1296 SIMS ST, NE, SUITE B GAINESVILLE, GA 30501
1515 RIVER PLACE, SUITE 365 BRASELTON GA 30517
Hand Surgery
Understanding the Complexity and Finding the Best Hand Specialist for You
Talk with the hand specialists in our Braselton office, and you quickly learn why their area of focus is so vital. Our hands are intricate works of art that play a vital role in the way we experience life. Not only do our hands help us perform basic daily tasks – eat, dress, wash our hair, fold clothes, drive and write – they also help us create art, make music, play sports. And our hands also allow us to enjoy the softness of a new born babies’ skin, feel connected to our spouse or partner, greet a friend and feel the cool waters of North Georgia streams.
Thankfully, little thought is typically given to the function of the hand as we perform these basic daily tasks. However, when the hands and/or upper extremity face an impairment or injury that makes routine activities painful or impossible, the importance of our hands’ function becomes harshly obvious. It’s a challenge our Braselton and Gainesville hand surgeons know well. From carpal tunnel to a broken hand, surgery can often be what’s necessary to get back to normal daily life.
Our surgeons have a tremendous amount of experience in reconstructive hand surgery. Our plastic surgeons have extensive training in restoring function and form to hands and have undergone additional education in order to provide life-altering outcomes to patients. The surgeons commonly repair hands with congenital defects, deformities, traumatic injuries, fractures, nerve injuries, and more. Beginning with a consultation, we examine every aspect of the hand in order to design a treatment plan that will yield the best possible results to restore a patient’s quality of life.
Common Hand Conditions
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
The condition is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, where the median nerve and tendons run from the forearm to the hand through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually characterized by numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in the fingers and/or hand.
TRIGGER FINGER
A condition characterized by the fingers getting stuck in a bent position as a result of inflammation narrowing the space around the tendon in the finger. When the finger is straightened, it can make a snapping sound.
DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTURE
This is a hand deformity caused by a thickening of tissue underneath the skin that can pull fingers into a bent position. Most commonly the little finger and ring finger are affected and the fingers can’t be fully straightened on their own.
HAND/FINGER FRACTURES
This occurs when bones in the hand or fingers fracture or break, usually due to a traumatic injury like a fall or accident. The fracture can lead to hand or finger becoming deformed and/or limit movement.
NERVE INJURY
A nerve injury can occur in the hand or fingers when there’s a traumatic injury or accident, such as a cut, a burn, a crush, or overuse. Damaged nerves can limit function of the fingers/hand, and in severe cases, there’s no function at all.
GANGLION CYST
A common lump or cyst that forms on the hand or fingers, which isn’t cancerous. The cyst is filled with fluid and can appear suddenly, as well as change size and disappear.
GUYON’S CANAL RELEASE
Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, this condition is caused by an issue with the ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve runs from the side of the neck to the hand and the fingers and when there’s constant pressure or overuse of the nerve, Guyon’s canal release can occur. Common symptoms are the sensation of pins and needles in the fingers, burning pain, and muscle weakness.
Hand Surgery and The Complexity Of The Hand
Even a brief look at the anatomy of the hand and wrist makes it easy to see why patients want only the best hand surgeon in North Georgia performing their surgery.
Holding your cup of coffee may seem basic, but the function of the hand is anything but. To hold that cup, the hand requires sensation from the nerve, smooth movement from the joints, tendons and muscles, and strong bones (the human hand has a total of 27 individual bones in it!) and fingernails.
Hand specialists will often discuss the hand and upper extremity because of the unique anatomy of the hand. Many hand movements are the result of the contraction and relaxation of muscles that are located in the forearm rather than then hand. These muscles are attached to the bones in the fingers by long tendons that pass through the wrist and can give strength and power to the fingers.
Other muscles involved in fine motor function are present in the hand itself, and send tiny tendons through intricate pathways via precise angles to preform detailed functions of the fingers.
Working together, the hand is a beautiful and complicated piece of machinery!
During and After Hand Surgery
The length of surgery can vary greatly depending on the patient’s condition (how severe the case is). Each condition warrants a different technique, which will also affect the amount of time. Regardless of the surgery, the hand and/or fingers will be properly protected with a splint, dressing, etc.
The surgeon will give instructions on how to care for the surgical site, as well as an estimate of the recovery process. It’s important to follow all instructions and attend all follow-up appointments, so the treated area can heal as quickly as possible.
The Importance of Finding A Specialized Hand Doctor
- Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
- Holds doctorate degrees in both medicine and engineering
- Published numerous articles in the fields of bioengineering orthopedic surgery
- Authored chapters in hand surgery textbooks
Considering the importance of the hand and its complexity, it’s no wonder more people in Braselton, Gainesville and the surrounding north Georgia area seek out a skilled hand and wrist doctor when facing dysfunction or injury such as numbness, carpal tunnel symptoms, joint dysfunction or fractures.
Additionally, It is important to know that hand specialists don’t just perform surgery. They care for the upper extremity joints, tendons, bones, muscles, nerves, and skin to ensure optimal health and function by recommending the optimal treatment method. Your hand doctor should always clearly explain your treatment options to help you make an informed decision about your care.
In the event that surgery is needed, you want the best hand surgeon available near you. A skilled hand surgeon has specialized training and experience in upper extremity conditions.
How to Find the Best Hand Doctor in North Georgia
Finding a new doctor and making the call to seek treatment is difficult for many. It’s important not to ignore problems with your hands and thank the issue might go away on its own. Even a minor impairment can significantly impact your quality of life and treatment should not be delayed.
If you live in Gainesville, Braselton or the surrounding North Georgia area and are searching for a skilled hand surgeon, ask the following questions:
Who can I ask for a referral?
Talk to your primary care doctor, family, friends and other health specialists as a starting point to find a respected hand specialist.
Is the doctor a board-certified hand surgeon?
Certification means that the hand doctor has the skills, training and experience to deliver specialized care for the hand and upper extremities.
Do I feel comfortable with this hand doctor?
As with any medical professional, it’s important to meet with the doctor to ensure you are comfortable with their style of communication and that you feel you will receive the level of care you seek.
How many years of experience does the hand and wrist surgeon have?
Experience matters, especially when it comes to complex hand issues. Don’t be afraid to ask your hand specialist how much experience they have in your specific condition.
My case involves complex microsurgery; does this hand surgeon have the qualifications
Braselton residents and others nearby can feel at ease knowing that Dr. Emily Schaheen is highly skilled in microsurgical techniques to treat nerve injuries and neurovascular conditions. She treats all conditions that affect the fingers, hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow. This includes nerve conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and nerve injuries, as well as bone and joint conditions such as fractures and arthritis.
When you’re ready to take the first step in treating your hand or wrist injury or condition, contact the experienced hand specialists and Northeast Georgia hand.