Hand & Wrist Surgeon in Georgia

Hand & Wrist Surgery

If you’re experiencing pain in your hand or wrist, you may benefit from an appointment with our experienced upper extremity surgeons and specialists at Georgia Bone & Joint Surgeons. Our physicians have extensive experience with a variety of treatment options available for the correction of painful hand and wrist conditions.

Experienced Surgeons

Quality Hand & Wrist Care

The hand and wrist surgeons at our practice are highly experienced in providing expert care and surgical intervention for a variety of upper extremity conditions in the hands, wrists, and fingers. Our physicians can provide personalized treatment options based on your diagnosis and medical history. We also stay up-to-date with the latest technologies to ensure that you are receiving the best available care.

What Symptoms Should I Be Concerned About?

Hand & Wrist Pain Symptoms

Hand and wrist pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, and the symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause. Some common symptoms of hand and wrist pain are listed below; if you are experiencing any of the following, it may be time to reach out to a hand and wrist surgeon to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Aching, stiffness, weakness, or numbness in the hand, wrist, or fingers
Swelling or redness in the affected area after an injury
Tingling or burning sensation in the hand, wrist, or fingers
Difficulty gripping or holding objects; limited range of motion in the hand or wrist
Pain that radiates from the wrist to the arm or shoulder, or that worsens during cold weather

What Conditions Cause Pain in My Hand & Wrist?

Common Hand & Wrist Conditions

Hand and wrist conditions are quite common and can range from minor to severe. Many of these conditions can be treated with non-surgical methods, however, in some cases, surgery may be necessary. The goal is to return as much function as possible to help you retain the ability to care for yourself, enjoy activities, and remain independent. Below are some common hand and wrist conditions:

Osteoarthritis

A degenerative joint disease that causes pain and stiffness, and sometimes swelling, in the hand and wrist. Osteoarthritis is due to natural deterioration over time, but sometimes from injury.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist, leading to numbness and tingling in the hand. It often occurs while sleeping, waking the patient at night, or while driving a car or talking on the phone. As this condition progresses, it can lead to loss of muscle in the hand.
Tendinitis

Inflammation of the tendons in the hand and wrist, causing pain and difficulty in movement. The two most common conditions are Trigger Finger and De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.
Hand & wrist fractures

Breaks or cracks in the bones of the hand or wrist from a fall or injury. If the broken bones are not aligned properly, dysfunction can result.
Ganglion cyst

A fluid-filled sac that forms on or near a joint in the hand or wrist. Pain is due to the cyst putting pressure on the surrounding tissues as it enlarges. You may notice a lump or a swelling.
Rheumatoid arthritis

An autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and pain in the hand and wrist. Joint deterioration and swelling is seen as well as swelling and inflammation around tendons decreasing function and strength.
Dupuytren's contracture

A condition that causes thickening of the connective tissue in the hand, resulting in difficulty in straightening the fingers. This is a genetic disorder causing a flexion contracture of one or several fingers making it impossible to flatten the hand onto a table.
Infection

Infections can happen after injuries such as cuts, burns, or animal bites. The area around the cuticles and nails can become infected leading to a Paronychia.

Personalized Treatment

Treatment of Hand & Wrist Conditions

At Georgia Bone & Joint Surgeons, we will take a personalized, holistic approach to diagnose and treat your hand or wrist condition. In most cases, non-operative treatment options are successful and include:

Rest
Icing
Bracing
Over the counter medicines and creams
Prescription medicines and creams
Hand Therapy with a Certified Hand Therapist
Cortisone Injections

Common Hand & Wrist Surgical Procedures

Hand and wrist surgery is a specialized field that is used to treat a wide range of conditions. Some common hand and wrist procedures include:

Carpal Tunnel Release is a surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, which is often caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Tendon Release is a surgical procedure to remove pressure from tendons allowing them to glide more efficiently. This relieves the Trigger Finger from clicking and catching, and the pain in the wrist from De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the use of a small camera and instruments to diagnose and treat conditions within the joint. Arthroscopy is often performed in the wrist to treat torn ligaments.
Tendon and Nerve Repair are types of surgeries performed to repair damaged tendons or nerves in the hand and wrist after injury.
Fracture Repair is a surgery that fixes broken bones in the hand or wrist to align them properly so that patients can return to more normal function.
Dupuytren's Contracture Release is a procedure that releases the thickened connective tissue in the hand, allowing the fingers to straighten.

Our Experienced Hand & Wrist Surgeons

Dr. Leonard D’Addesi

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Hand & Wrist Surgery FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that undergoing any kind of surgery may be a daunting experience. To help make the process easier, we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions about hand & wrist surgery:

How do I know if I need hand and wrist surgery?

Recovery times vary depending on the type of procedure and your individual health. However, most patients are able to resume their normal activities within 6-8 weeks.

Can surgery be performed as an outpatient procedure?

Most hand and wrist surgeries can be performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day. More complex surgeries may require an overnight stay in the hospital.

What can I expect after surgery?

After any kind of surgical procedure, you can expect swelling, bruising or purplish discoloration, difficulty moving the fingers or wrist, a burning sensation at the incision site, and pain. This is all normal. Your surgeon will instruct you on the need for elevation, icing, therapeutic exercises, bracing and pain medicine to help with these symptoms after surgery.

What is the recovery time for hand and wrist surgery?

Recovery time can vary depending on the type of surgery and the individual patient. It also depends on the tasks that the individuals need to perform to return to their normal lives. Some patients may be able to return to work and normal activities within a few weeks, while others may require several months of recovery. Your surgeon will be able to give you an estimate of the recovery time for your specific procedure and lifestyle.

Will I need physical therapy after hand and wrist surgery?

Physical therapy is often recommended after hand and wrist surgery to help with the healing process, regain strength, and improve range of motion. The physical therapy plan will depend on the type of surgery performed, but it will usually involve exercises to keep your hand, wrist, and fingers moving and to regain their strength.

Are there any restrictions I should follow after hand and wrist surgery?

Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your hand and wrist after surgery, and it's important to follow these instructions to ensure proper healing. You may be instructed to limit the use of the affected hand or wrist for a certain period of time, avoid certain activities, and use a splint or brace to protect the area.

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Are you looking to learn more about hand & wrist surgery? Contact Georgia Bone & Joint Surgeons today!

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