Hand and Wrist Surgeons in Missoula, Montana
Specialties
Hand and Wrist Specialists Serving Western Montana
If hand or wrist pain is making it hard to work, sleep, or enjoy your daily routine, you’re not alone. At Northern Rockies Orthopaedic, our experienced hand and wrist surgeons in Missoula, Montana, provide complete care for conditions affecting the wrist, hand, fingers, and elbow.
Whether you’re dealing with wrist pain, a recent injury, or long-term arthritis, our Missoula wrist specialists and hand surgeons offer personalized treatment plans that focus on relieving pain, restoring mobility, and helping you return to your active lifestyle.
From nonsurgical treatments and physical therapy to hand surgery and minimally invasive procedures, our dedicated team of orthopedic doctors in Missoula, Montana, provides the wrist care and hand therapy you need to heal. Call our office today at (406) 728-6101 or use our online contact form to schedule an appointment.
Common Hand and Wrist Conditions Treated in Missoula
Pain, stiffness, or swelling in the hand or wrist can make everyday tasks feel frustrating or impossible. Whether caused by an injury or a medical condition, hand and wrist problems often require care from experienced hand and wrist specialists.
At Northern Rockies Orthopaedic, we treat a wide range of conditions affecting the fingers, hands, wrists, and upper extremities. From sports injuries and fractures to arthritis and nerve issues, our board-certified wrist doctors and hand surgeons offer complete care to help relieve pain and restore movement.
Traumatic Injuries and Fractures
A fall, accident, or direct blow to the hand or wrist can result in fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue damage. These injuries may cause immediate pain, swelling, bruising, or difficulty moving the affected area.
Our Missoula hand and wrist surgeons treat wrist injuries and broken bones using both nonsurgical treatments and advanced surgical techniques. We focus on proper alignment and healing, enabling patients to regain strength and return to their normal activities.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common hand conditions we treat at NRO. It occurs when pressure on the median nerve causes pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or wrist. This condition can affect your grip, coordination, and ability to perform tasks like typing or holding objects. Our wrist specialists offer a range of options, including wrist splints and hand therapy, as well as minimally invasive techniques such as carpal tunnel release surgery.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain when grasping or twisting objects. Patients may notice swelling or a catching feeling near the base of the thumb. At Northern Rockies Orthopaedic, our hand and wrist specialists offer treatments such as bracing, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and, when necessary, minimally invasive procedures to alleviate pain and restore mobility.
Tendon Ruptures
Tendon ruptures in the hand or wrist can happen suddenly, especially during sports or high-impact activities. These injuries often result in an inability to bend or straighten the fingers or wrist. A quick evaluation and treatment by a wrist doctor or hand surgeon is crucial to prevent long-term problems.
Ligament Sprains and Tears
Ligaments play a crucial role in stabilizing the wrist and hand joints. When a sudden movement or trauma causes a sprain or tear, it can lead to pain, swelling, and joint instability. At NRO, our orthopedic surgeons use physical exams and advanced imaging to diagnose these injuries. Treatment options can range from nonsurgical therapies to surgical repair, based on the severity of the damage.
Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Arthritis in the hand and wrist can cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and a reduced range of motion. Osteoarthritis typically develops due to wear and tear, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. Our dedicated team of hand and wrist surgeons in Missoula, Montana, offers a range of treatment options, including medications, hand therapy, steroid injections, and in advanced cases, hand surgery to relieve pain and improve function.
Ganglion Cysts
Ganglion cysts are noncancerous lumps that typically develop on the wrist or hand. They may vary in size and can cause discomfort or pressure on nearby structures. While some cysts go away on their own, others may require aspiration or surgical removal. Our Missoula, MT, wrist surgeons evaluate each case and provide treatment options based on the size, location, and symptoms associated with the cyst.
