Introduction
Living with pain, stiffness, or limited mobility in your hands or wrists can make even the simplest tasks stressful. From buttoning a shirt to gripping a steering wheel, these everyday activities rely heavily on healthy hand and wrist function. At Specialty Orthopaedics in Duluth, GA, patients receive comprehensive orthopedic care for hand and wrist conditions from Dr. Thomas Neustein, a board-certified orthopedic hand surgeon specializing in advanced surgical and nonsurgical treatment options.
Our practice is dedicated to providing exceptional care with stress-free appointments, personalized treatment plans, and outcomes that help restore mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve quality of life. Whether you are dealing with a trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, thumb arthritis, or a traumatic fracture, we specialize in the evaluation and treatment of these conditions to ensure that our patients in Duluth, Johns Creek, and the greater Atlanta area have access to the best doctors and most advanced orthopedic surgery techniques available.
Understanding Hand and Wrist Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgery for the hand and wrist focuses on restoring function to some of the body’s most complex joints, tendons, and nerves. Unlike larger joints such as the hip or knee, the hand and wrist involve a delicate network of small bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves that must work in harmony for smooth motion. Injuries, inflammation, arthritis, and repetitive stress can disrupt this balance, leading to pain, swelling, and loss of mobility.
Orthopedic hand surgeons, like Dr. Neustein, complete extensive training in orthopaedic surgery and then pursue subspecialty fellowship training in hand and upper extremity surgery. This expertise ensures that patients with hand and wrist problems in Duluth receive accurate diagnoses, advanced treatment options, and the best possible outcomes.
Common Conditions Treated in Duluth
At Specialty Orthopaedics, patients are seen for a wide range of hand and wrist conditions.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the wrist, becomes compressed. This nerve provides sensation to the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger. Patients often experience numbness, tingling, or weakness, especially at night or when performing repetitive wrist movements. Carpal tunnel can make gripping objects difficult, and untreated carpal tunnel syndrome can cause long-term weakness in the hand.
Treatment may begin with wrist splinting, activity modification, or steroid injections. If symptoms persist, surgical treatment through carpal tunnel release surgery can relieve pressure on the nerve, restore mobility, and reduce pain.
Trigger Finger and Trigger Thumb
Trigger finger is a condition where a finger gets stuck in a bent position, often accompanied by a popping or clicking sound. It occurs when inflammation narrows the sheath around the tendon. Patients may notice a stiff and sore finger, difficulty straightening the finger, or discomfort in the palm. Trigger thumb presents with similar symptoms affecting the thumb.
Conservative treatment options such as splinting or steroid injections may relieve pain. However, if symptoms persist, trigger finger release surgery is often recommended. This surgical procedure releases the pulley system of the tendon, allowing it to glide smoothly again.
Thumb Arthritis
Arthritis of the hand, especially at the base of the thumb (carpometacarpal or CMC joint), is one of the most common causes of pain in the hand. Thumb arthritis can make gripping, pinching, and writing painful. Patients often report swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications, splinting, injections, or joint fusion in severe cases. For many patients in Duluth, joint reconstruction or arthroplasty procedures can relieve pain, restore motion, and improve overall function.
Wrist Fractures and Injuries
Falls on an outstretched arm frequently result in distal radius fractures, commonly called wrist fractures. These injuries can be painful, cause swelling and deformity, and significantly limit mobility. Other wrist injuries include ligament tears, tendon injuries, and nerve damage.
Initial treatment may involve immobilization, medications, and physical therapy. In cases where the bones are displaced, surgery may be required to realign the fracture site and stabilize the bone with plates or screws. Prompt treatment ensures better long-term outcomes for mobility and strength.
Diagnosis and When to Seek Treatment
If you are experiencing persistent pain, swelling, numbness, or weakness in your hand or wrist, it may be time to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist. During your evaluation in Duluth, Dr. Neustein will take a detailed medical history, perform a thorough physical examination, and may order X-rays or advanced imaging such as MRI or CT scans to better understand the condition.
Patients should seek treatment if:
- Symptoms persist despite conservative treatments.
- Pain interferes with daily life or work.
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers worsens.
- Joint deformity or significant swelling occurs.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Many hand and wrist conditions can be managed with conservative orthopedic care.
- Wrist splinting to reduce stress on tendons and nerves
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain
- Corticosteroid injections for conditions such as trigger finger or carpal tunnel syndrome
- Physical therapy to restore strength, mobility, and range of motion
- Activity modification to avoid repetitive stress on joints and tendons
These treatments are designed to relieve pain and improve function while avoiding surgery whenever possible.
Surgical Treatment Options
When conservative measures are not enough, surgery may be the best way to restore function. In Duluth, orthopedic surgery for hand and wrist problems includes:
- Carpal tunnel release to relieve nerve compression
- Trigger finger release surgery to restore smooth tendon gliding
- Joint fusion or joint replacement for severe arthritis
- Fracture repair with internal fixation for broken bones
- Tendon or ligament repair to restore stability and mobility
Each surgical procedure is performed with precision, and patients receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to their condition, health, and lifestyle.
Everyday Life After Treatment
Recovery after hand or wrist surgery depends on the type of procedure performed. Patients may need temporary immobilization, followed by physical therapy to restore motion and strength. With proper care, most patients in Duluth return to everyday life with improved function and reduced pain.
Dr. Neustein and his team provide ongoing guidance throughout the healing process to ensure stress-free recovery and the best possible outcome. Patients are counseled on what to expect after surgery, from initial soreness and swelling to gradual improvements in strength and mobility.
Other Conditions Treated
Beyond the most common diagnoses, Specialty Orthopaedics in Duluth provides treatment for:
- Sports injuries involving tendons and ligaments
- Nerve injuries affecting sensation and strength
- Elbow conditions such as tendonitis or fractures
- Complex infections of the hand and wrist
- Stiffness and scar tissue following injury or surgery
Our physicians specialize in advanced orthopedic care, ensuring that patients of all ages receive expert treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Neustein for Orthopedic Surgery in Duluth, GA
Choosing the right orthopedic surgeon is critical to achieving long-term relief and restoring hand and wrist function. Patients in Duluth, Johns Creek, and across North Georgia choose Dr. Neustein because of his:
- Board certification in orthopedic surgery with fellowship training in hand and upper extremity surgery
- Expertise in both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options
- Dedication to patient well-being, providing stress-free and exceptional care
- Experience treating a wide range of conditions, from trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome to fractures and arthritis
- Commitment to helping patients achieve the best possible outcomes with minimal downtime
Schedule Your Appointment in Duluth
If you are experiencing hand or wrist pain, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Early diagnosis and treatment lead to better outcomes and less stress. Dr. Thomas Neustein and the team at Specialty Orthopaedics in Duluth, GA are accepting new patients and are ready to provide the quality orthopedic care you deserve.
Call today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward relief, recovery, and restored mobility.
