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At the Regional Hand Center of Central California, patients who are seeking a hand specialist in Fresno, CA can find compassionate care from a highly experienced team of orthopedic hand surgeons. We are pleased to offer surgical and non-surgical hand, wrist, and arm treatments to relieve discomfort and help you restore a better quality of life.
Ganglion Cyst
A ganglion cyst develops on the wrist’s joints and tendons, the finger joints, or at the base of the thumb. Ganglion cysts sometimes go away on their own but can be removed if they become painful or limit mobility. Ganglion cyst removal in Fresno can be performed non-surgically by draining the cyst with a syringe or surgically by removing the entire cyst.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes a sensation of pins and needles in the ulnar nerve, sometimes called the “funny bone” nerve. Pins and needles or a prickling sensation develops in the forearm and outer fingers; patients might also have weakness in their hands. One of the possible causes of cubital tunnel syndrome is putting pressure on the nerve while sleeping, so we may recommend wearing a foam arm brace while sleeping. If symptoms persist, surgery may be performed to remove parts of the bone irritating the nerve or relocate the nerve to the front of the elbow.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The carpal tunnel is a natural arch in the wrist made of bone and ligaments. A system of nerves, ligaments, and nine tendons runs through this arch. Prolonged pressure on the median nerve can lead to swelling, pain, and weakness in the hands. One of the primary symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome is numbness or tingling in the inner fingers (thumb, middle finger, and pointer finger). Anti-inflammatory medications, wrist splints, and steroid shots can temporarily relieve discomfort but surgical endoscopic carpal tunnel release in Fresno is often needed to address the underlying causes.
Wrist Pain
Wrist fractures, inflammation, cysts, and arthritis can all cause wrist pain, which may limit mobility and weaken the hands. Different types of wrist pain and the specific location of discomfort often vary depending on the cause. At-home treatment with anti-inflammatories, steroids, or a splint may be recommended as the first step but if pain persists, surgery can be performed.
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Tennis elbow has earned its nickname because it is common among tennis players but can also develop in people who are frequently involved in activities like lifting, gripping, and grasping. This condition occurs when the tendons on the outside of the elbow start to deteriorate, which puts stress on the area and causes pain. A brace or splint can be used to relieve tension and we may recommend physical therapy to strengthen the muscles. If symptoms persist or worsen, surgery for tennis elbow may be recommended.
Fingertip Injuries
The fingers have many nerves and tendons, which is why it is necessary to see a hand specialist for fingertip injuries. We treat many types of injuries, including blunt force trauma, lacerations or cuts, torn fingernails, tendon injuries, and broken fingers. Depending on the extent of the injury, the finger may be splinted, non-surgically realigned for dislocation, or surgically repaired to address fractures or tendon tears. In severe cases, amputation may be necessary.
Forearm Fractures
The forearm is made up of the radius and ulna bones. If one or both of these bones is broken, mobility of the arm, hand, and wrist can be significantly limited. Our hand surgeons can repair broken arms in children and adults. Some breaks can be treated with a cast while more severe or compound fractures may require surgery to set the bone and reconstruct the joints. It is important to seek treatment for a broken arm as soon as possible so that the bone can heal properly.
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger is a condition that affects the tendons in the first three fingers of the hands (thumb, index, and middle fingers). One of the main symptoms is a popping or locking sensation that prevents the fingers from being fully extended. Steroid shots, physical therapy, and splinting at night can be effective if the condition is treated early on. More severe cases will require trigger finger release surgery in Fresno to effectively restore hand function.
Nerve and Tendon Injuries
Nerves and tendons play a key role in hand and wrist mobility. For example, the flexor tendon allows you to create a fist and the extensor tendon allows you to straighten your fingers. The nerves also aid in these movements, and overall hand function, since they serve as pathways between the brain and muscles. While mild nerve injuries can sometimes be repaired without surgery, tendon repair requires surgery since the tendons cannot repair themselves.
Wrist or Hand Fractures
The hands and wrists are made up of several tiny bones, which can break after a hard fall, car accident, or sports injury. Treatment varies depending on the type of fracture. A stable fracture is when the bone stays in place and this can often be treated with a cast or splint. Unstable fractures or comminuted fractures are more severe and often require surgery. Crush injuries can result in a compound fracture (the bone sticks out of the skin) and this may require bone grafts to fully repair the hand or wrist and restore its mobility.
De Quervain’s Syndrome
The tendons that control the finger run through a small tunnel in the wrist. De Quervain’s Syndrome is a condition that occurs when the tunnel is too narrow or the tendons have swollen. This results in pain and swelling at the base of the thumb, especially when gripping or twisting with the hands. De Quervain’s release surgery in Fresno is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia and offers long-term relief from this condition.
Sports Injuries
Sports injuries refer to a wide range of hand and wrist injuries, including fractures, sprains, jammed fingers, stress fractures, tendon or ligament tears, and more. If you have swelling, pain, or lack of mobility after a sports injury, we recommend that you schedule an appointment immediately to determine whether there is a fracture or serious injury. The sooner you receive treatment, the better chance of a quick and successful recovery.
Fresno, California
Fresno is a city in the San Joaquin Valley in central California with a population of about 545,000 people. It is located about three hours south of San Francisco and three hours north of Los Angeles. Fresno is well-known as a gateway to Yosemite National Park and visitors can also enjoy many local destinations like the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Forestiere Underground Gardens, and the Shinzen Japanese Garden located in Woodward Park.