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Videos

Videos of Florida Hand Center in Fort Myers, FL and Port Charlotte, FL

Watch these videos of our clinic, services and more. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online.

In an effort to make our patients more comfortable with potential hand treatments, Florida Hand Center staff has spent some time creating surgery videos and testimonials from actual patients.

We are now making those surgery videos and the ones showing hand treatments available to everyone as part of our new video page.

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release, Dupuytren’s Contracture Surgery, and Trigger Finger release surgery are only a few of the surgery videos you’ll find on this page.

There will also be educational videos about different afflictions such as cubital tunnel syndrome and basilar joint arthritis.

And you will be able to hear testimonials from patients who have undergone various hand treatments at Florida Hand Center.

Florida Hand Center (formerly Southwest Florida Hand Specialists) is an advanced medical facility focused on providing cost-effective, efficient and minimally invasive treatments of hand and arm conditions. Our goal is to provide our patients with the pain-free use and function of their hands and arms, so they can get back to the activities they love.

Hopefully these videos will give prospective patients some peace of mind and the knowledge that is needed to determine if a consult with a hand doctor is needed and if hand treatments should be considered.


Basilar Joint Arthritis

What is basilar joint arthritis and how can Florida Hand Center treat it?

Many people are wondering, what is basilar joint arthritis?, which is why the Florida Hand Center produced this video.

The thumb basilar joint is located at the base of the thumb where it attaches to the wrist, and is the most mobile joint in the hand. For those wondering what is basilar joint arthritis?, it’s a form of arthritis that affects the thumb and in severe cases can require joint replacement surgery (carpo metacarpal joint arthroplasty). Like other joints, it is normally covered with cartilage, a smooth coating which allows painless and smooth movement. Joint arthritis occurs when these smooth surfaces wear out. The initial symptom is a toothache-like pain in the wrist or thumb with activities that involve gripping, pinching, or twisting. Some patients notice pain with weather changes. Weakness and decreased flexibility occur as the arthritis progresses. Basilar joint arthritis can affect both thumbs.

Basilar joint arthritis is a result of thinning of the cartilage between the thumb and the wrist. The joint then becomes inflamed leading to pain and swelling. It is seen with all forms of arthritis including rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout. It can occur after fractures or injuries to the thumb although most cases have no clear causes. Like other forms of arthritis, it is more common in women than men.

The diagnosis is made by a hand specialist the patient’s history of an ache or soreness in the thumb, followed by an examination and X-rays. The thumb mobility may be decreased and with manipulation of the thumb. Eventually the base of the thumb may enlarge because of swelling in the joint or formation of bone spurs.

Although there is currently no cure for arthritis, the pain from basilar joint arthritis responds well to treatment. The initial treatment by a hand specialists a steroid injection in conjunction with the use of a brace. Florida Hand Center has a 95% success rate with steroid injections as a treatment for basilar joint arthritis. Ice, heat or other topical medicines may also be helpful. These treatments are the most effective non-surgical treatments for this condition and will usually be offered the first time a patient is diagnosed and asks: What is basilar joint arthritis and how can it be treated?

If these treatments are unsuccessful, surgery by a hand specialist may be suggested.

The surgical procedure performed, carpal metacarpal arthroplasty with tendon transfer, is the “gold standard” for arthritis at the base of the thumb. This is performed an average of 50 times per year. The video explains basilar joint arthritis surgery and how it improves a patient’s quality of life.


Basilar Joint Arthritis TV Spot

Florida Hand Center relieves hand pain.

Thousands of people in the Sunshine State are searching for a Florida hand specialist – and a basilar joint arthritis doctor in particular – who can take away their hand pain. Dr. Stephen Helgemo and the physicians at the Florida Hand Center may be the answer.

Many people suffering from hand pain aren’t sure if the cause is basilar joint arthritis or another ailment. Doctor Stephen Helgemo created this commercial to let those sufferers know that experienced Florida hand specialists at the Florida Hand Center can make the diagnosis and prescribe a treatment to fix the problem.

If you are suffering from hand pain, watch the above video; then contact Florida hand specialist Dr. Helgemo set up a consultation. If the diagnosis is basilar joint arthritis and you need a basilar joint arthritis doctor, Dr. Helgemo will get you on the road to recovery.

Basilar joint arthritis affects the thumb and in severe cases can require joint replacement surgery (carpo metacarpal joint arthroplasty). The initial symptom is a toothache-like pain in the wrist or thumb with activities that involve gripping, pinching, or twisting. Some patients notice pain with weather changes.

