Hand Surgery

Not always. Many patients with mild or early carpal tunnel syndrome improve with nonsurgical treatment such as wrist bracing, activity modification and anti-inflammatory medication. Surgery is typically recommended when symptoms keep returning and interfere with normal function. During your consultation, our team will evaluate the severity of the nerve compression and help determine whether surgery is the best approach for your specific situation.

Sometimes, but not always. The need for hand therapy depends on how much stiffness, weakness or loss of motion is expected during recovery. Simpler procedures, such as carpal tunnel surgery or trigger finger release, may require only a short period of home exercises, while more complex surgeries involving fractures or joint reconstruction are more likely to benefit from physical therapy. Our team will let you know what kind of rehabilitation is appropriate for your recovery and monitor your progress closely after surgery.

Not every hand or wrist condition requires surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, nonsurgical treatment may include splinting or bracing, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injections, wound care, antibiotics for infection, or close observation. In some cases, these conservative measures are enough to relieve symptoms or slow progression. In others, they may help temporarily but become less effective over time.

Many hand procedures can be performed under local or regional anesthesia, meaning only the hand and arm are numbed rather than the entire body. At Northeast Georgia Hand, Dr. Schaheen frequently uses WALANT, a surgical technique that uses lidocaine and epinephrine to control pain and bleeding, allowing patients to stay awake during surgery and avoid arm tourniquets. That means no post-op grogginess and no tourniquet discomfort or pressure. The anesthesia approach depends on the complexity and duration of the procedure.

Hand surgeons are typically orthopedic or plastic surgeons who have completed an additional fellowship specifically in hand and upper extremity surgery. Not every orthopedic surgeon is a hand specialist; fellowship training is the distinguishing factor. Dr. Emily Schaheen is fellowship-trained in hand and upper extremity surgery and ABOS board-certified, while our plastic surgeons have years of experience in treating complex hand, wrist or forearm conditions.

If you’re experiencing persistent numbness, tingling, weakness, pain or limited movement in your hand, wrist or fingers that hasn’t improved with splinting or rest, it’s worth seeing a specialist. Your primary care provider can offer a referral, or you can contact our office directly to schedule a consultation.

Yes, we are currently accepting new patients at Northeast Georgia Hand, a division of Northeast Georgia Plastic Surgery. We see patients at our Gainesville and Braselton locations. Contact our office to schedule a consultation for hand, wrist or elbow conditions.