Willowbrook Orthopedic Surgery: What Your Hand, Wrist, Elbow, or Shoulder Symptoms Might Mean
Orthopedic problems in the arm don’t always come with a clear name. Most people simply notice that something is wrong: an ache that won’t go away, fingers that tingle at night, a joint that feels stiff, or sudden pain after a fall. Understanding what those symptoms may mean can help you decide when to see a specialist and what kind of care to expect.
Learn about the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder conditions Dr. David R. Sollaccio treats by the symptoms they most often cause, along with the treatment options available for each. It’s written for Willowbrook residents looking for an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the hand and upper extremity.
Upper Extremity Care in Willowbrook, Texas
From the shopping and dining corridors around Willowbrook Mall to the neighborhoods along State Highway 249 and FM 1960, Willowbrook is home to commuters, families, and active residents who depend on their hands and arms every day.
Dr. Sollaccio practices with Fondren Orthopedic Group and sees patients at offices a short drive from Willowbrook. When you call, the scheduling team can help you find the most convenient location and appointment time. He trained at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, the University of Florida College of Medicine, and the USC Keck School of Medicine, and he brings advanced skills in ligament repair, arthritis management, and fracture treatment.
Aching Pain That Builds With Activity
Pain that gradually worsens with use, often from repeating the same motions, usually points to irritated tendons or the cushioning bursae around a joint.
Tendinitis. Inflamed tendons in the wrist, elbow, or shoulder cause aching that flares with gripping, lifting, or reaching. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, for example, causes pain along the thumb side of the wrist.
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. Strain on the tendons that attach at the outside or inside of the elbow causes pain when gripping, shaking hands, or carrying objects. Despite the names, these conditions often affect people who never play either sport.
Rotator cuff tendinitis, impingement, and bursitis. Irritated shoulder tendons and bursae cause pain when lifting the arm overhead and aching at night. Bursitis can also cause swelling at the tip of the elbow.
Treatment usually starts with rest, bracing, therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and injections. For stubborn cases, tennis elbow surgery or shoulder decompression surgery can relieve pain and restore function.
Numbness, Tingling & Weakness
When fingers tingle, fall asleep, or feel clumsy, a nerve is often being compressed or injured somewhere along the arm.
Carpal tunnel syndrome. Pressure on the median nerve at the wrist causes numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers, frequently waking people at night or flaring while driving or holding a phone.
Cubital tunnel syndrome. Pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow causes numbness in the ring and small fingers, often worse when the elbow stays bent for long periods.
Nerve injuries. Cuts, fractures, and crush injuries can damage nerves in the hand and arm, causing numbness or weakness beyond the injured area.
Treatment for mild nerve compression may include splints, activity changes, and therapy. When symptoms persist or weakness develops, carpal tunnel release or cubital tunnel release can relieve pressure on the nerve. Because long-standing compression can cause permanent damage, numbness that doesn’t go away deserves prompt attention.
Stiffness, Catching & Joints That Won’t Move Right
Arthritis. Wear-and-tear, inflammatory, and post-injury arthritis cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and grinding. It often affects the base of the thumb and the finger joints, as well as the elbow and shoulder. Splints, therapy, and injections can ease symptoms, and surgical options include hand arthritis surgery, basilar thumb joint surgery, elbow arthritis surgery, elbow joint replacement, shoulder arthritis surgery, and shoulder joint replacement.
Trigger finger. A finger or thumb that catches, clicks, or locks when you bend it is a classic sign of trigger finger. A splint or injection often helps, and trigger finger release can restore smooth motion.
Dupuytren’s contracture. Firm cords in the palm can slowly pull one or more fingers into a bent position, making it hard to lay your hand flat. Dupuytren surgery can release the cords and help the fingers straighten.
Sudden Injuries That May Require Professional Treatment
Falls, sports, and accidents can cause injuries that need prompt evaluation.
Fractures. Broken bones in the hand, wrist, or elbow often cause sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and visible deformity. Many heal in a cast or splint, while displaced or unstable breaks may need wrist fracture surgery or elbow fracture surgery.
Tendon tears. Cut or torn finger tendons, biceps tendon tears at the elbow, and rotator cuff tears can cause sudden weakness or loss of motion. Finger tendon repair, biceps tendon repair, and rotator cuff repair are often most effective when performed soon after the injury.
Sprains and ligament injuries. Falls and throwing injuries can damage the ligaments of the wrist and elbow. More severe elbow injuries may require elbow ligament repair.
Seek prompt care for a suspected fracture or dislocation, a finger you can’t bend or straighten, a pop followed by weakness, or numbness after an injury. Fondren Orthopedic Group offers same-day and urgent-care visits for acute injuries. Go to the emergency room or call 911 for heavy bleeding, a bone through the skin, or fingers that are pale, blue, or cold.
Personalized Care From a Willowbrook Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. Sollaccio offers a full range of treatment options, from nonsurgical therapies to advanced procedures, and builds each plan around your condition, goals, and lifestyle. He takes the time to explain your diagnosis and every option so you can make confident decisions about your care.
If pain, numbness, stiffness, or an injury is affecting your hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder, our Willowbrook orthopedic surgeon can help. Contact us via phone or book an appointment online to start the path to pain-free days!