The diagnosis is made by a hand specialist or basilar joint arthritis doctor from the patient’s history of an ache or soreness in the thumb, followed by an examination and X-rays. The thumb mobility may be decreased and with manipulation of the thumb, the pain is reproduced. Eventually the base of the thumb may enlarge because of swelling in the joint or formation of bone spurs.

Although we currently have no cure for arthritis, the pain from basilar joint arthritis responds very well to treatment. The initial treatment is a steroid injection in conjunction with the use of a brace. Ice, heat or other topical medicines may also be helpful. If these treatments are unsuccessful, surgery may be suggested.

The surgical procedure Florida hand specialist Dr. Helgemo performs, carpal metacarpal arthroplasty with tendon transfer, is the “gold standard” for arthritis at the base of the thumb. Dr. Helgemo performs this surgery an average of 50 times per year. Surgery involves making two small incisions— one over the basilar joint, and one in the anterior forearm– removing the trapezium bone to create a “scar tissue” joint (carpal metacarpal joint arthroplasty) and reconstructing it with an expendable tendon from your forearm (tendon transfer). The tendon removed does not lead to any loss of arm or hand function. The surgery generally takes about 30 minutes and is usually done in an ambulatory surgery center. General anesthesia is not usually necessary.


Carpal Tunnel Overview

Local surgeon’s at Florida Hand Center prefer endoscopic carpal tunnel release for carpal tunnel surgery.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects the hand, and carpal tunnel treatment can ultimately include carpal tunnel surgery. Numbness and tingling involving the thumb, index and middle finger are the most common symptoms seen with carpal tunnel syndrome. The symptoms are often severe at night. You may have a tendency to drop things because of the hand feeling clumsy. Occasionally the numbness or pain may involve the other fingers or move up into the forearm. If you are experiencing these symptoms you will want to locate a local carpal tunnel doctor. In Florida, that mean a consult with the Florida Hand Center.

Dr. Helgemo preferred method of carpal tunnel surgery is endoscopic carpal tunnel release. It is now done through a ½ inch incision in the wrist and the incision is closed with glue rather than stitches. There is not usually a need for prescription pain medicine after carpal tunnel surgery,and you are able to resume most of your activities immediately after surgery. The minimally-invasive nature of this procedure along with the doctors extensive experience (over 7,000 cases) have led to excellent results with minimal risks. According recent AHCA data, Dr. Helgemo is Florida’s leading endoscopic carpal tunnel release. What more would you look for from a local carpal tunnel doctor?

Following endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery, your hand will be placed in a lightweight brace. As part of the carpal tunnel treatment, you are encouraged to move your fingers after surgery and keep your hand elevated; this will reduce the pain and swelling in your hand. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) are usually adequate for any pain you may experience. You should not lift more than a pound, do any forceful gripping, or engage in any repetitive activity (ie needlework, fishing, etc.) until allowed by your surgeon. Both you and the local carpal tunnel doctor,in this case someone from the Florida Hand Center, will discuss when you may return to work, and/or any other restrictions you may have.

The results of carpal tunnel surgery are excellent with greater than 95 percent patient satisfaction. The pain in the fingers, especially the symptoms at night, are usually the first symptoms to improve after surgery. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release, however, like any medical procedure, involves risk. Possible complications include incomplete relief of symptoms, pain, nerve or tendon injury, infection, and need for further surgery. Fortunately, these occur with only a very small number of patients.


Carpal Tunnel TV Spot

Carpal tunnel symptoms like numbness in hand and extreme hand pain are discussed in this video

Thousands of people in Florida are suffering from carpal tunnel symptoms such as numbness in the hand or extreme hand pain. The Florida Hand Center, led by Dr. Stephen Helgemo, is here to help.

This is the video advertisement produced by Florida Hand Center designed to offer a solution to people suffering carpal tunnel symptoms. Numbness in the hand can be annoying and extreme hand pain can be debilitating.

The Florida Hand Center is here to provide relief from numbness in the hand, extreme hand pain and all other carpal tunnel symptoms. Click on the above video to learn more.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects the hand, and carpal tunnel treatment can ultimately include carpal tunnel release surgery. Without carpal tunnel treatment, the symptoms tend to progress, eventually leading to constant numbness in the hand and occasionally to loss of strength in the hand.

Carpal tunnel is diagnosed by its typical carpal tunnel symptoms in conjunction with an examination by a physician such as Dr. Stephen Helgemo. Numbness in the hand and tingling involving the thumb, index and middle finger are the most common symptoms seen with carpal tunnel syndrome. Eventually a sufferer may experience extreme hand pain.

