Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Surgical Procedure

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that causes weakness and pain in your wrist and hands. The disorder develops as a result of problems associated with the median nerve in your wrist. In most instances, carpal tunnel syndrome is treated with various nonsurgical solutions, such as splints and physical therapy. If the nonsurgical options are ineffective, your hand specialist may suggest minimally invasive endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery.

What Is Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery?

During endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery, your Atlanta hand surgeon will use a tiny, flexible tube with a high-resolution camera attached to it. The camera is called an endoscope. After making a small incision at the wrist and palm or in the wrist, the endoscope is inserted and guided in the opening. The endoscope allows your hand surgeon to examine all of the structures in your wrist without opening your entire wrist with a larger incision.

When performing endoscopic carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, there are two different methods your hand surgeon can use:

• The single-portal technique that requires a small incision in the wrist
• The two-portal technique requires the surgeon to make a small incision at the palm and wrist.

Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means you will return home the same day.

Why Is Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery Done?

If you are still having carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms after several months of nonsurgical treatment, your hand specialist may consider a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Patients with ongoing cases of carpal tunnel syndrome or those with more severe symptoms may also be candidates for endoscopic CTS surgery.

Anytime the patient has damage to the median nerve or they are at risk of damage, endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery would be preferred. Median nerve damage could be indicated by loss of finger and hand function or through test results.

What to Expect Following Surgery

With endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery, the recovery period is significantly faster than the standard carpal tunnel open surgery. Immediately after the procedure, most patients report that their numbness and pain has been alleviated. Other patients report relief a few months following the procedure. Patients should avoid any type of heavy use of their hands for the first few weeks after the surgery.

Contact Atlanta Hand Specialist for Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery

If you are considering undergoing endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery, it’s vital to choose a hand surgeon with extensive experience performing this procedure. At Atlanta Hand Specialist, our surgeons offer decades of experience and are highly specialized in all matters of the hand, wrist, elbow, and fingers.

We treat everything from carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and arthritis, to more complex disorders, such as nerve injuries and fractures. We offer comprehensive solutions and treatment plans for a variety of conditions.

Contact an Atlanta Hand Specialist office today to schedule an appointment.

Choosing a Minimally Invasive Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a painful condition caused by an increased amount of pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. If you have tried non-surgical treatments and your symptoms have not improved, you may be eligible for surgical treatment option.

In general, there are two different procedures used by physicians to remedy carpal tunnel syndrome: open carpal tunnel release and endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery. The complication rates and risks are exceptionally low with both procedures. However, the minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery offers several benefits over the traditional method.

Continue reading to learn why patients and Atlanta physicians are choosing the minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery as primary treatment for CTS.

Why is This Surgery Minimally Invasive?

Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery or endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery is a minimally invasive, but effective procedure designed to alleviate your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. During this procedure, the physician uses a thin, specialized device with an endoscope or tiny camera attached to the end of it.

In the single-portal technique, the endoscope is strategically guided through the small incision at the wrist. The device contains both the cutting tool and camera. Once the endoscopic tool is in place, the surgeon is able to clearly see all of the interior structures of the wrist, including the transverse carpal ligament.

The precision of the endoscope allows the hand surgeon to make the same movements as if he or she made the larger incision of an open carpal tunnel procedure.

What Happens During Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery?

Once the surgeon guides the tiny endoscope in place, they use the endoscopic cutting tool to sever the transverse carpal ligament. By cutting this ligament, pressure on the median nerve is relieved, which alleviates the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

After the procedure is complete, the physician closes the tiny incision in the palm with stitches. Eventually, the gap where the ligament was severed will close and fill with scar tissue without affecting the increased space of the carpal tunnel.

Is Carpal Tunnel Surgery an Inpatient or Outpatient Procedure?

The endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means you will go home on the same day. In comparison with a standard open carpal tunnel surgery, this procedure has a significantly shorter recovery period.

The short recovery time can be attributed to the fact that the procedure doesn’t disturb a larger surface area of the hand. While standard open carpal tunnel surgeries require a large opening in the palm of your hand, endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery involves a tiny incision.

What Happens After Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery?