Dupuytren’s Contracture
This condition causes the tissue under the skin of the palm to thicken and tighten, gradually pulling one or more fingers into a bent position. It can limit hand function and make it difficult to perform daily tasks. Our hand specialists in Missoula offer several options to treat Dupuytren’s contracture, including nonsurgical treatments and outpatient procedures designed to restore finger extension and improve quality of life.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Hand and Wrist Pain
Not every hand or wrist condition requires surgery. Many patients can find relief through nonsurgical treatments that reduce pain, improve strength, and restore function. At Northern Rockies Orthopaedic, our board-certified hand and wrist specialists create a personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms, daily tasks, and overall health.
By focusing on conservative care first, we help patients return to their normal activities with less downtime and fewer risks. Our dedicated team includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, and orthopedic surgeons who work together to deliver complete care for a wide range of hand and wrist conditions.
- Physical and Occupational Therapy: These therapies can help build strength, improve flexibility, and support healing after an injury or surgery. Physical therapists focus on restoring movement, while occupational therapists assist patients in regaining the ability to perform daily activities.
- Bracing, Splinting, and Casting: Stabilizing the hand or wrist can prevent further damage and give the affected area time to heal. Our Missoula, Montana wrist doctors may recommend a custom brace or cast to limit movement, reduce pain, and protect injured tissues.
- Corticosteroid Injections: These injections can help reduce inflammation in specific areas, such as joints or tendons. For conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or trigger finger, steroid injections may relieve pain and improve mobility without the need for immediate surgery.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate pain and swelling associated with arthritis, sprains, or overuse injuries. Doctors often use these medications as part of a broader treatment plan to improve comfort and support healing.
Hand and Wrist Surgeries Performed at Northern Rockies Orthopaedic
When nonsurgical treatments no longer provide relief, surgery may be the most effective way to restore function and reduce ongoing pain. At Northern Rockies Orthopaedic, our fellowship-trained hand, wrist, and elbow surgeons perform a wide range of procedures using advanced techniques.
Carpal Tunnel Release
Orthopedic doctors may recommend carpal tunnel release surgery for patients experiencing persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness due to carpal tunnel syndrome. This procedure relieves pressure on the median nerve by cutting the ligament that forms the top of the carpal tunnel. Our wrist specialists use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to reduce recovery time and improve comfort.
Tendon Repair and Reconstruction
Tendon injuries in the hand or wrist can severely affect movement and grip strength. Surgical repair may be necessary when tendons are torn or severely damaged. Depending on the injury, our hand surgeons may reconnect the tendon or use tissue grafts to restore function. Post-surgical hand therapy is typically part of the treatment plan to rebuild strength and improve flexibility.
Trigger Finger Release
Trigger finger release surgery is a quick outpatient procedure that relieves pain and locking by widening the tendon sheath in the affected finger. This allows the tendon to glide smoothly and helps restore normal finger movement. Most patients experience rapid relief and improved hand function after the procedure.
Fracture Repair and Realignment
When broken bones in the hand or wrist are unstable or misaligned, surgical intervention may be required. Our Missoula, MT, orthopedic surgeons perform open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using pins, plates, or screws to stabilize the fracture.
Wrist Arthroscopy
Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat wrist conditions, including ligament tears, cartilage injuries, and joint inflammation. Small incisions and a tiny camera allow our wrist doctors to treat problems with less pain and faster recovery than open surgery.
Nerve Decompression
Surgeons can often treat chronic hand or wrist pain caused by compressed nerves with nerve decompression surgery. This procedure involves releasing pressure on a nerve, typically in the wrist or elbow, to reduce pain, numbness, or weakness.
Joint Fusion or Replacement for Severe Arthritis
For patients with advanced arthritis that limits movement or causes constant pain, joint fusion or joint replacement may offer relief. Joint fusion stabilizes the area by joining bones together, while joint replacement restores movement using artificial components. Both procedures can help reduce pain and improve hand function when other treatments have failed.
