Top FAQs about Seeing a Wrist Surgeon on the Lower East Side

Everything You Need to Know About Wrist Surgeons Before Your Consultation

Wrist pain is a common symptom among many Americans, and it can appear for a number of reasons. If you’ve been suffering from wrist pain and do not have a diagnosis, schedule an appointment with one of our wrist surgeons on the Lower East Side. Our expertise in Hand and Wrist problems makes Rothman Orthopaedic Institute a preferred provider for the treatment of persistent wrist pain.

If this is a new experience for you, it’s likely that you have questions. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions from patients concerned about their wrist pain and wondering what a hand doctor can do to help.

What Kind of Surgeon Specializes in Hand and Wrist Surgery?

An orthopaedic surgeon focuses on the conditions of the bones, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and joints. Hand and Wrist procedures are performed by orthopaedic surgeons with additional training in this area. A year of specialization is required for orthopaedists seeking certification in hand and wrist surgery. Rothman Orthopaedic Institute takes a team approach to wrist treatment, drawing on the expertise of physical therapists, wrist surgeons, and orthopaedic doctors.

What Makes Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Unique?

Our Hand & Wrist Team takes a collaborative approach to recovery, allowing patients to benefit from the best of each medical expertise pertaining to the wrist. All members of our team are specially trained and experienced in wrist diagnosis and treatment. Each orthopaedic hand specialist has undergone advanced subspecialty training, in addition to extensive residency training. Specialized skills and knowledge are acquired through elite fellowship programs. Due to these superior qualities, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute is a trusted provider of hand surgeries in the region, performing over 7,500 procedures annually.

What Are the Most Common Hand and Wrist Conditions?

The human hand is a very delicate, complex structure. Wrist pain can be caused by sudden injuries, such as a sprain or fracture. It can also be a result of repetitive stress, such as in the case of carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis. Here are a few of the common wrist conditions we treat at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute:

Sudden Injuries

Wrist fracture: A fracture is a break in one or more wrist bones, ranging from hairline cracks to bones broken into two or more pieces. Fractures should be set, cast, or splinted to aid in proper healing and surgery may be needed in some cases. The most commonly-fractured bone in the wrist is the radius.

Sprains: A sprain is an injury to the ligament, which is the connective material between bones. A sprain could be mild to severe. The ligament may be stretched (first-degree sprain), partially torn (second-degree sprain), or completely torn (third-degree sprain).

Tendon injuries (mallet finger): Tendons are strong fibers connecting the muscle to the bone. Mallet finger can occur when you try to catch a ball and the finger is struck with great force, causing the tendon to rupture. The result is a bent fingertip that cannot be straightened.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

Carpal tunnel syndrome: In this condition, the median nerve becomes squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist, typically due to overactivity. Carpal tunnel leads to nerve damage over time, which is why it is important to treat it as early on as possible.

Wrist tendonitis: One of the most common causes of wrist pain, tendonitis is characterized by irritation of the tendons around the wrist joint. This overuse injury can involve one or more tendons.

Wrist arthritis: Arthritis is a degenerative condition affecting the joints. Pain and stiffness are common symptoms of arthritis. A doctor can determine which type of arthritis you are suffering and the best strategies to manage this condition.

What Conditions Can Be Successfully Treated Through Surgery?

Many conditions are best treated through non-invasive methods and will get better with time. Immediately following any wrist injury, R.I.C.E protocol should be followed: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Anti-inflammatory medication can be helpful in reducing the pain and swelling, though you should talk with your doctor about what medication would be best for you. Physical therapy may be required for injuries that have debilitated the hand or wrist.

Wrist surgery is recommended only in cases where a clear benefit is to be had. For example, surgery may be needed in some fracture cases, such as when the bone pieces have been displaced or when the bone needs to be set in order to heal properly. Carpal tunnel syndrome is another condition in which surgery is advised because of its ability to release pressure from the nerve. And in some cases, advanced arthritis may require reconstructive surgery, in which damaged cartilage and tissue are removed to restore functioning to the wrist. Rothman Orthopaedic Institute provides surgery for other wrist conditions when the clinical evidence recommends this step.

Where to Go for a Wrist Surgeon on the Lower East Side?

Still have questions? If you’re suffering from wrist pain, it’s never too early to seek a professional consultation from a hand and wrist specialist in NYC. To schedule your appointment with a Rothman Orthopaedic Institute wrist surgeon on the Lower East Side, please call our offices at 1-800-321-9999.