The use of a splint, anti-inflammatory medicines (i.e. Advil) or a cortisone injection are the most reliable non-surgical carpal tunnel treatments. If the patient doesn’t receive carpal tunnel relief, carpal tunnel surgery recommended. The goal of carpal tunnel treatment is to relieve the pressure on the nerve.  Dr. Helgemo’s preferred method is endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery. The minimally-invasive nature of this procedure along with Dr. Helgemo’s extensive experience (over 7,000 cases) have led to excellent results with minimal risks. According recent AHCA data, Dr. Helgemo is Florida’s leading endoscopic carpal tunnel surgeon.


Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

In this hand surgery video, hand specialist Dr. Helgemo describes cubital tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects the hand, and carpal tunnel treatment can ultimately include carpal tunnel surgery. Numbness and tingling involving the thumb, index and middle finger are the most common symptoms seen with carpal tunnel syndrome. The symptoms are often severe at night. You may have a tendency to drop things because of the hand feeling clumsy. Occasionally the numbness or pain may involve the other fingers or move up into the forearm. If you are experiencing these symptoms you will want to locate a local carpal tunnel doctor. In Florida, that mean a consult with the Florida Hand Center.

Dr. Helgemo preferred method of carpal tunnel surgery is endoscopic carpal tunnel release. It is now done through a ½ inch incision in the wrist and the incision is closed with glue rather than stitches. There is not usually a need for prescription pain medicine after carpal tunnel surgery,and you are able to resume most of your activities immediately after surgery. The minimally-invasive nature of this procedure along with the doctors extensive experience (over 7,000 cases) have led to excellent results with minimal risks. According recent AHCA data, Dr. Helgemo is Florida’s leading endoscopic carpal tunnel release. What more would you look for from a local carpal tunnel doctor?

Following endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery, your hand will be placed in a lightweight brace. As part of the carpal tunnel treatment, you are encouraged to move your fingers after surgery and keep your hand elevated; this will reduce the pain and swelling in your hand. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) are usually adequate for any pain you may experience. You should not lift more than a pound, do any forceful gripping, or engage in any repetitive activity (ie needlework, fishing, etc.) until allowed by your surgeon. Both you and the local carpal tunnel doctor,in this case someone from the Florida Hand Center, will discuss when you may return to work, and/or any other restrictions you may have.

The results of carpal tunnel surgery are excellent with greater than 95 percent patient satisfaction. The pain in the fingers, especially the symptoms at night, are usually the first symptoms to improve after surgery. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release, however, like any medical procedure, involves risk. Possible complications include incomplete relief of symptoms, pain, nerve or tendon injury, infection, and need for further surgery. Fortunately, these occur with only a very small number of patients.


Dupuytren’s – Needle Aponeurotomy

Dr. Stephen Helgemo, a hand specialist at Florida Hand Center, is one of the leading hand surgeons when it comes to performing needle aponeurotomy, a Dupuytren’s Contracture surgery as a treatment for Dupuytren’s Contracture.

Dupuytren’s Contracture is a painless condition that causes an abnormal thickening of the skin in the palm. It starts as a nodule or bump and may progress to the formation of cords or bands that can limit the ability to straighten the fingers.

Those considering a needle aponeurotomy as a Dupurtren’s Contracture treatment should watch this video of the procedure performed by Dr. Helgemo.

Needle aponeurotomy (or percutaneous fasciotomy) is a minimally invasive in-office procedure that breaks up the contracted fibers and allows the fingers to stretch back out for better use of the hand.

With needle aponeurotomy, which uses local anesthesia, contracted fibers beneath the skin are cut with the tip of a small needle. The goal is to cut the cord of abnormal tissue, resulting in straighter fingers without the ordeal of an open surgical procedure. There are many advantages to needle aponeurotomy. The time spent at the office of a hand speciailist for this procedure is trivial compared with time spent in the operating room for most other Dupuytren’s contracture procedures.

A recent study has shown that needle aponeurotomy is an effective, long lasting, and safe Dupuytren’s Contracture treatment. Like any procedure for Dupuytren’s, there is a chance of recurrence and the possible need for further Dupuytren’s Contracture surgery. An additional advantage is that the cost of the procedure in the Florida Hand Center office is significantly less than when performed in the hospital.

