There are, however, some people who ignore their injuries until it becomes too late to undergo effective treatment. Pain in the hands and wrists is often ignored by many of us as something that will heal on its own. It may be possible to treat minor injuries by resting, icing, and waiting for recovery in most cases. Persistent, long-term pain, however, should never be ignored.   Hand injury treatment specialists are available at the Reconstructive Orthopedic Center of Houston. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1200 Binz St, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77004. We serve patients from Houston TX, Midtown TX, Montrose TX, MacGregor TX, South Central Houston TX, Old Braeswood TX, and surrounding areas.