Dr. Purnell Traverso – Hand Surgeon In Coral Springs, FL
Our hands are one of the most important parts of our day-to-day life. At Traverso Hand, we pride ourselves in our ability to diagnose and treat hands with empathy, compassion, and precision. Dr. Traverso has a great understanding of the injuries and ailments that can affect the hands. Since 2008, Dr. Purnell Traverso has been a student of the wrists and hands- studying their functions, issues they can have, and how these issues can be remedied. Through this experience, he’s become the top hand specialist in Coral Springs. Regardless of the issue you’re experiencing with your hand, wrist, or fingers, our expert team can be of assistance. We’ve earned our reputation as the top hand surgeon in Coral Springs through our track record of top-notch performance. At Traverso Hand, we develop wrist and hand treatment plans that are specific to your needs.
Common Hand & Wrist Conditions We Treat
There are a number of different hand and wrist conditions that we treat in Coral Springs. Different conditions require different treatments, and our expertise allows us to develop a treatment plan that works best for you. Learn more about the common hand and wrist conditions we treat below:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment In Coral Springs
Carpal tunnel syndrome is essentially a pinched nerve in the wrist. Within the wrist, there is a space called the carpal tunnel. Within the carpal tunnel, the median nerve and nine tendons pass from the forearm into the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when swelling in this tunnel puts pressure on the nerve. Pressure on the nerve can happen in several ways, like swelling of the flexor tendons, joint dislocations, fractures, arthritis, and even fluid build-up that occurs during pregnancy. Signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel include pain, tingling, weak grip, occasional clumsiness, tendency to drop things, and numbness. When it comes to the treatment of carpal tunnel, there are a few options including:
- Therapy or changing the patterns of hand use. This assists in reducing pressure on the nerve.
- Wearing a wrist splint, keeping the hand in a straight position. This also assists in reducing pressure on the nerve.
- Wearing a wrist splint throughout the night. This relieves symptoms that may make sleeping difficult.
- Steroid injections directly into the carpal tunnel. This helps reduce swelling around the nerve.
If symptoms do not improve after these treatment methods, surgery may be necessary to increase room for the nerve. Pressure on the nerve is reduced by cutting the ligament that forms on top of the tunnel on the palm side of the hand. After surgery, soreness around the area that was cut may last for weeks or months. Symptoms of carpal tunnel may disappear quickly or may take a bit longer to go away – depending on the person. In severe cases, carpal tunnel symptoms may not completely go away after surgery.
Ganglion Cyst Treatment In Coral Springs
Ganglion cysts are incredibly common cysts that form on different areas of the hand, like the top of the wrist, the palm side of the wrist, the base of the finger on the palm side, and the top end joint of the finger. The cyst often resembles a water balloon on a stick and is filled with clear fluid or gel-like matter. The cause of ganglion cysts is largely unknown, although they often form when there is joint or tendon irritation, or mechanical changes to the way the hand is used. Ganglion cysts occur in patients of all ages. Often, these cysts may change in size or even completely disappear. Additionally, they may or may not be painful. Ganglion cysts are not cancerous, and won’t spread to other areas.
Surgery is not always necessary for the treatment of ganglion cysts. They commonly disappear spontaneously, so in many cases, they just need to be watched closely. If the cyst is painful, the use of splints or anti-inflammatory medication can decrease pain as a result of the cyst. Additionally, aspiration can be performed by inserting a needle into the cyst to decompress it. If nonsurgical options provide undesired results, surgical alternatives are available. Surgery involves removing the cyst along with a portion of the joint capsule or tendon sheath. Surgical treatment is generally successful, but cysts can recur. Your Coral Springs hand surgeon, Dr. Traverso, will discuss the best treatment options available for your ganglion cyst.
Trigger Finger Treatment In Coral Springs
Stenosing tenosynovitis, more commonly known as trigger finger, occurs when the pulley in the finger becomes too thick, which lowers the ability for the tendon to glide through it easily. The tendons that bend the fingers glide easily with the help of pulleys. These pulleys hold the tendons close to the bone, similarly to how the line is held on a fishing rod. Trigger fingers are more common with certain medical conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and gout. Additionally, repeated motions and strong gripping may lead to the condition. Most often, the reason the trigger finger occurs is unknown. Signs and symptoms of trigger finger start with discomfort felt at the base of the finger or thumb where the finger joins the palm. The area will be sensitive to pressure, paired with a lump. Other symptoms include pain, catching feeling, limited finger movement, and popping.
In terms of treatment, the goal is to eliminate the swelling and catching or locking feeling of the finger. This allows for full, painless movement of the finger or thumb. Common, nonsurgical treatments include: wearing splits at night, anti-inflammatory medication, change of finger activity, and injection of steroids. If nonsurgical treatment does not relieve the symptoms, you may be recommended surgery. The goal of trigger finger treatment surgery is to open the pulley at the base of the finger so that the tendon can glide more freely. First, the clicking or popping will cease. Depending on severity, finger motion can return quickly, or some stiffness may remain after surgery. In some cases, hand therapy is required after surgery to regain proper use. Your Coral Springs hand surgeon will walk you through the best options for treatment.
Thumb Arthritis Treatment In Coral Springs
Arthritis is the thinning of the cartilage, which is the smooth covering of the joint. When the body loses this joint surface, bone spurs begin to form. Thumb arthritis is a genetic predisposition, much like the graying and thinning of hair. This condition comes with age and shows up earlier in some families than others. Unlike the thinning of hair, women tend to get thumb arthritis sooner than men. Patients with thumb arthritis often feel pain and weakness with pinching and grasping. Opening jars, writing, and turning doorknobs or keys can be painful with those with thumb arthritis.
The thumb may begin to look different from the development of bone spurs and the stretching of ligaments. There also may be a grinding sensation within the joint. X-rays are not necessary for thumb arthritis to be diagnosed, but they can assist in understanding the disease, and decide whether surgery is something that should be pursued. Like many other aspects of aging, thumb arthritis is something that people adapt to, and treatment often isn’t necessary.
If treatment is determined to be necessary, there are a number of nonsurgical and surgical procedures to treat thumb arthritis. Nonsurgical treatments include ice and heat, pain medicines, splinting and steroid injections. Surgical treatments include removing the joint by removing a bone or connecting bones together. Tendons will be moved to secure or cushion the bone, and different surgeons have different opinions on whether or not this is helpful. After surgery, a splint or cast must be worn for several weeks.
Trust The Top Hand Surgeon In Coral Springs With Dr. Traverso And Traverso Hand
The conditions we’ve discussed above are just scratching the surface of the different conditions we offer treatment for. Learn more about the different conditions we treat by clicking here. Dr. Traverso is the leading hand surgeon in Coral Springs, and many patients travel from the surrounding areas and abroad to visit his practice. If you’re looking for a hand surgeon in Coral Springs or a South Florida hand surgeon, look no further than Dr. Traverso Hand. Want to learn more about our practice, or make an appointment? Contact us online or give us a call at (954) 575-8056.