Most patients experience instant relief from numbness and pain after the procedure. Over the following months, your condition should continue to improve. During the first four or five days following your surgical procedure, it’s imperative to keep the dressing and incision as dry as possible.

You should also practice routine bathing and handwashing practices to keep the cut as clean and bacteria-free as possible. Most importantly, you should follow your hand surgeon’s specific instructions.

Contact Atlanta Hand Specialist for Minimally Invasive Procedures

At Atlanta Hand Specialist, we utilize state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical procedures for a long list of ailments affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and fingers. We offer six convenient locations in:

• Smyrna, Georgia
• Marietta, Georgia
• Canton, Georgia
• East Cobb, Georgia
• Douglasville, Georgia
• Lawrenceville, Georgia

Call 770-333-7888 to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online through our patient portal.

Wedding Ring Safety Tips for the Hand

Although you vowed “till death do us part” at the altar, it doesn’t mean you are required by law or moral code to wear your wedding every waking hour. In reality, there are several times when it’s more important to your hand and finger health to take it off. Stay safe and use the following wedding ring safety tips to protect your ring and hand.

Be Careful When Working Around Machinery – Ring Avulsion

If you work around or with heavy machinery, it’s important to stay alert and carefully consider removing your wedding ring to prevent ring avulsion injuries. Ring avulsion injuries are explained as a sudden pull on a ring that results in a mild to severe soft tissue injury.

These injuries can range from simple lacerations to complete amputations. Since your hands are more than likely directly related to your ability to earn a living, it’s best to remove your wedding ring anytime you are working around heavy machinery or moving parts.

Choosing the Right Ring Size

The majority of people are exceptionally reluctant to remove their wedding bands. Most people wear them through exercise, winters, summers, and pregnancies – all times when your fingers contract and swell due to cold, heat, weight gain, and water retention. If this explains your ring wearing habits, it becomes increasingly important to choose the right size.

In order to find the right size that will best weather life’s changes, do your final fitting when your body temperature is normal and you are relaxed. Avoid finalizing your ring size in the early morning because people typically retain salt from the previous night. You should also avoid having your hand sized after you have exercised because your fingers will swell.

Choose the Right Metal for Your Occupation

If you sit at a desk all day, virtually any ring may be suitable for your occupation. However, certain professions are better suited for specific metals. For instance, if you or your spouse is a mechanic, it may be best to avoid the harder metals, such as platinum.

In the event of an accident and the ring has to be cut off, a platinum ring would be infinitely more difficult to remove in comparison to a silicon ring. If a hospital or medical office does not have the proper equipment to remove the extra-strength wedding band, the finger may have to be amputated. In the end, it’s imperative to choose a wedding ring that matches your lifestyle and is safe for your occupation.

Contact Atlanta Hand Specialist to Learn More

While Injuries to your finger while wearing a wedding ring are rare, they can have major consequences. In most instances, these injuries are directly related to your occupation and are preventable. However, the experts at Atlanta Hand Specialist offer decades of experience helping patients recover from a variety of hand-ring related injuries. We specialize in treating all matters affecting the hand and upper extremities.

Contact Atlanta Hand Specialist today to schedule your appointment at one of our convenient locations.

Treating Dog Bite Wounds of the Hand

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year. Even though they are common, dog bite wounds of the hand can result in serious infections, pain, and a long list of other problems.

Your hands are comprised of several ligaments, muscles, small bones, and tendons that make them susceptible to a wide range of injuries. If your hands are not able to function properly, it can affect your ability to work and enjoy day-to-day activities.

The expert hand surgeons at Atlanta Hand Specialist offer comprehensive treatment plans for dog bite wounds of the hand. Continue reading to learn what to do after suffering a dog bite wound of the hand.

First Aid Treatment for a Minor Dog Bite Wound

If the dog bite results in minor bleeding, your skin may be barely broken. In this case, the chances of infection are minimal. Even so, it’s important to use the following steps to expedite your recovery.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water before you treat the wound and after.
2. Sanitize the area around the dog bite with mild soap and running water. Afterwards, pat dry. This will reduce the risk of infection.
3. Once you dry your skin, apply antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin, and cover the wound with sterile dressing or a clean bandage.
4. Reduce the likelihood of swelling by applying a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Schedule an appointment with Atlanta Hand Specialist to ensure none of the underlying structures of your hand were damaged.

