Hand Surgeon in Visalia, CA

At the Regional Hand Center, our orthopedic hand surgeons offer expert care and treatment for individuals in Visalia, CA and the surrounding regions of Central California. Our expertise covers a range of surgical and non-surgical treatments aimed at addressing wrist, hand, and arm injuries or disorders.

Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled sacs that often appear near the joints or tendons in the fingers and wrist, particularly the joint of the thumb. While these cysts sometimes resolve naturally, they can lead to discomfort or limited movement, prompting the need for treatment. Non-invasive approaches typically involve aspiration to drain the cyst, while larger or stubborn cysts may necessitate surgical ganglion cyst excision in Visalia, CA.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, leading to tingling, numbness, and weakness in the forearm and outer fingers. A common cause is pressure on the nerve during sleep, which can often be managed with a foam arm brace. If symptoms persist, surgery may be recommended to reposition the nerve or remove bone spurs that cause compression.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by sustained pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the wrist’s carpal tunnel. Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, and weakness, particularly in the thumb and first three fingers. Initial treatment might involve anti-inflammatory medications, wrist braces, and steroid injections. If symptoms continue or worsen, endoscopic carpal tunnel release may be recommended to address the underlying issue.

Wrist Pain

Wrist pain can arise from a multitude of factors, including fractures, inflammation, cysts, or arthritis. Identifying the exact cause often depends on the location of the pain. Treatment may begin with anti-inflammatory drugs, splints, or injections, but if pain lingers, our skilled hand surgeons can recommend surgical procedures to treat the underlying cause and restore full mobility and function.

Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

Tennis elbow affects the tendons on the outer part of the elbow and is not limited to tennis players; it can occur in anyone due to repetitive gripping or lifting. Symptoms include pain and tenderness around the outer elbow, which may extend down the forearm. Treatment often involves braces, splints, and physical therapy to relieve tension and strengthen the affected tendons. Persistent cases may require surgical repair of the damaged tendons.

Fingertip Injuries

Fingertip injuries are common and can include blunt trauma, cuts, torn nails, tendon damage, and fractures. Due to the complexity of nerves and tendons in the fingers, it is crucial to see a hand specialist for accurate assessment and treatment. Depending on the severity, treatment may range from non-surgical realignment to surgical intervention for severe fractures or ligament tears, with preservation of the finger as a primary goal.

Forearm Fractures

The forearm contains two long bones, the radius and ulna, which are susceptible to fractures from trauma or falls. Such fractures can restrict movement in the arm, hand, and wrist. Our hand surgeons are proficient in managing forearm fractures in both adults and children. While simple fractures may be treated with a cast, more complicated cases often necessitate surgical intervention to properly align the bones.

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger affects the tendons in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, leading to a locking or popping sensation and stiffness that causes limited mobility. Early treatment can prevent symptoms from working. Initial treatment options include steroid injections, physical therapy, or splinting at night. If these treatments prove ineffective, surgical trigger finger release in Visalia may be performed to prevent finger locking and restore finger movement.

Nerve and Tendon Injuries

Nerves and tendons facilitate movement and sensation, making them essential for hand function. Injuries to these structures can greatly hinder hand performance and mobility. While mild nerve injuries may heal on their own, tendon injuries generally require surgical repair due to their limited healing capacity. Our experienced team is the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate nerve and tendon injuries and provide effective surgical interventions to restore function.

Wrist or Hand Fractures

Wrist and hand fractures can result from various incidents such as falls, sports injuries, or accidents. Treatment for hand and wrist fractures in Visalia depends on the fracture’s type and severity. Stable fractures often require only a cast or splint, while more complex fractures may need surgical correction to realign the bones. If the bones have separated due to crush injury, bone grafts may be necessary.

De Quervain’s Syndrome

De Quervain’s syndrome involves pain and swelling at the base of the thumb, often due to irritation of the tendons controlling thumb movement. This condition can occur when the tendon sheath (a tunnel in the wrist) becomes constricted or inflamed. Initial treatment typically includes conservative approaches like splinting and anti-inflammatory medications. If symptoms persist, surgical De Quervain’s release can provide lasting relief.

Sports Injuries

Sports-related injuries encompass a range of hand and wrist issues, including stress fractures, sprains, dislocations, and ligament or tendon tears. During your first visit, we will assess the injury and may perform an X-ray to diagnose the problem and determine effective treatment options. Early diagnosis and intervention can enhance recovery and reduce the risk of long-term complications so that you can safely return to the activities you love.

Visalia, California

Visalia is the fifth-largest city in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California and has a population of nearly 144,000 people. This bustling city is surrounded by various family-friendly parks, including Riverway Sports Park and Mooney Grove Park. Residents and visitors can also enjoy a day at Adventure Park, an indoor and outdoor amusement park with bowling, arcade games, water rides, and go-karts.