With years of experience as a highly-rated League City orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Sollaccio is dedicated to providing personalized, expert care for every patient.
Trained at UM Miller School of Medicine, UF College of Medicine, and USC Keck School of Medicine, he brings advanced skills in ligament repair, arthritis management, fracture treatment, and other areas of hand and upper extremity care.
He prioritizes patient education and tailored treatment plans to restore movement and comfort. Now practicing at Fondren Orthopedic Group, Dr. Sollaccio is passionate about helping patients return to the activities they love.
Your hands and wrists are essential for everything you do. If pain or injury is limiting your movement, we’re here to help with effective treatments to restore function.
Elbow pain can make even simple tasks feel impossible. Whether from injury, arthritis, or overuse, we offer personalized care to ease discomfort and help you regain strength.
When shoulder pain keeps you from lifting, reaching, or doing what you love, we’re here to help. Our expert treatments focus on relief, healing, and getting you back in motion.
League City Orthopedic Surgeon Guide: Nonsurgical Treatment for Hand, Wrist, Elbow, and Shoulder Pain
· @Brandcoders
Many people put off seeing an orthopedic surgeon because they assume the visit will end with a recommendation for surgery. In reality, a large share of hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder conditions can be treated effectively without an operation, especially when they’re addressed early.
This guide explains the most common nonsurgical treatments, which conditions they tend to help, and the signs that surgery may be the better path. It’s written for League City residents looking for an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the hand and upper extremity: Dr. David R. Sollaccio, who believes in starting with the least invasive treatment that can get you back to your life.
Orthopedic Care for League City
From boating and fishing on Galveston Bay to youth sports, golf, and busy family schedules, League City residents rely on their hands and arms every day. Dr. Sollaccio practices with Fondren Orthopedic Group and sees patients at offices a short drive from League City. When you call, the scheduling team can help you find the most convenient location and appointment time.
Dr. Sollaccio trained at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, the University of Florida College of Medicine, and the USC Keck School of Medicine. He focuses on the hand and upper extremity and emphasizes patient education, so you understand your diagnosis and every option, surgical and nonsurgical, before deciding on a plan.
Splints, Braces, and Activity Changes
Sometimes the most effective treatment is giving an irritated tendon, nerve, or joint the support and rest it needs to calm down.
Splints. A splint holds the hand, wrist, or finger in a position that reduces strain. Night splints that keep the wrist straight are a common first step for carpal tunnel syndrome, while thumb splints can ease pain from basal thumb arthritis and De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Finger splints are used for trigger finger, mallet finger, and some minor fractures.
Braces and straps. A forearm strap can reduce stress on the tendons involved in tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, and elbow pads or night braces can help cubital tunnel syndrome by keeping the elbow from bending too far.
Activity changes. Small adjustments can make a big difference: changing how you grip tools or rackets, using larger handles, taking breaks during repetitive tasks, adjusting your workstation, and temporarily avoiding the motions that trigger pain. These changes give tissues time to heal and help prevent flare-ups.
Hand and Physical Therapy
Therapy is one of the most powerful nonsurgical tools for the upper extremity. Certified hand therapists and physical therapists design programs tailored to your condition and goals, which may include:
Stretching and range-of-motion exercises to reduce stiffness in the fingers, wrist, elbow, or shoulder
Strengthening exercises to support joints and tendons, often focusing on the forearm and rotator cuff
Tendon and nerve gliding exercises that help structures move smoothly and can ease symptoms of nerve compression
Custom-made splints molded to fit your hand precisely
Education on joint protection and safer ways to perform everyday tasks, sports, and hobbies
Therapy can relieve symptoms of tendinitis, tennis elbow, rotator cuff problems, arthritis, and early nerve compression. It also plays a key role in recovery after injuries and surgery. Consistency matters: doing your home exercises as prescribed often makes the difference between slow progress and lasting improvement.
Medications and Injections
Anti-inflammatory medications. Over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications, taken by mouth or applied to the skin as a gel, can ease pain and swelling from tendinitis, arthritis, and minor injuries. Because these medications can affect the stomach, kidneys, heart, and blood pressure, talk with your doctor about whether they’re safe for you and how long to use them.
Corticosteroid injections. A steroid injection delivers a strong anti-inflammatory medication directly to the problem area. Injections are commonly used for trigger finger, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, thumb arthritis, and certain shoulder conditions. For some patients, especially those with trigger finger, a single injection can provide lasting relief. For others, the benefit is temporary but can buy valuable time or help confirm the diagnosis.
Injections aren’t right for every situation. Repeated injections in the same area are usually limited, and they can temporarily raise blood sugar in people with diabetes. Dr. Sollaccio will discuss whether an injection makes sense for your condition and how it fits into your overall plan.
