Introduction
Your hands and wrists are essential for nearly every task you do each day. From holding your phone and typing on a keyboard to cooking, driving, or playing sports, healthy hand and wrist function is vital. When pain, numbness, or loss of mobility interfere with daily activities, finding a trusted hand and wrist specialist in Braselton, GA, becomes crucial. Patients in North Georgia have access to advanced orthopedic surgery, personalized non-surgical care, and fellowship trained expertise right here in Braselton.
Dr. Thomas Neustein is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity surgery. He and his entire surgical staff provide comprehensive medical care for conditions ranging from carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger to traumatic injuries and joint replacement. Patients often say they “highly recommend Dr. Neustein” because he explains treatment options clearly and helps them restore function with confidence.
Understanding Hand and Wrist Anatomy
The human hand is a complex structure made up of 27 bones, numerous joints, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves. The wrist itself contains eight small carpal bones arranged in two rows, connecting the hand to the forearm. Many blood vessels and nerves pass through this narrow area, which is why swelling or injury can cause significant symptoms.
Wrist anatomy plays a key role in common conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, where pressure on the median nerve inside the carpal tunnel leads to numbness and pain. Patients often benefit when a board certified orthopedic surgeon explains how the wrist hand structure works and how surgery or therapy can restore function.
Common Hand and Wrist Conditions in Braselton
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most frequent reasons patients seek treatment. It occurs when the median nerve is compressed by the surrounding tendons and carpal ligament. Symptoms include tingling in the fingers, numbness at night, and hand weakness. Dr. Neustein explained that early diagnosis allows many patients to avoid surgery with braces, anti-inflammatory medicine, and therapy.
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger is a common condition where tendons in the finger become irritated and inflamed, causing the finger to lock or “trigger” when bent. A fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon can provide injections, therapy, or outpatient procedures to release the tight pulley and restore smooth tendon motion.
Arthritis of the Hand and Wrist
Arthritis, whether due to rheumatoid arthritis or wear-and-tear osteoarthritis, leads to stiffness, swelling, and reduced grip strength. CMC joint arthritis at the base of the thumb is especially common. Treatment options range from splints and medication to advanced procedures like CMC arthroplasty.
Traumatic Injuries and Broken Bones
Falls, sports injuries, or workplace accidents may result in broken bones, ligament injuries, or tendon repair needs. The hand and wrist are delicate and contain many blood vessels and nerves, so proper diagnosis and early surgical repair are often essential to restore function and prevent long-term complications.
Overuse and Sports Injuries
Overuse injuries like tennis elbow, tendonitis, or repetitive stress disorders are common in athletes and workers alike. As one of the trusted team physicians in North Georgia, Dr. Neustein provides both non-surgical and surgical care for these injuries, ensuring patients return to activities safely.
Diagnosis and When to Seek Treatment
Patients should seek treatment in Braselton when they notice persistent wrist pain, numbness, swelling, or loss of motion. Dr. Neustein explained that a thorough evaluation often includes physical exam, wrist videos for motion analysis, and X-rays taken in the office today. In some cases, advanced imaging such as MRI may be required to evaluate soft tissue injuries, nerves, and blood vessels.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Not every hand or wrist problem requires surgery. In fact, many patients in Braselton find relief through conservative methods:
- Splints or braces to rest the joint
- Physical therapy to restore range of motion
- Anti-inflammatory medicine or corticosteroid injections
- Activity modifications for overuse injuries
- Platelet-rich plasma injections for tendon healing
By explaining all treatment options, Dr. Neustein helps patients choose the best course of care before considering surgery.
Surgical Options for Hand and Wrist Conditions
When conservative care is not enough, surgery may be recommended. As a fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Neustein performs a wide range of procedures in Braselton and at local surgery centers in North Georgia:
- Carpal tunnel release surgery for severe cases
- Trigger finger release to restore tendon glide
- Tendon repair after traumatic injuries
- Joint replacement for advanced arthritis
- Microvascular surgery to address delicate blood vessels and nerves
- Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for patients with combined shoulder and upper extremity issues
Each procedure is performed with precision, and the entire staff supports patients through preparation, surgery, and recovery.
Everyday Life After Treatment
Whether treated with therapy, injections, or surgery, most patients experience dramatic improvements in pain, grip strength, and overall function. Dr. Neustein explained that the healing process takes time, but with guided rehabilitation patients can expect to return to work, sports, and hobbies.
Patients often remark that they “cannot say enough good things” about the medical care they received, praising the entire staff for professionalism and compassion.
Other Related Conditions Treated in Braselton
Beyond carpal tunnel and trigger finger, Dr. Neustein also provides expert care for:
- Wrist fractures and fracture reduction
- Nerve injuries requiring repair
- Rheumatoid arthritis flare management
- Elbow injuries and surgery
- Overuse injuries in athletes
- Thumb instability and ligament injuries
This comprehensive approach ensures that patients throughout Braselton and North Georgia can access specialized care close to home.
Why Choose Dr. Neustein in Braselton
Patients looking for a hand and wrist specialist Braselton GA consistently highlight several reasons to choose Dr. Neustein:
- Board certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in hand and upper extremity surgery
- Clear communication – patients say "Dr. Neustein explained everything" in detail
- Access to advanced orthopaedic surgery and non-surgical treatment options
- Compassionate office staff and surgical team
- Convenient location in Braselton with connections to surgery centers across North Georgia
Whether you need help with common conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or advanced procedures like tendon repair, you will receive personalized care designed to restore function and relieve pain.
Call to Action
If you are experiencing wrist pain, numbness, arthritis, or a hand injury, do not wait until symptoms worsen. Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Thomas Neustein, fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand and wrist care, at our Braselton office. The best course of action is to be evaluated early so that you understand your treatment options and can begin the healing process with confidence.