First Aid Procedures for Deep Dog Bites

If the dog bite results in a deeply punctured or torn wound, the situation may be more urgent.

1. Immediately wash your hands with water and soap before and after touching or treating the wound.
2. Carefully inspect the wound and use water to remove any loose debris or dirt.
3. Use a sterile bandage, towel, or clean cloth to directly apply pressure to the injury to stop the bleeding. As you apply pressure, it’s best to elevate the impacted area.
4. If you are unable to stop the bleeding, you should call 911 immediately or go to the emergency room.
5. Once the wound has been contained, call Atlanta Hand Specialist to schedule an appointment.

Why Should I See a Hand Specialist After a Dog Bite Wound?

Dog bites that break the skin may introduce an array of viral or bacterial deep-tissue infections. With any type of hand infection, it’s important to treat the wound early with aggressive measures. Failure to do so can result in complications even after the infection has cleared, such as:

• Stiffness
• Destruction of tissue
• Loss of bone
• Loss of nerve
• Reduction in hand strength

At Atlanta Hand Specialist, we take dog bites very seriously. We use advanced imaging technology to determine whether the bite has damaged any joints or bones in your hand. We also use this technology to learn if any tooth fragments are left in your hand. If an infected dog bite wound goes untreated for too long, an x-ray will reveal evidence of bone infection or osteomyelitis.

Contact Atlanta Hand Specialist Today

If you have been bitten by a dog, it’s important to care for your hand as quickly as possible. Even though you may be able to treat the superficial wound at home, it’s imperative to contact the dog bite wound experts at Atlanta Hand Specialist.

Our fellowship-trained, highly specialized hand surgeons will manage, diagnose, and treat virtually all problems associated with the hand, wrist, elbow, and finger. We provide innovative solutions for tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and several other complex disorders, such as nerve injuries and fractures.

Contact Atlanta Hand Specialist today for expert treatment solutions for dog bite wounds of the hand.

Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) of the Wrist

Repetitive strain injuries, or repetitive stress injuries, are common injuries among many people. Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) can cause sufferers continuous pain and inconvenience, disturbing their daily lives. RSIs are among the most common sports injuries doctors diagnose.

Fortunately, RSIs are preventable, and if you are aware of the ways in which RSIs appear they can be easily avoided. The doctors of Atlanta Hand Specialist have decades of experience treating patients who have sustained an RSI, and are experts in managing the symptoms and inconvenience of constant pain. Our physicians will develop a plan to heal your wrist and hand so you may return to your normal daily activities.

Types of Repetitive Strain Injuries

There are two types of RSIs that can be sustained. Type 1 RSI has easily recognizable and diagnosable symptoms, such as swelling or inflammation of the muscles and tendons. Type 1 RSIs can usually lead to a medical diagnosis, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or Tenosynovitis.

Type 2 RSIs are usually present without any outward physical symptoms, but accompany general feelings of pain and discomfort. Type 2 RSIs are occasionally classified as non-specific pain syndromes and are much more difficult to diagnose.

Symptoms of Repetitive Strain Injuries

Along with the usual symptoms of pain and swelling, RSIs may also worsen over time and symptoms may gradually become more noticeable. Additional symptoms include:

• Dull, non-specific pain in the wrist
• Numbness in the hand
• Tingling in the hand and fingers
• Tightness, or the inability to bend the wrist

Causes of Repetitive Strain Injuries

Many factors may lead to the diagnosis and onset of a repetitive strain injury. The common thread through most cases is overuse of a specific group of muscles and tendons, generally in a work environment. Some examples of general activities and behaviors that can cause an RSI include:

• Repetitive movements, such as those that come from writing, typing, or working on an assembly line
• Vibrating equipment
• Working in a cold environment
• Poor posture or a non-ergonomically designed workspace
• Forceful activities
• Holding the same posture for prolonged periods of time
• Direct pressure to particular areas
• Carrying heavy loads

If you are experiencing symptoms related to an RSI of the wrist, our doctors can help! Receive treatment for your pain and discomfort before symptoms worsen, contact our office today.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Specialists

Atlanta Hand Specialist is Atlanta’s leading RSI treatment center. To schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, fill out our online form or contact our office at (770) 333-7888. We have six convenient locations in Smyrna, Marietta, Canton, East Cobb, and Douglasville.