There is currently no medical treatment or “cure.” Dupuytren’s Contracture surgery is recommended when the inability to straighten the finger causes difficulty with function. Traditionally, Dupuytren’s Contracture surgery involves removing some of the abnormal tissue, allowing the fingers to straighten. It is impossible to remove all of the diseased tissue. The disease may come back or extend beyond the original area even after Dupuytren’s Contracture surgery. Surgery may involve working on the joints in the fingers if the contracture has led to stiffness. Although usually effective, open Dupuytrens’ Contracture surgery can lead to a difficult recovery with joint stiffness, wound care, and need for hand therapy. It is, however, a necessary choice for certain cases of Dupuytren’s contracture.


Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome may ultimately have a hand specialist recommmend carpal tunnel hand surgery. recent AHCA data, hand specialistDr. Stephen Helgemo of the Florida Hand Center is Florida’s leading endoscopic carpal tunnel surgeon.

Dr. Helgemo’s preferred method of carpal tunnel hand surgeryis endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery. The video on this page shows Dr. Helgemo performing that procedure.

Under this form of carpal tunnel hand surgery, the patient is given a twilight anesthetic. A mark is put on the hand to indicate where the incision will be. Then nurses wrap the patient’s hand in a tourniquet to remove the blood.

Once most of the blood is gone from the hand and wrist, the hand specialist make a quarter-inch incision in the wrist. After retractors keep the incision open, a tiny camera is inserted into the opening to allow the hand specialist to see what he is doing.

At that point the carpal tunnel hand surgery is performed. When the hand specialist completes the carpal tunnel surgery, the incision is closed with a type of medical super glue. The hand is then wrapped lightly in gauze.

There is not usually a need for prescription pain medicine after surgery, and patients are able to resume most of normal activities immediately after carpal tunnel hand surgery. The minimally-invasive nature of this procedure along with hand specialistDr. Helgemo’s extensive experience (over 7,000 cases) have led to excellent results with minimal risks.

Those considering carpal tunnel hand surgery are encouraged to watch this video.


Testimonial: Basilar Arthritis

Local basilar joint arthritis doctor Stephen Helgemo, the Florida basilar joint athritis specialist, offers this video detailing basilar joint arthritis treatment

When Vicki Ciampa needed a local basilar joint arthritis doctor to provide her basilar joint arthritis treatment, she turned to the leading Florida basilar joint arthritis specialist – Dr. Stephen Helgemo of the Florida Hand Center.

The basilar joint arthritis treatment Vicki received from her local basilar joint arthritis doctor, Stephen Helgemo, prompted her to take part in this video testimonial. Click on the video to listen to Vicki tell how Florida basilar joint arthritis specialist Dr. Stephen Helgemo guided her through a difficult time and helped ease her pain.

Although we currently have no cure for arthritis, the pain from basilar joint arthritis responds very well to treatment. The initial basilar joint arthritis treatment a steroid injection in conjunction with the use of a brace. Ice, heat or other topical medicines may also be helpful. These treatments are the most effective non-surgical treatments for this condition and will usually be offered to you at your initial visit. This will often lead to significant improvement, and in most cases additional treatments are not necessary. If these treatments are unsuccessful, surgery may be suggested.

Basilar joint arthritis affects the thumb and in severe cases can require joint replacement surgery (carpo metacarpal joint arthroplasty). The thumb basilar joint is located at the base of the thumb where it attaches to the wrist, and is the most mobile joint in the hand. The initial symptom is a toothache-like pain in the wrist or thumb with activities that involve gripping, pinching, or twisting. Some patients notice pain with weather changes. Weakness and decreased flexibility occur as the arthritis progresses. Basilar joint arthritis can affect both thumbs.

The diagnosis is made by a local basilar joint arthritis doctor the patient’s history of an ache or soreness in the thumb, followed by an examination and X-rays. The thumb mobility may be decreased and with manipulation of the thumb, the pain is reproduced. Surgery may ultimately be required.

The surgical procedure performed by Florida basilar joint arthritis specialist Dr. Helgemo, carpal metacarpal arthroplasty tendon transfer, is the “gold standard” for arthritis at the base of the thumb. Dr. Helgemo, a local basilar joint arthritis doctor, performs this surgery an average of 50 – 60 per year. Surgery involves making two small incisions one over the basilar joint, and one in the anterior forearm– removing the trapezium bone to create a “scar tissue” joint (carpal metacarpal joint arthroplast) and reconstructing it with an expendable tendon from your forearm (tendon transfer). The tendon removed does not lead to any loss of arm or hand function. The surgery generally takes about 30 minutes and is usually done in an ambulatory surgery center. General anesthesia is not usually necessary for this type of basilar joint arthritis treatment.

