Living with wrist pain or hand injuries can make daily activities feel impossible. If you are searching for an experienced wrist surgeon in Duluth, GA, Dr. Thomas Neustein provides expert evaluation and treatment for all types of hand and wrist conditions. His background in fellowship-trained orthopedic hand surgery ensures patients in North Georgia receive exceptional care close to home.
Common Hand and Wrist Conditions
The wrist is a highly complex joint that connects the forearm to the hand. It contains eight carpal bones, multiple ligaments, tendons, and nerves. This intricate structure makes it vulnerable to a variety of problems. Some of the most common conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, wrist fractures, arthritis, and ligament tears. These issues often cause inflammation, numbness, stiffness, and weakness in the hand and fingers.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Median Nerve Pressure
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most frequent hand and wrist conditions seen in orthopedic clinics. It occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed, often leading to pain, tingling, and numbness in the palm, thumb, and fingers. If left untreated, it can progress to weakness and long-term problems with grip strength. Carpal tunnel release surgery is often the definitive treatment when nonsurgical measures fail.
Trigger Finger and Trigger Thumb
Trigger finger and trigger thumb are conditions where the tendons that bend the fingers become inflamed, making movement painful and sometimes causing the finger to lock in a bent position. In advanced cases, trigger finger release surgery or finger release surgery may be required to restore full range of motion. Early nonsurgical treatments such as splinting, activity modification, and steroid injections can help many patients.
Wrist Injuries and Sports Medicine
Wrist injuries are very common in sports. Athletes in baseball, tennis, golf, and gymnastics often develop ligament tears, tendon inflammation, or fractures after falls. As part of his sports medicine practice, Dr. Neustein provides both nonsurgical treatment options and surgical care for these injuries. By tailoring treatment to the athlete’s goals, he helps patients return to sports safely while protecting their long-term well-being.
Diagnosing Hand and Wrist Injuries
Accurate diagnosis is the first step in developing a treatment plan. Dr. Neustein uses physical examination, imaging, and sometimes nerve testing to evaluate each patient. Whether the problem is a ring finger injury, arthritis in the joints, or wrist instability, understanding the exact cause of pain is critical to providing the right treatment options.
Nonsurgical Treatments for Wrist Conditions
Not every problem requires an operation. In fact, many hand and wrist injuries respond well to nonsurgical treatments, such as:
- Wrist splinting to stabilize the joint.
- Activity modification to avoid irritating movements.
- Steroid injections to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Hand therapy to improve motion, strength, and function.
These nonsurgical treatment options are often highly effective and allow patients to continue their daily activities without major disruption.
Surgical Procedures When Needed
If conservative measures are not enough, surgery may be the best way to relieve pain and restore function. Procedures performed by an experienced hand surgeon include:
- Carpal tunnel release surgery to take pressure off the median nerve.
- Trigger finger release surgery to free tendons stuck at the A1 pulley.
- Joint fusion or joint replacement for advanced arthritis.
- Joint reconstruction for severe wrist fractures or instability.
- Repair of ligament tears and tendon injuries.
Each procedure is performed with precision to maximize recovery and long-term outcomes.
Arthritis and Degenerative Wrist Conditions
Arthritis of the wrist and hand joints can cause stiffness, pain, and loss of function. Severe cases may require joint fusion to stabilize the wrist or joint replacement to preserve mobility. With the right treatments, many patients can reduce swelling, relieve pain, and continue to enjoy an active lifestyle.
Hand Surgery and Comprehensive Care
Dr. Neustein provides full-spectrum hand surgery for conditions ranging from trigger finger to complex wrist fractures. His practice offers both orthopaedic surgery and nonsurgical treatments, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive orthopedic care tailored to their needs.
New Patients Welcome
For individuals in Duluth and surrounding areas, becoming a new patient is simple. The team at Specialty Orthopaedics makes it easy to schedule consultations and begin the path toward better hand and wrist care. From the first visit, patients are guided through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery with clear communication and personalized attention.
Restoring Function and Improving Everyday Life
The goal of any treatment is not just to manage pain but to restore normal function. After surgery or nonsurgical care, most patients are able to return to work, hobbies, and other daily activities. Regaining a full range of motion improves overall well-being and reduces the risk of further injuries.
Comprehensive and Exceptional Care in Duluth
Patients choose Dr. Neustein for his combination of training, experience, and compassionate care. His approach emphasizes comprehensive care, clear education about treatment options, and long-term solutions. This commitment to exceptional care has made him one of the trusted orthopedic hand surgeons in North Georgia.
Why Choose Specialty Orthopaedics
At Specialty Orthopaedics, patients benefit from a collaborative team of physicians and staff dedicated to upper extremity care. Whether you need nonsurgical treatments, advanced orthopedic surgery, or recovery support, the practice provides everything in one place. This patient-centered model ensures the best outcomes and a smoother path back to health.
When to Seek Treatment
Ignoring wrist pain, numbness, or weakness can lead to worsening problems. If symptoms interfere with grip strength, cause night-time waking, or make daily tasks difficult, it is time to seek treatment. Early intervention with splinting, injections, or surgery when needed prevents long-term problems and helps patients get back to their normal lives.
The Importance of Specialized Wrist Care
Because the wrist is such a delicate and vital joint, seeing a fellowship-trained specialist is critical. Dr. Neustein’s expertise in both surgical and nonsurgical treatments provides patients with the most effective care for their condition. This specialized focus sets him apart from general orthopedic surgery practices.
Relieve Pain and Restore Motion
Whether your condition requires activity modification, therapy, or surgery, the ultimate goal is to relieve pain, restore motion, and protect function. With the right care plan, patients can achieve excellent results and return to a higher quality of life.
Schedule Your Appointment with Dr. Neustein
If you are experiencing wrist injuries, arthritis, or nerve pain, don’t wait to get help. Dr. Thomas Neustein offers advanced treatment options for all hand and wrist conditions in Duluth and throughout North Georgia. Call today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward lasting recovery.
