Board Certified Hand Surgeon Q&A

Daily tasks can become impossible after a hand injury. That’s where a hand surgeon can help. A hand, wrist, and forearm specialist is a general, plastic, or orthopedic surgeon.

In addition to treating pain and restoring hand movement, hand surgeons also treat upper extremity injuries. Most hospitals and healthcare facilities have a team of hand surgeons and therapists who specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries.

Hand surgeons treat muscular and tendon disorders, nail disorders, skin disorders, joint disorders, and nerve and bone injuries.

Orthopedic surgeons specialize in treating musculoskeletal conditions medically and surgically. Joints, muscles, tendons, and bones are all included in this category. Hand surgeons specialize in treating the hand and upper extremities. It is true that any orthopedic surgeon is qualified to treat ligament, tendon, muscle, or bone injuries, but you should also consider the additional highly specialized training required to become a hand surgeon.

Hand surgeons specialize in treating problems relating to the hand, wrist, and forearm. Human hands are made up of many small tunnels and delicate muscles and ligaments, so these specialists have undergone rigorous training. An orthopedic hand surgeon will also likely be a member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and trained in both general and plastic surgery. It is also possible that some of these specialists have extensive experience treating elbow and shoulder problems as well.

In addition to having the general knowledge and competency to treat hand injuries, a hand surgeon makes a career out of treating and operating on them. A qualified orthopedic hand surgeon can help you in situations such as carpal tunnel syndrome, severe cuts and trauma, and wrist pain that requires surgery.

Despite what their name suggests hand surgeons do not always need to operate. They can use additional treatments such as physical therapy instead of or in harmony with an operation. Staff at Florida Hand Center offer minimally invasive surgical and nonsurgical treatment options and work to ensure patients receive the best and most cost-effective treatment every time. Conditions such as wrist pain, trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, sports injuries, and broken wrists or hands are some common injuries treated. If a hand injury or accident requires an operation, hand surgeons first determine the underlying cause of the problem before choosing the appropriate treatment. Tendon and nerve repair, joint replacement, and realignment are some types of procedures offered.

Carpal tunnel hand surgery is the most common hand surgery performed as it is a very common condition. When the wrist tendons swell, pressure is put on the median nerve and the tendons that run through the tunnel to the fingertips. In the hand, compression of the median nerve causes pins and needles sensations, thumb weakness, pain in the hand, and shooting pains. Surgery relieves pressure by providing more room for the nerve in the tunnel when non-surgical solutions, such as a wrist brace, do not provide relief.

During your first appointment with a hand surgeon, they will review your medical history, including past surgeries and injuries. You and your doctor will discuss your daily activities and lifestyle factors that could potentially be contributing to the problem. A thorough examination will be performed of the hand, forearm, and wrist. Imaging tests such as X-rays may be ordered in order to determine a diagnosis. A treatment plan will be put in place to restore mobility and reduce pain, and options for long-term solutions will be discussed. The hand surgeon will begin with non-invasive options such as physical and occupational therapy. To be prepared for your initial appointment it is important to bring any necessary documents, identification, details of your symptoms, and to prepare any questions you may have. Appointments with hand surgeons are available at the Florida Hand Center. We have convenient locations in Fort Myers, FL, and Port Charlotte, FL. We serve patients from Port Charlotte FL,  Fort Myers FL, Punta Gorda FL, Harbour Heights FL, Cape Coral FL, Estero FL, Lake Suzy FL,  Charlotte Harbor FL, Murdock FL, Solana FL, and surrounding areas.