Orthopedic Hand Doctor in Fort Myers, FL and Port Charlotte, FL

Hand injuries and disorders can have a significant impact despite the small bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the hand. The good news is that orthopedic doctors specialize in treating disorders of the hand. Hand injuries and conditions are numerous.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is among the most common disorders. The hand and arm are affected by this condition, which causes pain, numbness, and tingling. Carpal tunnel syndrome is essentially a pinched nerve in the wrist. Several factors can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome, including increased pressure on the median nerve and narrowing of the tunnel. It is often possible to treat carpal tunnel syndrome non-surgically if it is diagnosed and treated early. Carpal tunnel release can be performed endoscopically or openly if surgery is required.

Another common hand disorder is arthritis. About 54.4 million adults in the US are diagnosed with arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. Arthritis has many different types and causes. Hand and wrist joints are commonly affected by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

When experiencing trigger finger, you feel your finger locking or catching when you bend it, also called stenosing tenosynovitis. The condition causes pain and stiffness in the fingers. The ring finger and thumb are most commonly affected by the trigger finger, but other fingers can also be affected. A trigger finger occurs when the sheath surrounding the finger’s tendon becomes inflamed.

Between the skin and muscle of your palms and fingers there is a layer of tissue. It is called fascia. The fascia thickens and tightens over time as a result of Dupuytren’s disease. As a result, the fingers are pulled inward towards the palm, causing Dupuytren’s contracture. This condition can limit hand function.

A ganglion cyst is a benign, noncancerous lump that develops along the tendons and joints of the hands and wrists. There are several sizes of ganglion cysts, ranging from pea-sized to an inch in diameter. Cysts in the hand become painful when they press on nerves. Cysts may impair joint movement depending on their location.

An orthopedic hand specialist provides expert diagnosis and treatment on conditions affecting the hand, wrist and elbow. The Florida Hand Center specializes in treating hand, wrist, and elbow problems. Our team offers minimally invasive surgical and nonsurgical treatment options, always seeking the most cost-effective option for each patient.

Orthopedic appointments typically require patients to arrive 15 minutes early. The paperwork can be completed, and simple evaluations can be performed if you arrive early. You will be asked about your medical history after filling out some forms.

The doctor can assess your risk for certain diseases based on your medical history. As a result, they can recommend medications and treatments that are appropriate for you, as well as determine which tests you should take. A diagnostic imaging test may also be recommended by your orthopedist. The tests may include an MRI, CT scan, or X-ray. Imaging tests usually take a few minutes after discussing your medical history. Your affected body part will be imaged by a radiologist. Your orthopedic doctor will then receive your test results and have some important information about your symptoms. Wear simple and comfortable clothes to the appointment, so the affected site can be easily accessed.

In order to better understand your problem, your doctor may perform a physical examination. Simple exercises such as walking around, standing up, bending, and other simple tasks are usually part of a physical examination. In addition to checking for pain, swelling, discoloration, or stiffness, your doctor will also examine the affected area physically. Your doctor will discuss possible diagnoses and treatment options with you after a physical examination.

Orthopedic hand care is available at the Florida Hand Center. We serve patients from Port Charlotte FL, Fort Myers FL, Estero FL, Murdock FL, Charlotte Harbor FL, Punta Gorda FL, Harbour Heights FL, Cape Coral FL, Lake Suzy FL, and Solana FL.