Kitchen Knife Injuries

Every chef knows the secret to a successful dish is the knife behind the cooking. While having a sharp blade is important for culinary success, it can also lead to very severe injuries. Whether or not you are an expert in the kitchen, knife injuries can leave cooks with debilitating conditions like severed nerves or large lacerations.

The experienced doctors at Atlanta Hand Specialist have decades of experience treating hand and finger injuries caused by kitchen knives. Our specialists understand the severity of knife injuries and are dedicated to getting you back in the kitchen!

Preventing Knife Injuries

As stated above, a sharp knife is better for kitchen use than a dull one, but can also lead to quick, effortless injuries. Sharp knives are also made to grab the surface of whatever it is cutting. Preventing injuries through safety precautions is the best way to avoid injuring yourself.

To prevent knife injuries, follow these tips from Atlanta Hand Specialist:

• Cut rounded items in half, to provide a flat surface to cut on.
• Hold your item with the finger pointed down and tucked in, using the knuckles to guide the knife.
• Use a proper cutting surface; plates, stove tops, and tile can cause food items to slip, use a wooden or plastic cutting board instead.
• Choose the proper blade for the job.
• Never reach for a blade that is falling, your hand eye coordination cannot keep up with the handle.

Treating a Knife Injury

If you have been injured by a knife, stay calm. Most knife cuts are easily treated. Clean your cut with soap and water to prevent infection. Ensure that the bleeding is only oozing, and not gushing or squirting out. Try to stop the bleeding by applying pressure in a wrapped rag. Once bleeding as slowed or stopped, cover with a bandage or sealant made for wounds.

If the wound is bleeding heavily and fast, call 911 immediately. If a piece of your digits has been removed, save it in a large bag of ice before paramedics arrive and keep pressure on the opened end.

Contact the offices of Atlanta Hand Specialist to receive expert care for serious injuries. Our doctors are specialists in treating damaged fingers and hands. Don’t let one accident leave you with a debilitating condition.

Contact Us

Atlanta Hand Specialist offer patients treatment for serious kitchen knife injuries. If you have suffered nerve damage or devastating lacerations, we can help.

Schedule an appointment today with one of our physicians, fill out our online form or contact our office at (770) 333-7888. We have six convenient locations in Smyrna, Marietta, Canton, East Cobb, and Douglasville.

Four Ways to Relieve Arthritis Pain

Arthritis sufferers live their day-to-day lives in constant pain. Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis and it is a debilitative disease, getting more painful the longer someone lives through the disease.

The physicians at Atlanta Hand Specialist we work tirelessly to relieve our patients who are suffering from any form of arthritis. Our dedicated team of doctors and nurses are here to alleviate your pain and get you back to living the life you love.

There are four ways you can alleviate your pain from arthritis without medication or surgery. By utilizing these strategies for yourself, you can delay or avoid a prolonged period of discomfort, improve mobility, or delay the onset of the disease. Improve your quality of life with these four at-home remedies.

Hot and Cold Therapy

It appears some of the oldest treatments are the best. Research has shown that a warm water (not hot) bath or shower has the ability to ease stiffness and keep joints loose.

Warm water can reduce the effects of gravity compressing on the joint, provide 360 degrees of support for sore limbs, decrease swelling and inflammation, and increase circulation.

Lose Weight

Being overweight can increase complications brought on by arthritis and contribute to overall pain. An excess of weight can increase pressure on your joints and increase wear and tear on ligaments. By losing weight, you can improve mobility, decrease pain, and prevent further injury to your joints.

Exercise

Exercising can be a great way to increase mobility, lose weight, and increase blood flow to the joints and limbs. It is important to remember that when exercising, you should avoid activities that will exacerbate your arthritic condition.

Weight-bearing exercises such as running or jogging may increase pain and pressure on your joints, but low impact workouts such as swimming, cycling, or even light walking can improve your daily life.