We think the Florida hand specialists Florida Hand Center  are suited to treat hand, but don’t take our word for it. If you are considering basilar joint arthritis treatment from a local basilar joint arthritis doctor, listen to what Vicki Ciampa has to say about her experience.


Testimonial: Basilar Arthritis II

Basilar joint arthritis specialist and hand specialist in Port Charlotte Florida Hand Center treats basilar joint arthritis symptoms

When Joseph Testa began experiencing basilar joint arthritis symptoms he needed a basilar joint arthritis specialist and turned to the leading hand specialist in Port Charlotte – the Florida Hand Center.

This video is Testa’s testimonial about his experience in dealing with those basilar joint arthritis symptoms and how the Florida Hand Center, basilar joint arthritis specialists, helped him deal with the problem. As you can see in the video, Testa is pleased he was able to find a leading hand specialist in Port Charlotte.

Basilar joint arthritis affects the thumb and in severe cases can require joint replacement surgery (carpo metacarpal joint arthroplasty). The thumb basilar joint is located at the base of the thumb where it attaches to the wrist, and is the most mobile joint in the hand. Like other joints, it is normally covered with cartilage, a smooth coating which allows painless and smooth movement. Joint arthritis occurs when these smooth surfaces wear out.

Basilar joint arthritis symptoms begin with a toothache-like pain in the wrist or thumb during activities that involve gripping, pinching, or twisting. Some patients notice pain with weather changes. Weakness and decreased flexibility occur as the arthritis progresses. Upon feeling these basilar joint arthritis symptoms, it’s usually a good idea to consult a basilar joint arthritis specialist.

The diagnosis of basilar joint athritis is made from the patient’s history of an ache or soreness in the thumb, followed by an examination and X-rays. The thumb mobility may be decreased and with manipulation of the thumb, the pain is reproduced. Eventually the base of the thumb may enlarge because of swelling in the joint or formation of bone spurs. Other conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis should be excluded. To obtain the proper diagnosis, sufferers should consult with a hand specialist. Port Charlotte is home to experts in basilar joint arthritis treatment – the Florida Hand Center.

The initial treatment to relieve basilar joint arthritis symptoms is a steroid injection in conjunction with the use of a brace. We recommend a short period of activity modification after the injection to enhance its ability to work properly. Ice, heat or other topical medicines may also be helpful. These treatments are the most effective non-surgical treatments for this condition and will usually be offered to you at your initial visit to Florida’s basilar joint arthritis specialist – Florida Hand Center. This will often lead to significant improvement and in most cases additional treatments, such as carpal metacarpal joint arthroplasty, are not necessary. Florida Hand Center has a 95% success rate with non-surgical treatments for basilar joint arthritis.  If these treatments are unsuccessful, surgery may be suggested.

The surgical procedure Dr. Helgemo performs, carpal metacarpal arthroplasty with tendon transfer, is the “gold standard” for arthritis at the base of the thumb. Historically, the physicians at Florida Hand Center perform this surgery an average of 50 times per year. Surgery involves making two small incisions— one over the basilar joint, and one in the anterior forearm– removing the trapezium bone to create a “scar tissue” joint (carpal metacarpal joint arthroplast) and reconstructing it with an expendable tendon from your forearm (tendon transfer). The tendon removed does not lead to any loss of an arm or hand function. The surgery generally takes about 30 minutes and is usually done in an ambulatory surgery center. General anesthesia is not usually necessary.

Joseph Testa needed a hand specialist. Port Charlotte based doctor Stephen Helgemo provided much appreciated relief from his basilar joint arthritis symptoms. We invite you to watch his story.


Testimonial: Carpal Tunnel

Hand doctors in Florida, Dr. Helgemo, know what carpal tunnel is and treat symptoms of carpal tunnel

When he started feeling wrist pain, Edward Cheek was among those asking themselves: “What is carpal tunnel?,” “What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel?,” and “Where can I find a hand doctor in Florida that can help with the treatment?”

To the question “What is carpal tunnel?,” Cheek learned that carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the wrist and hand making many every day activities – including driving – painful. As for the symptoms of carpal tunnel, they include numbness and tingling involving the thumb, index and middle finger. Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are often severe at night. Patients may have a tendency to drop things because of the hand feeling clumsy. Occasionally the numbness or pain may involve the other fingers or move up into the forearm.

When it came time for treatment, Creek turned to a leading hand doctor in Florida– Dr. Stephen Helgemo and the Florida Hand Center.

Dr. Helgemo and his associates at the Florida Hand Center did such a good job of alleviating Creek’s carpal tunnel symptoms that he chose to provide this video testimonial detailing his successful treatment by a leading hand doctor in Florida.

