If you live in Blue Ridge, GA, and are searching for an experienced hand surgeon, you don’t need to travel to Atlanta for expert care. Just a short drive south brings you to Specialty Orthopaedics in Dawsonville, where Dr. Thomas Neustein, MD, provides advanced medical and surgical management for conditions affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and upper extremity.
Dr. Neustein is a board-certified orthopedic hand and upper extremity surgeon with extensive experience treating everything from carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger to tendon injuries, fractures, and nerve injuries. Patients from Blue Ridge appreciate his professionalism, compassion, and the way he listens carefully to understand their symptoms and goals before recommending the best treatment options.
Comprehensive Hand and Upper Extremity Care
The hand and upper extremity are complex systems of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves that allow you to grip, lift, and perform fine movements. Even a small injury can lead to significant loss of motion, swelling, or pain. Dr. Neustein’s Dawsonville clinic provides complete evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for all types of hand and wrist conditions.
His medical and surgical management plans are always personalized — whether you need conservative therapy or a minimally invasive surgical procedure, his focus is on helping you regain strength and function as quickly and safely as possible.
Why Choose a Board-Certified Hand Surgeon?
A hand surgeon is more than just an orthopedic doctor. After earning his medical degree, Dr. Neustein completed advanced fellowship training in hand and upper extremity surgery, focusing on intricate techniques for nerve injuries, tendon repair, and fracture fixation.
Being board certified means Dr. Neustein has met the highest national standards for surgical skill, patient outcomes, and professionalism. He believes in a compassionate, patient-first approach — one where every person is treated with respect and given clear explanations about their condition and treatment.
Common Hand and Wrist Conditions Treated
Dr. Neustein treats a wide range of hand and wrist conditions for patients traveling from Blue Ridge and throughout North Georgia, including:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome – compression of the median nerve at the wrist causing numbness, tingling, and weakness
- Trigger finger and thumb – inflammation that causes painful locking or catching of the digits
- Tendon injuries – ruptures, lacerations, or repetitive strain injuries
- Hand and wrist fractures – broken bones caused by falls, sports injuries, or trauma
- Arthritis of the hand and thumb joints – leading to stiffness, pain, and loss of function
- Nerve injuries – from lacerations or entrapments that cause numbness and weakness
- Sports injuries – from repetitive stress or acute trauma
- Elbow and shoulder conditions – including tennis elbow and rotator cuff injuries
Each diagnosis is approached with a balance of medical treatment and surgical management, tailored to the individual patient’s needs.
The Importance of Early Evaluation
Many hand and wrist injuries begin with mild symptoms like stiffness, swelling, or pain. Ignoring these early warning signs can lead to complications such as permanent nerve damage, joint stiffness, or chronic pain.
That’s why early evaluation is so important. Dr. Neustein listens carefully to your concerns, performs a thorough exam, and often orders diagnostic imaging — such as X-rays or nerve studies — to evaluate the cause of your condition in detail. This precise diagnosis helps guide treatment and improves long-term outcomes.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Not every condition requires surgery. In fact, Dr. Neustein believes in exhausting non-surgical treatment options whenever possible. These may include:
- Splinting or bracing to rest the affected area
- Anti-inflammatory medication or topical therapies
- Corticosteroid injections for trigger finger or carpal tunnel syndrome
- Physical or occupational therapy to improve motion and function
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or other biologic injections for tendon healing
This approach ensures that surgery is reserved only for cases where conservative treatment is no longer effective.
Surgical Management and Advanced Procedures
When surgical management is needed, Dr. Neustein performs each procedure with precision and care. His surgical procedures are designed to relieve pain, restore motion, and improve overall hand and wrist function. Common surgeries performed include:
- Endoscopic and open carpal tunnel release
- Trigger finger release
- Tendon repair and reconstruction
- Fracture fixation for wrist, hand, or finger fractures
- Nerve decompression and repair
- Thumb CMC arthroplasty for advanced arthritis
- Wrist arthroscopy and ligament reconstruction
- Elbow and shoulder surgery for upper extremity injuries
Every procedure is carefully planned, performed with meticulous surgical technique, and followed by a detailed recovery plan to maximize healing.
Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Expertise
Dr. Neustein also provides expert care for shoulder and elbow problems — including rotator cuff tears, dislocations, and arthritis. Whether the issue stems from sports injuries, overuse, or trauma, his integrated approach to upper extremity surgery ensures strong, functional outcomes.