Herbal Remedies

Supplements and herbs can improve the quality of life of any arthritis sufferer. Please note that while the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t approve supplements for use of pain relief, many of these herbs and supplements are undergoing rigorous clinical trials now to ascertain their suitability.

Some of the herbs and supplements to consider adding to your diet are Black Currant Oil, Borage Oil, Boswellia, Capsaicin, Cat’s Claw, Devil’s Claw, Evening Primrose, Fish Oil, Flaxseed, Ginkgo, Ginger, Glucosamine, Melatonin, Pine Bark, Rose Hips, St. John’s Wort, Stinging Nettle, Turmeric, and Valerian.

Many of these herbal supplements are available over-the-counter in pill form, but also can be made into teas and added to food as spice. Consult your doctor before beginning an herbal or supplemental course on your own.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Specialists

Atlanta Hand Specialist are the arthritis experts.  If you are experiencing pain related to an arthritic condition in your hands, wrists, fingers, or joints, don’t hesitate to call our expert physicians today.

To schedule an appointment, fill out our online form or contact our office at (770) 333-7888. We have six convenient locations in Smyrna, Marietta, Canton, East Cobb, and Douglasville.

Conditions That Cause Tingling in Hands

Tingling is often associated with numbness or a “pins and needles” feeling, and can occur in any of the extremities but is frequently felt in the fingers and hands. Tingling in the hands occurs in people all the time, but frequent occurrences could mean there is an underlying condition.

A variety of things can cause tingling, even medications or insect bites. Most tingling occurs due to a pinched nerve, which may be resultant from a number of conditions. While most disorders can be treated and are minor, other serious conditions should be recognized and treated immediately.

Common Conditions

Most of the time patients should not be alarmed if they are experiencing a prickling sensation. Tingling often subsides quickly or with medication when associated with common conditions; while pain ranges from mild to severe, common conditions are not typically life threatening.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that is caused by compression of the median nerve. This is caused by repetitive motion with the hands, like typing. Tingling often occurs in the thumb, index and middle fingers. Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome includes taking anti-inflammatory medication, icing and wrapping the wrist in a splint at home, or surgery in some severe cases.

Bone spurs develop around the joints. They often are associated with additional symptoms including muscle spasms, loss of coordination, numbness, and dull pain in the neck or back. Bone spurs often result from arthritis, worsening with age. Cortisone shots can be prescribed for joint swelling, and muscle relaxants or pain medications may help with discomfort. Serious cases may require surgical removal to decompress nerves.

The B vitamins help your brain and nerve cells develop and work properly, thus vitamin B12 directly correlates with neurological issues like numb or tingling in fingers. Other symptoms include nervousness, loss of appetite, poor digestion, and nausea. To obtain more vitamin B12, individuals can receive shots and take supplements.

Serious Conditions

Sometimes symptoms are early signs of a more severe issue that may be developing. Tingling hands and fingers that do not feel better after a short period could be a sign of multiple sclerosis (MS). Tingling is often the first indicator that people have checked before they are diagnosed. MS is a progressive disease that attacks the protective cells surrounding nerves, which leads to impaired vision, muscle control, and balance. There is not a cure for MS, but certain medications can control symptoms and slow development.

People inflicted with diabetes often have some form of neuropathy, or nerve disorder, caused by a variety of factors including: high glucose levels, inflammation, and mechanical injuries. Damage is already done by the time some symptoms are noticed; and aside from tingling, other signs include burning sensations and pain. There is not a cure for diabetic neuropathy and nerve damage cannot be undone, but there is relief for pain and preventative measures can be taken reduce the risk of this disease.

Persistent tingling can also be a sign of an oncoming stroke or other serious medical condition. If this sensation lasts more than a few minutes and does not fade with stretches or movement, contact a medical professional immediately.

Contact Atlanta Hand Specialist

Atlanta Hand Specialist is North Georgia’s leading medical center for hand and upper extremity conditions. Contact our specialists today at (770) 333-7888, or book an appointment online.

Our physicians and staff will provide expert, friendly service at all of our locations surrounding the Atlanta area.

