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What Conditions Can an Orthopedic Hand Surgeon Treat?

What Conditions Can an Orthopedic Hand Surgeon Treat?

Orthopedic hand surgeons are highly specialized and capable of treating various conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm.  At Florida Hand Center Dr. Stephen L. Helgemo, Jr. MD, is a hand specialist who can evaluate, diagnose, and treat various hand conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures, dislocations, and sports injuries. If you frequently suffer from hand injuries or persistent conditions that limit your hand’s range of motion, let our team of healthcare professionals help keep your health in check at all times! We help our patients in regaining better, pain-free hand functions. To learn more, contact us or request an appointment online. We have convenient locations in Fort Myers, FL, and Port Charlotte, FL.

What Conditions Can an Orthopedic Hand Surgeon Treat?
What Conditions Can an Orthopedic Hand Surgeon Treat?

Table of Contents:

What Does a Hand Surgeon Do?
What diseases do orthopedic hand surgeons treat?
What is the difference between a hand surgeon and an orthopedic surgeon?
What Types of Treatments Do Hand Orthopedists Perform?

What Does a Hand Surgeon Do?


A hand surgeon is a highly specialized medical professional who focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the hand, wrist, and forearm. The hand is a complex structure with numerous bones, muscles, tendons, and nerves that work together to perform intricate movements, so it requires a unique level of expertise to properly diagnose and treat hand-related problems.

Hand surgeons undergo extensive training beyond their general orthopedic surgery training to develop specialized knowledge and skills in the anatomy, function, and treatment of the hand.

Hand surgeons are experts in both surgical and non-surgical treatments for hand and wrist conditions. Depending on the nature and severity of the condition, a hand surgeon may recommend non-surgical treatments like medication, physical therapy, or splinting. When surgery is necessary, hand surgeons use a range of procedures to address specific injuries or conditions.

These may include joint replacements, tendon and nerve repairs, and microsurgery to reattach small blood vessels and nerves. Ultimately, hand surgeons work closely with other healthcare professionals to develop customized treatment plans that are tailored to meet each patient’s individual needs, helping them to regain function and improve their quality of life.

What diseases do orthopedic hand surgeons treat?


The conditions treated by orthopedic hand surgeons can vary widely, from relatively minor injuries to complex degenerative diseases. They commonly treat injuries such as fractures, dislocations, sprains, and strains that can result from trauma or overuse. In addition, they are skilled in treating overuse injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, and tennis elbow, which can cause pain and difficulty moving the hand and wrist.

Orthopedic hand surgeons also diagnose and treat degenerative conditions like arthritis, which can cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints of the hand and wrist. Dupuytren’s contracture, a condition that causes thickening and tightening of the tissue beneath the skin of the hand, is another condition treated by orthopedic hand surgeons. They also treat nerve and tendon injuries, which can result in loss of sensation or difficulty moving the hand and fingers.

What is the difference between a hand surgeon and an orthopedic surgeon?


While both hand surgeons and orthopedic surgeons have a general knowledge of the musculoskeletal system, hand surgeons have a more specialized knowledge and training in the anatomy, function, and treatment of the hand.

Hand surgery is a subspecialty of orthopedic surgery, and hand surgeons undergo additional training beyond their general orthopedic surgery training to develop specialized expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of hand and wrist conditions. This additional training allows hand surgeons to perform a range of surgical and non-surgical procedures specifically focused on the hand, wrist, and forearm. Orthopedic surgeons, on the other hand, are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions that can affect any part of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.

While there is some overlap in the conditions treated by hand surgeons and orthopedic surgeons, hand surgeons specialize in the complex anatomy and function of the hand and are often better equipped to provide specialized care for hand and wrist conditions.

Patients who are experiencing hand and wrist problems, such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or Dupuytren’s contracture, may benefit from consulting with a hand surgeon for specialized care. Conversely, patients with more generalized musculoskeletal issues, such as hip or knee pain, may benefit from consulting with an orthopedic surgeon for diagnosis and treatment.

What Types of Treatments Do Hand Orthopedists Perform?


Hand orthopedists use a range of non-surgical treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and splinting, as well as surgical treatments including joint replacements, tendon and nerve repairs, and minimally invasive procedures.

Common surgeries performed by hand orthopedists include carpal tunnel release surgery and trigger finger release surgery. In some cases, they may also perform reconstructive surgery to repair or rebuild damaged tissue. Overall, hand orthopedists use their specialized knowledge and expertise to provide the best possible care for patients with hand and wrist conditions.

Orthopedic hand treatment is available at Florida Hand Center. To learn more, contact us today to request an appointment. We serve patients from Port Charlotte FL, Fort Myers FL, Punta Gorda FL, Harbour Heights FL, Estero FL, Lake Suzy FL, Cape Coral FL, Charlotte Harbor FL, Murdock FL, Solana FL, and surrounding areas.

 

Locations - Florida Hand Center in Fort Myers, FL and Port Charlotte, FL

Port Charlotte

  • 18344 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
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Fort Myers

  • 13710 Metropolis Ave. Suite 103, Fort Myers, FL 33912
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