A hand specialist performs various operations on the hands and wrist. Some of these procedures are related to calming inflammation or pain, while others deal with healing injuries or correcting deformities. Here are four different types of hand surgeries performed by Orthopedic Hand Surgeon Houston.
- Carpal Tunnel Surgery
When someone has carpal tunnel syndrome, they experience swelling around their wrist tendons, shooting pain is felt throughout the hand, and there is a weakness in the thumb. This common condition happens when the hands are used over and over in the same repetitive motion. When the use of a wrist brace shows to be ineffective, carpal tunnel surgery relieves pressure on the median nerve and corresponding tendons.
- Joint Replacement
When an individual has severe arthritis in the hand, one or more of their joints may become destroyed by the disease. Joint replacement surgery involves introducing an artificial joint that is made out of plastic, silicone rubber, metal, or in some cases the patient’s own tendon.
- Trigger Finger Surgery
The condition known as trigger finger happens when the flexor tendons of any finger develop nodules that prevent the tendons from sliding fluidly. Instead, the fingers won’t straighten out and they lock in a bent position. Another symptom of trigger finger includes a painful, swollen lump on the palm. Trigger finger surgery widens the area so that the tendons can move freely.
- Dupuytren’s Contracture Surgery
When the tissue underneath the fingers and the palm becomes thickened, this is known as Dupuytren’s Contracture. This hand deformity takes many years to develop. Though it rarely produces pain, it causes the fingers to curl inward toward the palm. As a result, it becomes difficult to hold objects. Surgery is needed to remove the excess tissue.
If you or someone you love is experiencing any symptoms related to the conditions above, don’t hesitate to get help right away to get it taken care of. No one should have to live with pain or discomfort when surgery exists to correct it.