Creek found that the results of carpal tunnel surgery are excellent, with greater than 95 percent patient satisfaction. The pain in the fingers, one the symptoms of carpal tunnel that persist at night, are usually the first symptoms to improve after surgery. Carpal tunnel surgery, however, like any medical procedure, involves risk. Possible complications include incomplete relief of symptoms, pain, nerve or tendon injury, infection, and need for further surgery. Fortunately, these occur with only a very small number of patients.

If you find yourself asking, “What is carpal tunnel and could I be suffering from it?” be sure to contact a leading hand doctor in Florida – Dr. Stephen Helgemo and the Florida Hand Center. The main office is located in Port Charlotte, but the Florida Hand Center treats patients who hail from all over the Sunshine State, including Fort Myers, Sarasota, Venice, Cape Coral, Sebring and Punta Gorda.


Testimonial: Carpal Tunnel II

Port Charlotte doctor Stephen Helgemo and the Florida Hand Center provides carpal tunnel relief through carpal tunnel release surgery

When Bari Fischer needed carpal tunnel relief through carpal tunnel release surgery, she turned to Port Charlotte doctor Helgemo and the Florida Hand Center.

For Fischer, the carpal tunnel release performed by Port Charlotte doctor Stephen Helgemo went so well that she wanted people to know more about it. In the above video, Fischer describes her interaction with the Florida Hand Center and explains how she received carpal tunnel relief.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects the hand, and carpal tunnel treatment can ultimately include carpal tunnel release . Numbness and tingling involving the thumb, index and middle finger are the most common symptoms seen with carpal tunnel syndrome. Without carpal tunnel treatment, the symptoms tend to progress, eventually leading to constant numbness and occasionally to loss of strength in the hand.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed by its typical symptoms in conjunction with an examination by a physician such as Port Charlotte doctors Stephen Helgemo. Often the diagnosis is confirmed by tests to measure the electrical activity of the nerve in the hand (nerve conduction studies). At Florida Hand Center, we are able to perform these tests in our office as a convenience to patients.

The use of a splint, anti-inflammatory medicines (i.e. Advil) or a cortisone injection are the most reliable non-surgical carpal tunnel treatment. If the patient doesn’t receive carpal tunnel relief, carpal tunnel surgery is recommended. The goal of carpal tunnel treatment is to relieve the pressure on the nerve. With endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery the procedure is done through a small incision in the wrist.

At Florida Hand Center the preferred method is endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery. It is now done through a ½ inch incision in the wrist and the incision is closed with glue rather than stitches. There is not usually a need for prescription pain medicine after surgery, and you are able to resume most of your activities immediately after surgery. The minimally-invasive nature of this procedure along with Dr. Helgemo’s extensive experience (over 7,000 cases) have led to excellent results with minimal risks. According recent AHCA data, Dr. Helgemo is Florida’s leading endoscopic carpal tunnel surgeon, which is good news for patients who live not only in Port Charlotte, but also those in Fort Myers, Sarasota, Venice, Cape Coral, Sebring, Punta Gorda and the surrounding areas.

Greater than 95 percent of patients who undergo carpal tunnel release experience carpal tunnel relief. Carpal tunnel surgery, however, like any medical procedure, involves risk.


Testimonial: Trigger Finger

Port Charlotte trigger finger doctors of the Florida Hand Center are trigger finger specialists providing trigger finger treatment

When Eve McElroy needed a trigger finger specialist to provide trigger finger treatment she turned to Port Charlotte trigger finger doctor Stephen Helgemo and the Florida Hand Center.

McElroy found that visiting a trigger finger specialist was the key to resolving her problem. Her trigger finger treatment so well that she wanted other sufferers to know about the skill of the leading Port Charlotte trigger finger doctor– Dr. Helgemo.

Above is her video testimonial.

Trigger finger is a condition that results from thickening of the tendon in your palm which affects your fingers or thumb. It can often be alleviated through trigger finger treatment, though sometimes finger surgery is necessary. The symptoms include locking or clicking, pain, and stiffness (or any combination of these.) Occasionally, there is an actual lump in the palm that moves when you bend the finger.

A trigger finger specialist often begin treatment with a cortisone injection into the area adjacent to the tendon. The application of ice several times a day after the injection is also an important part of trigger finger treatment. If the injection is not effective or the symptoms recur, trigger finger surgery may be recommended.

