Specialized treatment for hand, wrist and elbow injuries in Southeast Idaho
At Portneuf Medical Center, we provide comprehensive care to treat routine and complex upper extremity conditions. Our philosophy is to begin treatment with the least risky and most proven interventions, which is why we look to therapies that have the highest success rates. Most of the time, patients get relief from symptoms by altering activities, using prescribed medications, splinting, and therapy. However, if conservative techniques fail to bring relief, surgery may be required. An experienced hand surgeon can discuss the best options with you.
Our hand, wrist, and elbow treatments
The hand, one of the most flexible parts of the human skeleton, is an intricate instrument that is both tough and delicate. Our hands help us to experience and control the world around us and hence, enable us to work and care for others and ourselves. However, when our hands, wrists or upper extremities do not function properly, daily activities such as driving a car, typing, or cooking can be difficult and painful. It is estimated that over 30-40 million adults in the United States have pain in the hands and fingers to some degree.
Our hand, wrist and elbow providers are board-certified surgeons and sports medicine specialist with additional specialty training in hand surgery, which includes problems in the fingers, hand, wrist, elbow, arm, and shoulder. If you or a loved one are experiencing pain or numbness in the hands, this team is here for you.
Treatments include:
- Arthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fractures and soft-tissue injuries
- Swan Thumb
- Fractures and soft-tissue injuries
- Ganglion cysts
- Infections
- Tennis elbow, golfer’s or baseball elbow and other tendon disorders
- Trigger finger and trigger thumb
- Ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release
- Ultrasound-guided trigger finger release
Should you require sports medicine care or regenerative medicine treatments, our sports medicine specialists Dr. Anthony Joseph is available to care for your unique needs. Please call us to learn more about our services.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects an estimated 13 million Americans. CTS causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. It occurs when one of the major nerves in the hand, the median nerve, is compressed as it travels through the wrist. The median nerve controls movement in the thumb and feeling in the thumb and first three fingers. It runs down the arm and forearm, passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist, and goes into the hand.
Most severe cases of CTS may be treated surgically through a procedure called carpal tunnel release (CTR). This involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Traditional CTR techniques can remedy the condition, but may result in large and sometimes painful scars, ongoing palmar pain, and a long road to recovery.
Carpal tunnel treatment
Now there is an alternative surgical option to treat carpal tunnel syndrome: carpal tunnel release with UltraGuideCTR and real-time ultrasound guidance! CTR using ultrasound guidance relieves the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome while minimizing recovery time. Most patients can return to work and daily activities within 3-5 days.
Performing CTR with ultrasound guidance allows most patients to enjoy immediate motion so you can get back to doing what you love. If you have CTS and are considering a surgical procedure, carpal tunnel release with UltraGuideCTR and real-time ultrasounds guidance may be right for you.
Benefits of this procedure include:
- A faster recovery, with patients returning to daily activities within 3-5 days
- Immediate motion of the hand for rapid recovery
- No need for prescription painkillers– Aspirin or Ibuprofen are typically used for pain management
- Post-operative therapy is typically not required
- Smaller incisions, often closed without sutures
Please call us to learn more about this innovative treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Trigger finger
Trigger finger is a common condition characterized by catching, snapping, or locking as you flex or extend your fingers that can cause pain, swelling, and popping. Trigger finger occurs when inflammation or swelling creates a nodule within the tendon sheath and prohibits the flexor tendons from gliding smoothly underneath the pulley(s).
Common symptoms include:
- Mechanical symptoms, such as popping, catching, or locking
- Pain at the base of the affected finger, where the finger joins with the palm
- Stiffness or loss of motion, such as difficulty bending the finger
- Swelling within the affected tendon or development of a cyst
Treatment for trigger finger
We offer the following treatments for trigger finger:
Non surgical treatment: With the consultation of a physician, less severe symptoms of trigger finger can be treated in various ways without surgery. Splinting of the affected finger, NSAIDs to reduce inflammation, corticosteroid injection, hand therapy and exercises, or change in activity to reduce forceful or repetitive motions are common non-surgical alternatives for mild cases.
Surgical treatment: Trigger finger can also be treated surgically with a procedure called trigger finger release (TFR). This procedure involves releasing the pulley of the affected finger to allow the tendon to glide more freely and may be recommended if non-surgical treatment options do not offer improvement. With the help of real-time ultrasound guidance, physicians can perform TFR through a minimally invasive approach to provide full mobility of your finger, with less scarring and a shorter recovery than open trigger finger release surgeries.
Ultrasound-guided trigger finger release: TFR with real-time ultrasound guidance can alleviate the pain and inconvenience of trigger finger and quickly have you back doing the day-to-day activities you love. Minimal scarring and immediate motion of the finger are some of the notable benefits.
If you are ready for long-term relief, trigger finger release with real-time ultrasound guidance may be right for you. Don’t wait to start enjoying the little things in life again. Regain mobility and say goodbye to pain and discomfort.