When Nonsurgical Care Isn’t Enough
Nonsurgical treatment works well for many conditions, but it isn’t always the best choice. Waiting too long in some situations can lead to permanent damage. Surgery may be the better option when:
Symptoms persist despite several weeks or months of consistent conservative treatment
A nerve shows signs of damage, such as constant numbness or muscle wasting at the base of the thumb or between the fingers
A tendon or ligament is cut or torn, since these injuries usually can’t heal properly on their own
A fracture is displaced or unstable, or extends into a joint
A finger stays locked or can’t fully straighten
Arthritis pain significantly limits daily activities despite other treatments
Many hand and wrist procedures, such as carpal tunnel release and trigger finger release, are performed on an outpatient basis, and Dr. Sollaccio explains the expected recovery, benefits, and risks before you decide. The goal is always the same: the treatment that gives you the best chance of returning to the activities that matter to you.
Schedule a Visit With a League City Orthopedic Surgeon
If pain, stiffness, numbness, or an injury is affecting your hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder, our League City orthopedic surgeon can help you explore every option, starting with the least invasive treatments that make sense for your condition. You can book an appointment by calling our office or using our online scheduling system.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have clinics in Clear Lake (520 Blossom St., Webster, TX 77598), Memorial (8731 Katy Freeway, Suite 420, Houston, TX 77024), Baytown North (2635 W. Baker Rd., Baytown TX 77521), and Fondren Main (7401 Main St. Houston, TX 77030). You can visit locations for more details, including office hours and contact information.
I treat all conditions of the hand and upper extremities, which include the shoulder to the fingertips. For more detailed information on common conditions, please visit www.davidsollacciomd.com/conditions-injuries.
You should bring a driver’s license or valid ID, insurance information, a list of medications you take, and any reports, X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, or other relevant studies. If this is a first visit, you may print and fill out the general health questionnaire and the hand questionnaire ahead of time. Lastly, if you have a referral letter from another physician, you should bring this with you as well.
Please call the office during business hours and give at least one day’s notice so that we can offer your appointment time to patients on our waiting list. The phone numbers to our offices are located here.
I accept most insurance providers, and a list of them is available in our in our resources. If your insurance provider is not listed, please contact our office.
Find an Office Near You
Finding the right care should be easy and stress-free. We’re here to connect you with specialized orthopaedic treatment at a location that works best for you.
Hear from real patients about their experiences with Dr. Sollaccio’s expert care and personalized treatment.
I recently had a very serious incident that shattered my right arm, and wrist (and other issues) which desperately needed surgery. I was referred to Dr. Sollaccio who saw me the same day and performed the surgery the following day! He did an awesome job as indicated by the fact that I am typing this message easily and pain free. And great bedside manor, very patient, I never felt rushed. It also didn’t hurt that when other doctors and nurses asked who did my surgery and I told them, it was almost a unanimous response, ‘Ohhh you got lucky, he’s good!’ Highly recommended.
T.L.
Dr. Sollaccio is incredible. When I got to him my injury was two days old, infection was setting in and acute compartment syndrome. Dr. S took one look, scheduled surgery for the same night and by the time I woke up from surgery all of my excruciating pain was gone. His energy is calming and comforting, he is patient and takes the time to explain details and answer all questions. He’s such a caring Dr and truly wants the best for his patients. Thank you Dr. Sollaccio for everything you’ve done for me!
E.M.
Dr. Sollaccio was great, he made a point of explaining things in a way that I was sure to understand, he never seemed to be in a rush, I really appreciated the way that he took the time and made sure that he answered all of my questions and concerns. Great guy, I would definitely recommend him.
T.M.
Dr. Sollaccio has provided me with excellent care and follow-up from my surgery. By the way, you can barely see the sutures and it has only been 6 weeks post operation – it is as though a plastic surgeon did the surgery. Also, the surgery is very successful
G.B.
Thank you so much for the great job you did. It is amazing to be pain free, just like when I was young! You are very talented and professional. You made a 60 year old man feel strong again as if he’s 20 years old again. Your staff were amazing and kind. Thank you all.
J.C.
Very happy with the kind and efficient care provided by Dr Sollaccio as follow up to a bad fall that injured both of my wrists and hands. He is an exceptionally highly trained and qualified hand surgeon.
L.L.
Dr. Sollaccio was very patient, he listened to all of my concerns and explained everything with details. He was very easy to talk to and answered all of my questions. He is truly an amazing doctor.
S.R.
Dr. Sollaccio was professional, kind, and very patient during my visit. He answered all my questions, making me feel at ease.
S.O.
Very professional, very thorough and considerate. He listened, and answered all of my questions and concerns.
R.K.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Get expert care for your hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder condition. Schedule an appointment today and start your journey to recovery.
