Pittsburgh’s Trusted Orthopedic Hand Specialists
Hand Injuries & Conditions
For the majority of athletes, the hands are a vital part of sports. Your hands allow you to grasp a stick, throw a ball, create a swim stroke, and generate power on a bike. Because the hands are constantly being used in athletic activity, it’s not surprising that they’re also susceptible to injury.
At Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists, our team of hand specialists includes the best orthopedic surgeons Pittsburgh has to offer, and we’ve provided carpal tunnel repair and more or a combined 40 years and counting. We’re committed to offering patients the least invasive, most conservative treatments available, ensuring that your recovery is as quick, effective, and affordable as possible. When you receive care from Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists, you’re not just another patient – you’re a member of our family.
Whether you need carpal tunnel hand surgery or just a splint for a finger, we’re here to help. If you’re ready to find the relief you deserve with a hand specialist near you, don’t wait – schedule an appointment with Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists today.
Treatment for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome & More
Advanced Care for Types of Hand Injuries
Even though they're common, sports injuries to the hand are not to be ignored. Most hand injuries occur in sports due to overuse, such as from repetitive motions in golf or tennis, but traumatic injuries can also occur from a direct hit or fall, such as in football or hockey.
There are several different types of hand injuries and conditions that occur regularly in athletes. Some of the most common conditions we treat at Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists include:
DeQuervain's tenosynovitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the base of the thumb. This condition is often seen in new mothers due to the repetitive motions of nursing. It can also be seen in athletes who participate in activities that require repetitive grasping motions, such as rock climbing or weightlifting.
Carpal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This condition is often seen in office workers who perform repetitive motions with their hands, such as typing. It can also be seen in athletes whose sports require them to grip something tightly for long periods of time, such as golfers or rowers.
- Trigger finger: A condition in which the tendon that bends the finger becomes locked in a bent position. This can be caused by repetitive grasping motions, such as those often seen in baseball players who grip a bat tightly for long periods of time.
- Ganglion cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that form around joints or tendons. These are often seen in the wrist and are more common in women than men. Ganglion cysts can be painful and interfere with the normal use of the hand.
- Fractures: A break in the bone. This can happen from a direct hit or fall, as well as from overuse. Common fractures seen in athletes include metacarpal fractures (broken bones in the hand) and scaphoid fractures (a break in one of the small bones near the thumb).
If you're struggling with chronic pain due to a hand injury or a progressive hand condition, the board-certified orthopedic surgeons, physicians, and therapists at Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists can help you get back in the game. Our team will create a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan to address your hand pain and help you return to the activities you love as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which athletes are most frequently at risk for hand injuries?
While any athlete can develop a hand injury, some athletes are more susceptible to hand injuries than others. Athletes who participate in sports that involve repetitive motions of the hand, such as tennis or golf, are more likely to develop overuse injuries to the tendons and muscles of the hand. Athletes who participate in contact sports, such as football or hockey, are more likely to develop traumatic hand injuries from a direct hit or fall.
How can I prevent hand injuries from occurring?
There are several things you can do to help prevent hand injuries, including:
- Warm up before practice or competition
- Use proper technique
- Use the proper equipment
- Rest and recover between practices and competitions
- Cross-train to reduce repetitive motion
- See a doctor or therapist if you experience any pain or discomfort
If you do develop a hand injury, it’s important to see a doctor or therapist as soon as possible to begin the healing process.
Do you accept insurance for cubital tunnel treatment and more?
Yes! Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists is proud to accept a wide variety of insurances across Western PA, Ohio, and West Virginia for cubital tunnel syndrome surgery and other hand treatments. For patients in the Pittsburgh area, we accept both Highmark and UPMC. View our Insurance page to see our list of providers, and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable and friendly staff.
How can I get started with the best hand surgeon near me?
The team at Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialists is passionate about making our care as easy to access as possible for all of our future patients. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment, just use our Online Tool to select a time that works best for you.