Dr. Romanick has over 20 years of experience with hand injuries and ailments in the Texas Hill Country. His expertise ranges from casting fractures, removal of cysts, and tendon injuries to wrist arthroscopy and joint replacement or reconstruction. Common hand and wrist conditions include:

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This is a condition occurring mostly in patients between 30-60 years old, caused by pressure on the median nerve. This is the nerve in the wrist that supplies feeling and movement to parts of the hand. The area in the wrist where the nerve enters the hand is called the carpal tunnel, a very narrow passage. Any swelling there can pinch the nerve and cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. Our goal is not only to just reduce pressure on the nerve, but to relieve the pressure entirely, reduce the chance of permanent nerve damage while offering you a comfortable, safe experience.

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Hand arthritis: Arthritis is commonly seen in the joints of the fingers, the knuckle joints being the most frequently affected. Early symptoms of arthritis of the hand include joint pain that may feel "dull," or a "burning" sensation after periods of increased joint use.

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Arthritis results when the cartilage around the joint becomes worn or damaged, or is lost due to disease or trauma. When the body attempts to make up for the lost cartilage, it produced fluid in the joint lining, which attempts to act as a cushion. In doing this, it causes the joints to swell, restricting movement and causing pain.

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Tendonitis: This is inflammation or irritation of a tendon - any one of the thick fibrous cords that attaches muscle to bone. Tendonitis affecting the hand most commonly occurs in the wrist. If tendonitis is severe and leads to rupture of the tendon, you may need surgical repair. However, most cases can be successfully treated with rest, physical therapy, and medication.

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De Quervain Syndrome: This causes pain and tenderness at the side of the wrist behind the base of the thumb. Typical causes included stress such as lifting young children into car seats or grocery bags by the loops. Treatments include any combination of rest, splinting, anti-inflammation medication, and/ or a cortisone injection. If cortisone injection is used, it is generally very effective with normal activities being resumed within three weeks.

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Trigger Finger: This is a very common and often a very painful condition that affects the thumb and the forefingers. Trigger finger is most common among middle-aged women, though it can affect both genders and all age groups. Some symptoms of trigger finger include:

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• Struggle to straighten or bend the finger

• Swelling in the finger

• Popping sensation within the joints

• Lump in the palm

 

Trigger Finger may be treated through a variety of non-surgical methods. Dr. Romanick may recommend anti-inflammatory medication or a splint to keep the finger in a stable position. Corticosteroids may be used to relieve pain, though this is only for temporary relief and may not always work for chronic symptoms. Surgery is suggested in order to prevent permanent pain and stiffness.

 

Call us today at 830-997-4043 to schedule your hand surgery with Dr. Romanick!