Hand Surgery
If you have pain in your fingers, hand, wrist or arm, or have other upper-extremity related concerns, you may want to consult a hand surgeon. Hand surgeons care for these problems with and without surgery. But rest assured that your surgeon is an expert in hands as well as diagnosing and caring for shoulder and elbow problems.
Conditions treated by a hand surgeon are:
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Wrist pain
• Cuts on the fingers and hand
• Sports injuries to the hand and wrist
• Creating fingers from toes and other joints
Carpal Tunnel Hand Surgery
If you are experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome and all other avenues have failed to relieve or control your symptoms, an operation called a carpal tunnel release may be necessary. In this relatively simple outpatient procedure, the surgeon carefully cuts the wrist ligament, releasing the pressure inside the carpal tunnel, usually providing almost instantaneous relief from arm and hand pain and tingling.
As the wound heals, new tissue will bridge the severed ligament in about six weeks, making the ligament long enough to create additional space inside the tunnel and prevent recurrence of symptoms in most cases.
Arthritis Hand Surgery
For severe arthritis symptoms in your hand, your may recommend surgery. Because basal joint arthritis is such a common problem, many types of surgical procedures have been developed to deal with it. Surgery generally falls into two main categories; one involves a fusion of the two bones making up the joint, thereby eliminating the joint and the painful symptoms. A potential drawback here is some loss of motion and some stiffening of the thumb joint.
The other major category of surgical correction involves removal of the arthritic surfaces and insertion of material between the two ends of the bones. Each type of surgery has its potential benefit and drawbacks, and each person's requirements are different.
After surgery, the doctor may prescribe a course of therapy designed to increase the mobility and strength in the thumb following the surgery. A hand therapist provides vital supporting instruction and can assist you in regaining thumb function.
Pain and stiffness at the base of the thumb are extremely common symptoms of an arthritic condition and should prompt consideration of an evaluation by your physician.
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