HAND

Dr. Smith has specialty training in hand and upper extremity surgery.  His specialties in the hand include base of thumb arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fractures.  Hand arthritis is often found with arthritis of other joints.  

Chronic wrist pain 
Arthroscopic exploratory surgery may be used to diagnose the cause of chronic wrist pain when the results of other tests do not provide a clear diagnosis. Often, there may be areas of inflammation, cartilage damage, or other findings after a wrist injury. In some cases, after the diagnosis is made, the condition can be treated arthroscopically as well.

Ligament/TFCC tears
Ligaments are fibrous bands of connective tissue that link or hinge bones. They provide stability and support to the joints. The TFCC is a cushioning structure within the wrist. A fall on an outstretched hand can tear ligaments, the TFCC, or both. The result is pain with movement or a clicking sensation. During arthroscopic surgery, the surgeon can repair the tears.

Ganglion cysts
Ganglion cysts commonly grow from a stalk between two of the wrist bones. During an arthroscopic procedure, the surgeon can remove the stalk, which may reduce the change that these cysts will return 

The most common cause of pain in the wrist can be related to a recent injury or overuse.  Overuse injuries can cause considerable pain and inflammation in the wrist.  Wrist injuries commonly occur during:

• Sports or recreational activities 
• Work-related responsibilities
• Falls
• Home improvement projects

  
  

   

  Hand pain can be the result of a condition that has developed over time, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis, or of a recent finger injury from an accidental fall, such as a fracture or jam. In some cases, and if not detected early, conditions such as carpal tunnel, pressure caused by repetitive motions on the median nerve, may create severe pain in the fingers, thumb, hand, and forearm.
  
  The most frequent causes of pain in the hand can be related to a condition that has transpired 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.
  
  

  • Increased hand and arm pain
  • Finger joint pain when carrying, gripping, grasping, or twisting objects
  • Swelling and discomfort in the hand or around the affected joint
  • Changes in the surrounding joints—if you are experiencing thumb joint pain, your neighboring finger joints may become more mobile than normal
  • Your hand, palm, and fingers may feel warm or appear red in color
  • Hand numbness, tingling, or throbbing while resting or sleeping
  • A sensation of grating or grinding in the affected joint—this is caused by damaged cartilage
  • Developing cysts on the end joints of your fingers—this is caused by conditions such as arthritis

    The thumb joint is one of the most mobile joints in the hand. It is located at the base of the thumb. A healthy thumb joint can move in and out and move up and down. It can also be moved to oppose the other fingers in the hand. A healhy thumb can be use to grip things, and to steady items when being held in the hand. 
    

    The thumb, over time, will begin to lose its ability to do precision things in combination with other the other fingers on the hand. This can result in joint deterioration and arthritis for some individuals. When symptoms are not relieved by non-surgical methods, joint reconstructive surgery, called Arthroplasty, may be appropriate.