Fellowship-Trained Hand & Wrist Surgeons
We use our hands in almost every activity we do. Hand pain can be the result of a condition that has developed over time, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis, or of a recent injury from an accidental fall, such as a fracture or jam.
Due to the frequency with which we use our hands, the most common causes of pain in the hand can be related to a condition that has a developed over time.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of hand pain, it may be time to seek medical treatment from a hand doctor.
How Do I Know If I Need Hand or Wrist Orthopedic Care?
If you’re experiencing any of the following hand or wrist symptoms, it may be time to visit a Steindler hand & wrist specialist.
Hand Symptoms
- Persistent hand and arm pain
- Finger joint pain when carrying, gripping, grasping, or twisting objects
- Swelling & discomfort in the hand or around the affected joint
- Your hand, palm, and fingers may feel warm or appear red in color
- Hand numbness, tingling, or throbbing while resting
- A grinding or catching sensation in the finger or thumb
- Developing cysts on the end joints of your fingers
Wrist Symptoms
- Persistent wrist pain and a tingling or numbness in the hand and forearm
- Swelling or significant bruising in the wrist or forearm
- Inability to carry, open, or twist objects
- Difficulty straightening your wrist
How Can I Schedule An Orthopedic Diagnostic Appointment?
Whether it is from a persistent condition or a sudden injury, getting an evaluation from an expert is the first step in relieving your pain. To schedule an appointment with one of our hand and wrist specialists, please call us at (319) 338-3606.
Common Hand & Wrist Conditions
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed. Biological factors and repetitive motion can cause this compression to occur. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be identified by tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand and wrist. If identified early on, carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated on your own with rest, icing, and lifestyle changes. Non-surgical treatments such as splinting or cortisone injections may provide relief in more advanced cases. In severe cases, carpal tunnel release surgery may be required to effectively treat the problem.
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a condition that causes pain in the tendons near the thumb. Symptoms include pain, swelling, a catching sensation, or difficulty moving the thumb. If addressed early on, treatments such as splinting, lifestyle changes, exercises, or icing may provide relief. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to treat the problem.
Osteoarthritis of the Hand & Wrist
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between bones wears down. This results in pain, stiffness, loss of mobility, and potentially a grinding sensation in the finger, hand, or wrist. While osteoarthritis will not go away on its own, medication and therapy can provide relief to the symptoms. In more severe cases, non-surgical or surgical procedures may be required to treat osteoarthritis.
Finger Deformities
We treat a range of conditions that create deformities in the hand, like trigger finger and Dupuytren’s contracture. These deformities can be easily identified, as they result in one or more fingers becoming stuck in a bent position. If identified early on, these conditions can be mitigated with rest, splints, or finger exercises. If these conditions have progressed to a more severe stage, non-surgical or surgical procedures may be required to effectively treat them.
Ganglion Cysts
A ganglion cyst is a round lump that forms on the hand or wrist. Ganglion cysts can grow in size and become painful if they impact a nerve. If the cyst causes significant pain or restricts movement, you may want to meet with a Steindler hand and wrist specialist to explore your options. Treatments include draining the cyst or surgery to remove the cyst.
Hand & Wrist Injuries
Hand and wrist injuries include conditions like dislocations, lacerations, fractures, and tendon and ligament injuries. These injuries result from accidents while using our hands or falling on them. While lacerations and dislocations can be easy to identify on your own, other injuries may not be as obvious. Pain, swelling, and difficulty moving after an activity or accident are indicators of an injury. Treatments can range depending on the injury, but they could involve immobilization, non-surgical procedures, or surgery, in severe injuries.
Certified Hand Therapists
Not all hand problems require a surgeon to treat them. A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is a therapist who has undergone rigorous study and advanced training in the treatment of hand conditions. Certified Hand Therapists require a minimum of five years of clinical experience, at least 4,000 hours of hand therapy practice, is board-certified by HTCC, and must recertify every 5 years.
At Steindler Orthopedic Clinic, we have two Certified Hand Therapists, Brad Michelson and Laurie Stonewall. Our team provides specialized hand care and can even create custom orthotic devices to treat patients’ hand conditions. Beyond treating conditions, our Certified Hand Therapists educate patients on how to avoid future problems.
Appointment Resources
Once you have scheduled your appointment our specialty-trained hand and wrist doctor, please use the links below to obtain our new patient forms and browse through our tips and suggestions on preparing for your appointment.