Four Ways to Avoid Hand Injuries in the Garden

Now that the gardening season has arrived, people everywhere are eager to get out into their yards. Harvesting vegetables and pruning rose bushes may not be as easy as you’d like if you suffer from hand pain, though. Additionally, there are some commonly overlooked practices that may further hand soreness or injuries.

Get gardening today with help from Atlanta Hand Specialist! Use these easy practices to reduce inflammation, promote circulation, and prevent blistering.

Use Garden Tools Correctly

Garden tools often have grips on them, guiding gardeners to properly hold them; sometimes these grips do not fit certain hands which can lead to further discomfort. Make sure grips are cushioned and fit the hands appropriately. Keep wrists straight and unbending when using tools. Repetitive wrist bending can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome and strain on the tendons in the fingers.

If handheld tools continue to cause pain or discomfort, automatic or power equipment is available. These tools are great for pruning, trimming, or shearing.

Switch Hands

Switching hands while working in the garden will prevent repetitive motion and balance out muscle use. Try to switch activities every 30 minutes to an hour, but begin with those that are easiest on the hands. Garden tasks will seem less mundane and hands will be relieved from new motions.

Wear Gloves

When doing any form of yard work, remember to wear gloves to protect your hands. Gardening gloves are specifically made for using tools with them, containing padding in all the right areas. They will help prevent blisters and cuts, but also prevent dirt and other germs from the ground from getting on the hands.

Stretch

Complete stretches and wrist exercises before beginning your gardening. Flexing the thumb, rotating the wrists slowly, and finger extensions are just a few of the great exercises that can help before and after garden work.

Contact Atlanta Hand Specialist

Atlanta Hand Specialist is Atlanta’s premier medical center for hand conditions. Our physicians diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic conditions. If you are suffering from pain in your fingers, hands, wrists, or joints, contact one of our locations today.

Make an appointment online or call (770) 333-7888. We are open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

How to Care for a Casted Hand

If you have recently had your hand casted, you have probably broken or fractured a bone. Casts function to stabilize the damaged area and avoid repeat injuries. They are usually made out of fiberglass or plaster and should be worn for up to eight weeks.

During their use they must be taken care of to ensure proper healing and avoid further complications. Wearing a cast for a prolonged period of time can lead to irritation and itching, but there are basic preventative measures you can take to protect your cast and hand.

Keeping Clean

The most important factor in preventing infections and irritation is to keep your cast clean and dry. When showering or near any water, cover your cast with plastic to keep water from getting under the shell. Avoid sand, dirt, and other small particles as well.

Collection of moisture can lead to itching of the skin. If showering is not an option, a sponge bath will be necessary—keep all other uncovered skin clean.

If your cast gets dirty, the outside can be cleaned with a lightly dampened cloth. It is essential that you make sure the cast is completely dry afterward.

How to Handle Side Effects of a Cast

Swelling is normal after any injury and usually lasts for around two days. To reduce swelling, elevate your hand by propping on a pillow or comfortable surface. Applying ice that is wrapped in a towel to the outside of the cast for 15 minutes every hour will also help.

To relieve itching, blow a hair dryer down into the cast. Make sure the hair dryer is set on the cool air option. Over-the-counter antihistamines may also provide relief, but check with your doctor before combining any medication. As tempting as it is, never stick objects into the cast to scratch a certain spot. This may lead to infection or worsened irritation.

If the cast continues to itch, try applying special medical anti-itch spray that your doctor can prescribe; or carefully apply a small amount of alcohol around the rim of the cast’s edges. This will not only relieve itching, it will sanitize the area. Remember to slightly wiggle or move unharmed fingers whenever possible to encourage blood flow and healing.

When to See Your Doctor

While itching, swelling, and some mild irritation is common, other symptoms are not. See your doctor immediately if you experience severe pain, numbness or discoloration in the extremities, or have a damaged cast. Casts should be repaired immediately to avoid moisture saturation and promote proper healing.

Contact Atlanta Hand Specialist

Atlanta Hand Specialist has several locations surrounding the Atlanta area including, Smyrna, Marietta, Canton, East Cobb, Douglasville, and Lawrenceville. Our physicians treat a variety of conditions in the hands, fingers, wrists, elbows, and more.

To learn more about our services, view our patient information online or call (770) 333-7888.