Hand problems can make daily tasks difficult and painful. Many people need specialized care from hand doctors who understand these complex conditions.
Hand doctors, especially those at Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, Florida, treat various issues that affect your fingers, wrists, and hands. They help patients return to normal activities through proper diagnosis and treatment.
In this article, we will explore how hand doctors in Naples, FL treat carpal tunnel syndrome and other hand conditions.
What Are Hand Doctors?
Hand doctors are orthopedic surgeons who specialize in treating hand, wrist, and arm conditions. These specialists complete additional training beyond regular orthopedic surgery. They study the complex anatomy of the upper extremity for several years.
Hand doctors treat both surgical and non-surgical conditions. They understand how bones, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels work together. This knowledge helps them provide the best treatment for each patient’s specific problem.
Most hand doctors complete a fellowship in hand surgery after their orthopedic residency. This extra training teaches them advanced techniques for treating complex hand conditions. They learn both traditional and modern surgical methods.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes and Symptoms
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in your wrist. Nine tendons and the median nerve pass through this space.
When tissues around the tendons swell, they press on the median nerve. This pressure causes the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, affecting millions of people each year.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms often start gradually. Early signs include:
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
- Pain that travels up the arm
- Weakness in grip strength
- Dropping objects frequently
- Symptoms are worse at night or in the early morning
How Hand Doctors Diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Hand doctors use several methods to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome accurately. The process begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination.
Physical Examination Tests
Doctors perform specific tests to check for nerve compression:
- Tinel’s Test: The doctor taps over the median nerve at the wrist. Tingling in the fingers suggests nerve compression.
- Phalen’s Test: Patients hold their wrists in a flexed position for 60 seconds. Numbness or tingling indicates possible carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Durkan’s Test: Direct pressure is applied over the carpal tunnel. Symptoms that develop suggest nerve compression.
Diagnostic Studies
Hand doctors may order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis:
- Nerve Conduction Studies: These tests measure how fast electrical signals travel through the median nerve. Slow conduction indicates nerve compression.
- Electromyography (EMG): This test checks muscle activity in the hand. It helps determine if nerve damage has occurred.
- Ultrasound: Sound waves create images of the carpal tunnel. This test can show swelling or other structural problems.
Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Hand doctors offer various treatment options depending on symptom severity.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Many patients improve with conservative treatments, such as:
- Wrist Splinting: Wearing a splint keeps the wrist in a neutral position. This reduces pressure on the median nerve. Night splints are often most effective.
- Activity Modification: Changing work habits and taking frequent breaks can help. Patients learn proper wrist positioning during activities.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can reduce carpal tunnel syndrome swelling. Oral steroids may help in severe cases.
- Steroid Injections: Cortisone injections directly into the carpal tunnel can provide relief. These injections reduce inflammation around the nerve.
- Physical Therapy: Specific exercises can improve flexibility and strength. Therapists teach proper body mechanics and workplace ergonomics.
Surgical Treatment
When conservative treatments fail, surgery may be necessary. Hand doctors perform carpal tunnel release surgery. There are two ways to do this:
- Open Release: The surgeon makes a small incision in the palm. They cut the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the nerve.
- Endoscopic Release: This minimally invasive technique uses a small camera. The surgeon makes tiny incisions and cuts the ligament from inside.
Both procedures are outpatient surgeries, meaning most patients return home the same day. Recovery takes several weeks to months.
Other Common Hand Conditions
Hand doctors treat many conditions beyond carpal tunnel syndrome. These specialists handle various problems affecting hand function.
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger occurs when tendons in the finger become inflamed, causing the affected finger to lock in a bent position. Patients often hear a clicking sound when moving the finger.
Treatment includes splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and steroid injections. Severe cases may require surgery to release the tendon.
Arthritis
Arthritis commonly affects hand joints, especially the base of the thumb. Patients experience pain, swelling, and stiffness. Daily activities become difficult.
Treatment options offered by a hand doctor in Naples, FL, include medications, splinting, and joint injections. In severe cases, surgery to replace the joint or fuse the bones may be necessary.
Cuts and Lacerations
Cuts and lacerations on the hands are common injuries. These types of wounds can damage tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. It is important to clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical attention, if needed.
Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment may include stitches, antibiotics, and physical therapy.
Fractures
Fractures are another common hand injury, especially among athletes and those who engage in physical labor. Fractures can occur in any of the bones in the hand and can range from minor hairline fractures to more serious breaks that require surgery.
Minor fractures may only require a cast or splint for several weeks while more serious fractures may require surgery and a longer recovery time.
Top Hand Doctor in Naples, FL
If you think you might be suffering from a hand condition that requires expert care, visit our hand doctor here at Joint Replacement Institute. Our hand specialist, Dr. J. Scott Herron is fellowship-trained and has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of hand conditions.
To learn more about our hand doctor in Naples, FL, or to schedule an appointment with us, call (239) 261-2663 or use our convenient appointment request form.
