Hand surgery is a very specific field of orthopedics, requiring specialized training and expert skills. Our talented hand and wrist surgeons are highly trained to treat the delicate network of tendons, ligaments, muscles, skin, and bones in the hand and wrist. They use advanced minimally invasive endoscopic, arthroscopic, and nerve repair techniques. Patients receive diligent follow-up care, as well as hand therapy from our on-site certified hand therapists.
What's the Best Way To Prevent Hand Injuries?
A good way to prevent hand injuries is by using gloves when you're doing certain tasks such as yard work, physical labor, woodworking, or when working with dangerous chemicals, and other activities that can injure your hands. It's important to make sure that the gloves fit your hands properly in order to provide the best protection possible. You will also need to wear gloves that are appropriate for the job that you're doing. Oftentimes, hand injures can occur because people are working too fast. Because of this, it's a good idea to try working a little more slowly.
A familiar wrist injury is Carpal Tunnel, which can occur from long-term repetitive use. While it originates in the wrist, it can affect the hand by causing a tingling or burning sensation, numbness, pain, and weakness. It's common knowledge that people whose work requires numerous hours at a computer may develop Carpal Tunnel. However, anyone who uses their wrist doing repetitive motions, over long periods of time, can be affected. Depending on your project, setting up an ergonomic workstation and taking frequent breaks can be helpful.
Because their are so many ways to sustain an injury, certain tips can help. For instance, take off rings and bracelets while you're working with machinery, Also, keep your hands away from moving parts, and always avoid using machinery under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Even a simple kitchen chore such as working with an avocado can result in cutting tendons and nerves in the hand if a knife slips while trying to remove a pit.
Consultations for Hand and Wrist Pain
When suffering from pain or weakness in your hands or wrists, whether from a degenerative condition or injury, it can significantly impair your ability to work, enjoy hobbies, sports, or to accomplish everyday tasks. Our hand and wrist doctors can help diagnose your condition and offer conservative to surgical treatment options based on your needs. They can also educate you on incorporating therapeutic exercises, when appropriate, that help minimize many hand and wrist conditions.
Conditions Routinely Treated at Texas Orthopedics
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disorder that makes the hand numb, tingly, and painful. It occurs when the median nerve gets squeezed in the wrist.
Trigger Finger/Thumb
Trigger finger, also referred to as Stenosing Tenosynovitis, is a disorder that makes one or more fingers lock or catch when you try to bend them. It's referred to as trigger thumb when it affects the thumb. The affected digits can experience considerable pain and stiffness, making it difficult to stretch them.
Dupuytren’s Disease
Dupuytren’s Disease is a condition that causes the fascia, a layer of tissue located between the muscle and skin of your fingers and palms, to tighten and thicken over time. As a result, the fingers are pulled in towards the palm, forming a condition called Dupuytren’s Contracture.
Ganglion Cysts
Ganglion cysts are non-cancerous lumps that form along the joints and tendons of the wrist and hand. They are filled with fluid and can grow, shrink, or completely disappear over time. Some cysts are painful, but many are asymptomatic or cause only mild aching. However, based on the location of the lumps, ganglion cysts can affect joint movement.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
This is a disorder that occurs when tendons and the tendon sheath on the thumb side swells. Pain, swelling or a catching in the thumb can occur with frequent wrist movement, while holding an object, or when making a fist. Given the nickname "mommy's thumb", this condition can be triggered by recurrent motions such as lifting infants, supporting a babies head, or holding a bottle.
The hands are a complex and necessary part of the body that we rely on for everyday functions. If you are experiencing a chronic or acute condition or injury to the hand or wrist, call to schedule a consultation with one of our board certified, fellowship trained hand specialists. Our doctors will perform a thorough diagnosis to determine your condition and how it can best be treated.
Texas Orthopedics Hand Surgeons
Common hand and wrist conditions and treatments:
- Arthritis
- Bite Injuries
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Flexor Tendon Injuries
- Extensor Tendon Injuries
- Hand Dislocations
- Hand Nerve Injury/Repair
- deQuervain's Tendonitis
- Dupuytren's Contracture
- Ganglion Cysts
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Wrist Fracture Surgery
- Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery
- Open Release Carpal Tunnel Surgery
- Joint Replacement
- Microvascular and Peripheral Nerve Surgery
- Complex Hand Reconstruction
- Orthopedic Trauma Treatment
- Finger Conditions (Swan Neck, Boutonniere, Trigger Finger/Thumb)
Learn more about common hand and wrist conditions and treatments in our patient education library.
