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Hand Specialists

Expert Hand & Wrist Care to Restore Function and Relieve Pain

The hand is one of the most complex and versatile structures of the human body. A network of bones, muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels work together to form an extremity that is essential to almost every aspect of daily life. An injury or condition affecting the hand or wrist can significantly impact your ability to perform everyday activities such as eating, writing, carrying, opening objects and more.

If you are experiencing acute pain, weakness, joint stiffness, limited range of motion or persistent discomfort, it is important to seek care from a doctor who specializes in hand and wrists. Specialty care gives patients access to providers with specialized knowledge and advanced training in diagnosing and treating hand and upper-extremity conditions.

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Committed to a Higher Standard of Specialized Care

At Specialty Orthopaedics, we take a patient-centered approach to care. Our compassionate team works with patients and their loved ones to determine an accurate diagnosis & develop a personalized treatment plan based on their condition, goals & individual needs.

Hand Injuries & Conditions

Injuries and conditions of the hand or wrist may affect the soft tissues, bones, joints and nerves. Depending on the location and severity of your condition, our hand specialists will evaluate your symptoms and recommend an appropriate course of treatment. We diagnose and treat a wide range of hand and wrist conditions using both surgical and non-surgical treatment options.

We specialize in treating the following conditions:

Arthritis

Arthritis in the hand and wrist can occur when the joints become inflamed or the protective cartilage wears down over time. It may cause pain, stiffness, swelling and limited movement, making everyday activities more difficult. Arthritis can affect the joints in the fingers, thumb or wrist, and treatment will depend on the type and severity of the condition.

Nerve Injury

A nerve injury in your hand impacts the signals being sent between your brain and hand. Nerve damage can also involve other nerves in the hand and may be caused by impact, disease or a condition. Depending on which nerves are impacted, symptoms may develop gradually or occur following an injury, depending on the underlying cause.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve compression condition that occurs when the median nerve is compressed, by pressure and swelling, as it passes through the wrist. Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen over time, including pain, tingling, numbness, weakness or decreased sensation in the hand. Without treatment, prolonged or severe nerve compression can potentially lead to lasting nerve damage.

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger and trigger thumb occur when a tendon becomes irritated or inflamed, making it difficult to smoothly bend or straighten the affected finger or thumb. The affected digit may feel stiff, catch or lock in a bent position, and symptoms may be more noticeable in the morning. Treatment focuses on relieving pain and inflammation and improving movement.

Hand & Wrist Fractures

Fractures of the hand and wrist occur when one or more bones break, often as a result of a fall, sports injury or direct impact. Injuries may include broken fingers, metacarpal fractures and wrist fractures involving bones such as the radius or scaphoid. Fractures may cause pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty moving the hand or wrist. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture.

Ligament Tears & Injuries

Ligaments are strong bands of connective tissue that connect bone to bone and help keep the joints of the hand and wrist stable. An injury can stretch or tear a ligament, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness or joint instability. Ligament injuries commonly occur following a fall, direct impact or sudden twisting motion.

Ganglion Cysts

A ganglion cyst is a non-cancerous, fluid-filled lump that commonly develops near a joint or tendon in the hand or wrist. Ganglion cysts are often painless and harmless, but they may become tender or uncomfortable, particularly with movement or pressure. Treatment depends on the cyst’s size, location and symptoms.

Dupuytren’s Contracture

Dupuytren’s contracture is a progressive condition that causes the connective tissue beneath the skin of the palm to thicken and become less flexible. Over time, the affected tissue can form tight bands that pull one or more fingers toward the palm, making it difficult to fully straighten the affected fingers.

When Should You See a Hand Doctor?

When everyday activities become difficult or painful, it may be time to see a hand specialist. You should also consider seeking care if you have experienced an injury or trauma to the hand or wrist or have persistent pain related to overuse, arthritis or another condition. Without appropriate treatment, some hand and wrist conditions may worsen over time. Early evaluation and treatment can help address symptoms, restore function and reduce the risk of further complications.

Specialty Orthopaedics understands that pain and limited movement in your hand and wrist can affect your ability to complete everyday activities. Our team offers extensive expertise and specialized training in treating hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder conditions through surgical and non-surgical treatment options.

If you have experienced an injury or are experiencing symptoms of a hand or wrist condition, contact Specialty Orthopaedics to connect with a member of our hand and upper-extremity team. If surgery, is determined to be the best treatment approach, our team will refer you to one of our board-certified, specialty trained hand surgeons.

Meet Our Hand Specialists

Thomas M. Neustein, MD

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Ben Puckett, MD

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Our Outpatient Surgery Center

Specialty Orthopaedics is pleased to offer our on-site ambulatory surgery center, where patients can receive same-day surgical care. Our center provides the convenience of surgery outside a hospital setting, allowing patients high-quality care at a reduced cost, shorter wait times, no extended hospital stays and streamlined scheduling. As the only orthopedic outpatient surgery center in Hall County, we are committed to delivering the best patient care and surgical experience.

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Why Choose Specialty Orthopaedics?

Our vision is to provide excellent, patient-focused, comprehensive orthopedic care to patients of all ages across North Georgia. With more than 20 years of experience, Specialty Orthopaedics has grown to become a pillar of the North Georgia medical community with four convenient locations in Gainesville, Dawsonville, Braselton, and Duluth.

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To schedule an appointment or for information about the treatment options offered at Specialty Orthopaedics, contact us today.

(770) 532-7202 Contact Us