Trigger finger surgery is also known as trigger finger release. It is done through a small incision in the palm of your hand. Trigger finger specialist at Florida Hand Center perform the trigger finger surgical procedures in the office. The safety and efficacy of the procedure itself are enhanced by performing the trigger finger release in the office under local anesthesia. In many cases, the results are immediately apparent – your finger clicks, and in a few minutes the clicking is gone. The time spent at the office is trivial compared with time spent when this is performed in the operating room. An additional advantage is that the cost of conducting this trigger finger treatment in the office is significantly less than when performed in the hospital.

The physicians at Florida Hand Center are experienced Port Charlotte trigger finger doctors, but the practice isn’t limited to patients from this city. As expert trigger finger specialists, the physicians at Florida Hand Center see patients from all over the Sunshine State, including Fort Myers, Sarasota, Venice, Cape Coral, Sebring and Punta Gorda.


Testimonial: Trigger Finger II

Port Charlotte hand specialist Florida Hand Center offers trigger finger treatments from hand doctor Stephen Helgemo

When Charlotte Desguin needed a Port Charlotte hand specialist for her trigger finger treatments she turned to hand doctor Stephen Helgemo and the Florida Hand Center.

In the above testimonial video, Desguin discusses the trigger finger treatments provided by Port Charlotte hand specialist Dr. Helgemo. As an experienced hand doctor in Florida, Dr. Helgemo helped Desquin regain normal use of her hand.

Trigger finger is a condition that results from thickening of the tendon in the palm which affects the fingers or thumb. It can often be alleviated through trigger finger treatments, though sometimes finger surgery is necessary. The symptoms include locking or clicking, pain, and stiffness (or any combination of these.) Occasionally, there is an actual lump in the palm that moves when you bend the finger.

A hand doctor treats trigger finger with a cortisone injection into the area adjacent to the tendon. The application of ice several times a day after the injection is also an important part of trigger finger treatments. If the injection is not effective or the symptoms recur, trigger finger surgery may be recommended.

Trigger finger surgery is also known as trigger finger release. Port Charlotte hand specialist . Helgemo usually performs trigger finger surgical procedures in the office. The safety and efficacy of the procedure itself are enhanced by performing the trigger finger release in the office under local anesthesia. In many cases, the results are immediately apparent – your finger clicks, and in a few minutes the clicking is gone.

After trigger finger release, the increased space around the tendon allows the swelling to resolve and the pain and clicking should be relieved. Prescription pain medication is not needed. You will be able to wash your hand after two days; the incision should be covered with a fabric band-aid. Normal activities, except those that require forceful gripping, lifting, or repetition can be resumed immediately. At about a week after finger surgery you will be seen by one of our hand therapists or a hand therapist in your area to remove the single suture and provide instruction for rehabilitation and post-surgical use.

Port Charlotte hand specialist Dr. Stephen Helgemo also commonly provides trigger finger treatments to patients from Fort Myers, Sarasota, Venice, Cape Coral, Sebring and Punta Gorda.


Trigger Finger Release In-office

When patients suffering trigger finger symptoms come ask a hand specialist at Florida Hand Center whether trigger finger surgery is really as quick and painless as it sounds, we point them to this trigger finger surgery video.

This trigger finger surgery video was shot in the Florida Hand Center office and hand specialist Dr. Stephen Helgemo performed the procedure. Trigger finger surgery is only performed when cortisone injections fail to adequately relieve the trigger finger symptoms.

When performed by a hand specialist like those at Florida Hand Center, trigger finger release allows the tendon sheath to glide back and forth so that the finger no longer locks or clicks. The surgery shown in this trigger finger surgery video also reduces or eliminates any pain, giving back the use and function of the finger and hand.

The video begins by showing exsanguination, which is the process before the start of surgery that squeezes the blood out of the hand. When the wrap is removed the hand and arm are sterilized.

After a local anesthesia is injected, a small incision is made into the palm of the hand below the base of the finger suffering trigger finger symptoms. Then a piece of gauze is inserted into the incision in an effort to remove any blood that might still be in the hand.

At that point the hand specialist, in this case Dr. Helgemo, begins to repair the trigger finger. The area around the tendon sheath is enlarged to allow passage of tendon through that area and to rid the patient of the locking and clicking associated with trigger finger.

Because only local anesthesia is used, the hand specialist is able to move the finger without locking or clicking to ensure the surgical procedure was a success.

When the hand specialist is certain that the trigger finger symptoms have been alleviated, a small suture closes the incision, completing the procedure.

For nearly a decade, hand specialist Dr. Helgemo has performed trigger finger surgery in the office as outpatient surgery instead of a hospital, saving the patient both time and money.

Florida Hand Center welcomes questions generated by this trigger finger surgery video.