Patients with shoulder surgery needs appreciate his clear explanations, gentle approach, and focus on both short-term pain relief and long-term strength.
Treating Sports and Work Injuries
Athletes, mechanics, and other active workers in Blue Ridge often sustain repetitive strain or acute hand and wrist injuries. These include ligament tears, tendonitis, and fractures. Dr. Neustein’s Dawsonville practice frequently receives referrals from urgent cares and family doctors — including those once associated with Worthingstun’s office — for specialized orthopedic care and precise treatment planning.
For workers under compensation cases, his clinic provides detailed documentation, prompt surgery when necessary, and coordinated rehabilitation programs to support safe and timely return to work.
Hand Fractures and Trauma
Hand and wrist fractures can occur from falls, car accidents, or job-related injuries. The key to preventing stiffness and poor alignment is prompt, expert treatment. Stable fractures can often be managed with splints or casts, but unstable fractures require surgical fixation using pins, plates, or screws.
Dr. Neustein’s attention to detail and understanding of joint biomechanics ensure the best possible healing and function. He personally evaluates every X-ray to confirm bone alignment and joint stability before clearing patients for activity.
Nerve and Tendon Injuries
Nerve injuries and tendon injuries require precise repair to restore normal sensation and motion. Using microsurgical techniques, Dr. Neustein repairs damaged nerves and reconnects torn tendons to restore finger movement and grip strength.
Postoperative therapy begins early to promote healing and prevent stiffness. With his detailed surgical technique and individualized care plans, patients are often relieved to regain motion and confidence in their hands again.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Trigger Finger
Two of the most common conditions treated at Specialty Orthopaedics are carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger.
In carpal tunnel syndrome, pressure on the median nerve causes tingling, pain, and weakness in the hand. A quick carpal tunnel release — performed endoscopically or through a small incision — can permanently relieve symptoms.
Trigger finger occurs when tendons become inflamed and catch during movement, causing the finger or thumb to lock. When injections and splinting fail, a brief outpatient release procedure restores smooth motion and immediate relief.
These outpatient surgical procedures are safe, effective, and performed under local anesthesia, allowing patients to go home the same day.
Compassion, Communication, and Confidence
Patients from Blue Ridge often describe Dr. Neustein’s bedside manner as compassionate and thorough. He listens carefully, explains the problem clearly, and helps each patient feel confident in their treatment plan. His professionalism and understanding are what set him apart among the best doctors in North Georgia.
State-of-the-Art Orthopedic Practice
Dr. Neustein’s Dawsonville clinic is affiliated with leading medical centers in North Georgia, offering the latest techniques in hand surgery and upper extremity care. The practice provides a full range of diagnostics, advanced imaging, and therapy all under one roof, ensuring that every patient receives seamless, coordinated care.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
After surgery, the focus shifts to recovery and rehabilitation. Each patient receives a personalized therapy plan designed to restore motion, reduce swelling, and rebuild strength. Most patients can return to work or sports within weeks, depending on the procedure.
Dr. Neustein and his team believe in guiding patients through every stage of healing — from the first follow-up appointment to the final return of full hand and wrist function.
Preventing Complications and Promoting Outcomes
Early diagnosis, precise technique, and close follow-up help prevent complications like stiffness, infection, or chronic pain. By following Dr. Neustein’s care instructions, patients achieve excellent long-term outcomes and regain their quality of life.
He believes that successful recovery depends on a partnership between doctor and patient, built on trust, education, and clear communication.
Serving Blue Ridge and All of North Georgia
Though located in Dawsonville, Specialty Orthopaedics proudly serves patients from Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Blairsville, and the entire North Georgia region. The Dawsonville office offers convenient parking, minimal wait times, and a caring staff that treats every visitor like family.
Why Blue Ridge Patients Choose Dr. Neustein
Patients consistently praise Dr. Neustein’s extensive experience, professionalism, and compassionate bedside manner. His combination of advanced surgical skill and personal attention makes him one of the best doctors for hand and wrist care in the region.
He’s known for taking time to explain complex medical topics in understandable terms and for his commitment to achieving the best possible results for every patient.
Make an Appointment Today
If you’re in Blue Ridge, GA, and are experiencing hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder pain, don’t wait. Expert care is just a short drive away in Dawsonville. Dr. Neustein provides advanced medical and surgical management for all hand and upper extremity conditions, helping patients get relief, regain motion, and restore confidence.
Schedule your appointment today and experience the difference that specialized, compassionate orthopedic care can make.
