Dr. Smith is committed to providing ongoing communication to both patients and referring physicians. Before, during and after any orthopaedic surgery or treatment, patients and their families can expect concern and compassion, as well as education about their condition.
The links below are for informational purposes only, for patients and their families.
Tendon Disorders
deQuervain’s Tendinitis
deQuervain’s tendinitis is a condition brought on by irritation or swelling of the tendons found along the thumb side of the wrist. More on deQuervain’s Tendinitis or use the following link for information in Spanish.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis Elbow is an inflammation of the tendon fibers that attach the forearm extensor muscles to the outside of the elbow. Pain may be felt where these fibers attach to the bone on the outside of the elbow or along the muscles in the forearm. Pain is usually more noticeable during or after stressful use of the arm. To learn more on the condition, please visit our Tennis Elbow.
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger/thumb happens when the tendon develops a nodule (knot) or swelling of its lining. When the tendon swells, it must squeeze through the opening of the tunnel (flexor sheath) which causes pain, popping, or a catching feeling in the finger or thumb.
To learn more on the condition, please visit our Trigger Finger page or use the following link for information in Spanish.
Fractures and Sprains
Hand Fractures
A fracture occurs when force is applied to a bone that is enough to break it. When this happens, there is pain, swelling, and decreased use of the injured part. More on Hand Fractures
Ganglions and Other Hand Conditions
Ganglion Cyst
Ganglion cysts are very common masses (lumps) that sometimes grow in the hand and wrist. The cysts are generally found on the top of the wrist, on the palm side of the wrist, the end joint of a finger (mucous cysts), and at the base of a finger. They often resemble a water balloon on a stalk and filled with clear fluid or gel. To learn more on the condition, please visit our Ganglion Cyst.
Dupuytren’s Contracture Disease
Dupuytren’s contracture is an abnormal thickening of the fascia (the tissue between the skin and the tendons in the palm) that may limit movement of one or more fingers. In some patients, a cord forms beneath the skin that stretches from the palm into the fingers. The cord can cause the fingers to bend into the palm so they cannot be fully straightened. To find out more information through our site, visit our Dupuytren’s Disease page.
Arthritic Conditions
Hand Joint Arthritis
Difficulty in using the hand for daily activities (holding or gripping a cup, tool, or eating utensils, for example) is the most common complaint of patients with hand joint arthritis. To learn more on the condition, please visit our Hand Joint Arthritis page.
Arthritic Hand Conditions
Arthritis of the hand can be both painful and disabling. The most common forms of arthritis in the hand are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. For more information regarding this topic, please visit our Arthritic Hand Conditions page.
Basal Joint Arthritis/Thumb Arthritis
The first symptom of basal joint arthritis (thumb arthritis) is pain with activities that involve gripping an object with the thumb and fingers (pinching). Heavy use of the thumb may also cause pain in the basilar joint, as can changes in weather, such as a change in humidity or temperature. To find out more information through our site, visit our Basal Joint Arthritis page.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
In the early stages of the disease, joint problems are the most common symptoms. A general sense of being tired, or just not feeling quite right, often happens before the slow start of joint pain and swelling. Morning stiffness is a frequent complaint. For more information regarding this topic, please visit our Rheumatoid Arthritis page.
Nerve Conditions
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition brought on by increased pressure or a pinched nerve at the wrist. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, and pain in the arm, hand, and fingers. More on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or use the following link for information in Spanish.
Dr. Smith provides a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach for the evaluation, treatment and care of your specific orthopaedic condition.
Call Dr. Smith at 713-524-0580 or send him an email to schedule an appointment concerning Orthopaedic Conditions of the Hand, Wrist, Arm, Elbow and Shoulder.