Trigger Finger TV Spot

Finger problems and finger pain are symptoms that lead patients to a trigger finger doctor at the Florida Hand Center

People suffering finger problems as clicking or finger pain may soon find themselves looking for a trigger finger doctor.

That’s why the Florida Hand Center produced this commercial video detailing the treatments and successes produced by trigger finger doctorStephen Helgemo.

At the Florida Hand Center in Port Charlotte, Dr. Helgemo has successfully helped patients with their finger problems and relieved their finger pain.

Those enduring finger pain or other finger problems invited to view the above video. Should a trigger finger doctor be required, the Florida Hand Center, which is located in Port Charlotte and serves the communities of Fort Myers, Sarasota, Venice, Cape Coral, Sebring, Punta Gorda, will be happy to help.

Trigger finger is a condition that results from thickening of the tendon in your palm which affects the fingers or thumb. It can often be alleviated through trigger finger treatment, though sometimes finger surgery is necessary. The symptoms include locking or clicking, finger pain, and stiffness (or any combination of these.) Occasionally, there is an actual lump in the palm that moves when you bend the finger.

The symptoms are often seen in people who use their hands and fingers extensively. Trigger finger is commonly associated with diabetes, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. People may recall an injury to the hand or other finger problems, but usually there is no clear inciting event.

Trigger finger is often successfully treated by a trigger finger doctor with a cortisone injection into the area adjacent to the tendon. The application of ice several times a day after the injection is also an important part of trigger finger treatment. If the injection is not effective or the symptoms recur, trigger finger surgery may be recommended.

Trigger finger surgery is also known as trigger finger release. It is done through a small incision in the palm of your hand. The sheath around the tendon is opened up to enlarge the space of the tendon and the small incision is usually closed with only one small suture.

Trigger finger doctor Dr. Stephen Helgemo usually performs trigger finger surgical procedures in the office. The safety and efficacy of the procedure itself are enhanced by performing the trigger finger release in the office under local anesthesia. In many cases, the results are immediately apparent – your finger clicks, and in a few minutes the clicking is gone.


Trigger Finger Treatments

Florida Hand Center trigger finger video details trigger finger treatment options

This trigger finger video answers patient questions about the condition known as trigger finger and offers some trigger finger treatment options.

Trigger finger is a condition that results from thickening of the tendon in your palm which affects your fingers or thumb. It can often be alleviated through a few different trigger finger treatment options, though sometimes finger surgery is necessary. This trigger finger video these possibilities in a little more depth.

The thickening of tendons results in pain and/or difficulty bending or straightening the finger or thumb. Trigger finger include locking or clicking, pain, and stiffness (or any combination of these.) Occasionally, there is an actual lump in the palm that moves when you bend the finger. Trigger finger can be worse with heavy use of the hand or sometimes in the morning.

The symptoms are often seen in people who use their hands and fingers extensively. Trigger fingeris commonly associated with diabetes, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. People may recall an injury to the hand, but usually there is no clear inciting event.

Trigger finger treatment options often begin with a cortisone injection into the area adjacent to the tendon. The application of ice several times a day after the injection is also an important part of trigger finger treatment. If the injection is not effective or the symptoms recur, trigger finger surgery may be recommended.

Trigger finger surgery is also known as “trigger finger release”. It is done through a small incision in the palm of your hand. The sheath around the tendon is opened up to enlarge the space of the tendon and the small incision is usually closed with only one small suture.

Dr. Helgemo, who is shown in the trigger finger video, usually performs trigger finger procedures in the office. The safety and efficacy of the procedure itself are enhanced by performing the trigger finger release in the office under local anesthesia. In many cases, the results are immediately apparent – your finger clicks, and in a few minutes the clicking is gone. The time spent at the office is trivial compared with time spent when this is performed in the operating room. The cost of conducting this trigger finger treatment in the office is significantly less than when performed in the hospital, making it one of the most frequently chosen trigger finger treatment options.

Prescription pain medication is not needed. You will be able to wash your hand after two days; the incision should be covered with a fabric band-aid. Normal activities, except those that require forceful gripping, lifting, or repetition can be resumed immediately.

Complications with trigger finger surgery are very uncommon and include infection, scar tenderness, stiffness, and pain. Recurrence of the trigger is highly unlikely, but, like any surgical procedure, is possible.

 

Locations - Florida Hand Center in Fort Myers, FL and Port Charlotte, FL

Port Charlotte

  • 18344 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
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Fort Myers

  • 13710 Metropolis Ave. Suite 103, Fort Myers, FL 33912
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