Hand & Wrist Specialist

A hand and wrist specialist is your go-to doctor for various hand and wrist conditions. We will discuss the conditions and treatments available at Brotzman Sports Medicine in Austin, Texas. As a trusted hand and wrist specialist, Dr. Brotzman is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective treatment options tailored to your concerns.

Whether you’re seeking relief for a wrist, hand, or elbow condition, Dr. Brotzman and our team are here to support you on your journey to improved function and well-being. Schedule your appointment today and discover the difference personalized care can make.

S. Brent Brotzman, MD

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialist located in Austin, TX

Related Services

Hand and Wrist Care

Hand and wrist specialists provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for a range of hand and wrist conditions. They are also known as hand and wrist surgeons or orthopedic surgeons specializing in the upper extremity.

Hand and wrist care is vital for maintaining optimal functionality and relieving discomfort associated with various hand and wrist conditions.

Whether it involves addressing nerve compression syndromes through hand surgery or wrist surgery, these specialists employ advanced techniques to alleviate pain and restore function. Collaborating closely with professionals in physical medicine, they ensure comprehensive care tailored to individual needs. By prioritizing hand and wrist care, patients can regain mobility and improve their quality of life.

Conditions We Treat

At Brotzman Sports Medicine, we treat the following hand and wrist conditions:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the hand and forearm, causing numbness, tingling, and pain. These symptoms occur when the median nerve becomes compressed as it travels through the wrist.

Carpal tunnel syndrome needs to be treated as it doesn’t usually improve on its own. It can lead to permanent dysfunction if left untreated.

De Quervain Syndrome

De Quervain’s syndrome is where the tendons along the thumb side of the wrist swell. It happens when the space in the tendon sheath narrows and constricts the tendons as they pass through the wrist to the hand.

Symptoms include pain and tenderness along the thumb side of the wrist. These symptoms are more noticeable when you move your thumb, make a fist, grasp or grip something, or turn the wrist.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is the common name for a condition called lateral epicondylitis. It is an overuse injury that could happen from playing racquet sports or other activities.

Tennis elbow affects the tendons that join the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. These tendons can become inflamed due to repetitive overuse.

Trigger Finger Syndrome

Trigger finger is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis. It is a condition that affects the tendons that flex your fingers and thumb. You may notice your fingers or thumb locking or catching as you bend and straighten them. You will likely feel pain or stiffness in your fingers and thumb as well.

Procedures We Perform

At Brotzman Sports Medicine, we provide the following procedures:

Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is usually recommended to prevent permanent damage to the nerves. Your surgeon will cut the ligament that forms the top part of the tunnel. This relieves pressure on the median nerve, improving pain and function.

De Quervain's Release

The goal of treatment for De Quervain’s syndrome is to reduce the swelling/irritation of the tendons and tendon sheath. This, in turn, reduces the pain caused by the condition.

Treatments that can relieve symptoms include:

  • A splint that stops you from moving your thumb and wrist.
  • A cortisone-type steroid injection into the tendon compartment.  
  • Surgery to open the tunnel and make more room for the tendons.
  • Tylenol or aspirin-type medications.

Tennis Elbow Treatment

Tennis elbow can usually be treated using non-surgical procedures. They may include the following:

  • Resting your arm
  • Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Physical therapy
  • Using brace
  • Steroid injections
  • Platelet-rich plasma therapy
 

When surgery is necessary, the surgeon will remove the damaged part of the muscle and reattach it back to the bone. The surgeon can do this using open or arthroscopic surgery according to your needs and condition.

Trigger Finger Surgery

You may be considered for surgery depending on how much pain and loss of function you are experiencing in your fingers or thumb. Your surgeon will release the A1 pulley, allowing movement for the flexor tendon through the tendon sheath.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Are you ready to take the first step towards improved hand and wrist health? Schedule your appointment today with Dr. Brotzman at Brotzman Sports Medicine in Austin, Texas. With our specialized care tailored to your individual needs, you can expect compassionate treatment options designed to enhance your function and well-being.

Don’t let hand and wrist conditions hold you back any longer. Experience the difference that personalized care can make. Contact us now to schedule your consultation!

TESTIMONIALS

Words from our patients