Ganglion Cyst Removal
If a ganglion cyst continues to grow, returns after aspiration, or interferes with joint movement, surgical removal may be recommended. This outpatient procedure involves excising the cyst and its root to help prevent recurrence. The wrist care team at Northern Rockies Orthopaedic provides follow-up support to help patients recover quickly and efficiently.
Ligament Reconstruction
Torn or overstretched ligaments in the wrist or hand may need surgical reconstruction to restore joint stability. Our Missoula hand and wrist surgeons use advanced techniques to repair or reconstruct ligaments using tissue grafts when necessary.
Complex Trauma and Revision Surgeries
Some injuries involve multiple fractures, damaged tissues, or failed previous surgeries. In these cases, our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons provide advanced care through complex trauma and revision procedures. We work closely with patients to develop a comprehensive care plan that supports healing, reduces pain, and restores as much function as possible.
What to Expect During Your Visit to Northern Rockies Orthopaedic
Finding the right treatment for hand or wrist pain starts with the right care team. At Northern Rockies Orthopaedic, our board-certified physicians take the time to understand your symptoms, diagnose the condition, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Whether you’re visiting for wrist pain, a recent injury, or ongoing issues with hand or elbow function, our goal is to provide complete care from start to finish.
Initial Evaluation of Hand or Wrist Pain
Your first visit begins with a detailed evaluation by one of our hand and wrist specialists. We’ll ask about your symptoms, review any recent injuries, and perform a physical exam of the affected area. Doctors may order imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs to determine the cause of the pain. This process enables our team to pinpoint the medical condition affecting your wrist, hand, or upper extremity and determine the most suitable hand and wrist treatment options.
Personalized Treatment Planning
Once we’ve diagnosed the cause of your hand or wrist pain, we’ll discuss a personalized treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle and goals. This may include nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy, occupational therapy, bracing, or medications. If surgery is necessary, we’ll walk you through your options, explain the procedure, and address any questions you may have.
Hand and Wrist Surgery Preparation
If surgery is part of your treatment plan, our team will provide clear instructions to help you prepare for it. We’ll review the procedure, discuss what to expect during recovery, and provide guidance on medications, transportation, and any necessary changes to your routine.
Follow-Up Care and Recovery From Hand or Wrist Surgery
Recovery doesn’t stop after the procedure. Our dedicated team offers follow-up care designed to support healing and restore mobility. This may include physical therapy, hand therapy, or a custom rehabilitation plan. We monitor your progress closely and adjust your treatment as needed to relieve pain and help you build strength. Whether your recovery takes weeks or months, we’re here to help you return to work, sports, and everyday life with confidence.
Why Choose the Wrist and Hand Specialists at Northern Rockies Orthopaedic in Missoula, Montana?
Patients choose the wrist and hand specialists at Northern Rockies Orthopaedic in Missoula, Montana, because of our commitment to complete, personalized care. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons offer advanced treatment options for a wide range of hand and wrist conditions, from minor injuries to complex surgical cases. We use the latest minimally invasive treatments whenever appropriate to reduce recovery time and relieve pain more effectively.
At Northern Rockies Orthopaedic, our team includes experienced wrist doctors, hand surgeons, physical therapists, and occupational therapists who work together to develop a treatment plan that fits your goals and supports your recovery. With next-day appointments available and a focus on restoring function and improving quality of life, we provide the kind of care that helps you get back to doing what you love.
Contact Northern Rockies Orthopaedics Today and Schedule an Appointment with Our Missoula, Montana, Hand and Wrist Specialist
If you’re dealing with hand or wrist pain that’s affecting your daily routine, don’t wait to get the care you need. The dedicated team at Northern Rockies Orthopaedic in Missoula, Montana, provides comprehensive orthopedic care for a wide range of hand and wrist conditions, including sports injuries, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendon damage.
Whether you need nonsurgical treatment or advanced wrist or hand surgery, our board-certified physicians are here to help you relieve pain, restore mobility, and return to your active lifestyle. Contact NRO today at (406) 728-6101 or schedule your appointment online.
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