Hand and Wrist Care

Welcome to Hand and Wrist Orthopedic Services in Maine!

Whether you’re playing catch with your kid or grandchild or doing some yardwork around the house, ensuring your hands and wrists are comfortable and pain-free is important in your life. When hand or wrist conditions begin affect your mobility and well-being, our specialized team of orthopedic experts at Northern Light Health is here to provide you with comprehensive and personalized care.

If you are experiencing persistent hand or wrist pain, stiffness, or difficulty performing everyday tasks, you can consult to consult with an orthopedic specialist for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. After all, early intervention and appropriate care can lead to better outcomes and improved hand and wrist function for years to come.

At Northern Light Health, we have both orthopedic hand and wrist specialists, as well as plastic surgeons that specialize in hand surgery.

Top 5 Conditions for People in Maine to Seek an Orthopedic Hand and Wrist Specialist

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. This condition occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the wrist, becomes compressed, leading to symptoms such as pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand and fingers. Our experienced orthopedists are skilled in diagnosing and treating carpal tunnel syndrome, offering both conservative treatments and surgical interventions to alleviate symptoms and restore hand function.
2. Trigger Finger: Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, can cause your finger to lock or catch when bent and is often accompanied by pain and clicking. Our specialized hand and wrist experts are well versed in managing trigger finger, providing effective treatment options, including splinting, medication, and surgical release when necessary.
3. De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a painful condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. This condition involves inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, leading to pain and difficulty moving the thumb. Our orthopedic specialists can accurately diagnose and treat De Quervain's tenosynovitis, offering targeted therapies to relieve pain and restore your wrist's range of motion.
4. Wrist Fractures: Wrist fractures can occur from falls, sports injuries, or other types of accidents. Our orthopedic team has extensive experience in treating various wrist fractures, from simple to complex cases. We provide personalized treatment plans to ensure optimal healing and recovery.
5. Dupuytren's Contracture: Dupuytren's contracture is a progressive hand condition that causes the fingers to bend inward. This condition causes the tissue beneath the skin of the palm and fingers to thicken and contract, resulting in finger bending and hand deformity. Our hand and wrist specialists offer both non-surgical and surgical options to address Dupuytren's contracture, promoting improved hand function and preventing further progression.

What is the Difference When Choosing Between an Orthopedic Surgeon and a Plastic Surgeon that Both Specialize in Hand and Wrist Conditions

At Northern Light Health, we understand that when it comes to choosing the right surgical specialist for your hand needs, you might have questions about the differences between orthopedic surgical hand specialists and hand plastic surgeons. While both play a vital role in hand care and reconstruction, they offer different expertise depending on your needs. Here are some of the key differences to help you choose between one of our orthopedic surgical hand specialists and hand plastic surgeons.

Orthopedic Surgical Hand Specialist

Orthopedic surgical hand specialists are doctors who have completed rigorous training in orthopedic surgery, with a focus on conditions and injuries affecting the musculoskeletal system, including the hands. These specialists are skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide range of hand conditions, injuries, and disorders related to bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons.

Top 3 Reasons Why You Might Choose an Orthopedic Surgical Hand Specialist Instead of a Plastic Surgeon

1. Musculoskeletal Expertise: Orthopedic hand specialists have a deep understanding of the anatomy and function of the musculoskeletal system, enabling them to address issues related to hand function, movement, and stability.
2. Surgical Expertise: They are trained to perform various surgical procedures, ranging from repairing fractures and ligament injuries to performing complex reconstructions to restore hand function.
3. Comprehensive Care: Orthopedic hand specialists consider the overall health of the hand within the context of the entire upper extremity and musculoskeletal system.

Hand Plastic Surgeon

Hand plastic surgeons are doctors who specialize in plastic and reconstructive surgery, focusing on enhancing the appearance and function of your hands. These specialists are adept at addressing a wide range of hand conditions, injuries, and cosmetic concerns.

Top 3 Reasons Why You Might Choose a Hand Plastic Surgeon Instead of an Orthopedic Surgical Hand Specialist

1. Aesthetic and Reconstructive Expertise: Hand plastic surgeons combine their surgical skills with an aesthetic understanding to address both functional and cosmetic aspects of hand surgery.
2. Soft Tissue and Skin Expertise: They are experienced in managing conditions involving soft tissues, skin grafts, and tissue transfers to restore hand appearance and function.
3. Cosmetic Concerns: Hand plastic surgeons can address not only medical issues, but also cosmetic concerns related to the hands, helping you achieve both functional and aesthetic goals.

Choosing the Right Hand and Wrist Specialist

The choice between an orthopedic surgical hand specialist and a hand plastic surgeon depends on the nature of your condition, your treatment goals, and your personal preferences. If your hand condition is primarily related to bones, joints, and musculoskeletal function, an orthopedic surgical hand specialist might be the right choice. If you're seeking both functional and aesthetic improvements, a hand plastic surgeon could be a great fit.

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