The saying goes that “health is wealth,” and as anyone who has experienced a hand or upper extremity injury can attest to, we depend on our health for enjoying life. Whether athletes or the average person, office workers or artists, even the slightest pain in your hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder can derail your regular day. That’s where our specialists at the Hand to Shoulder Clinic come in.

Experiencing pain or even just mild discomfort can put your life on hold when that sensation is coming from a part of your body you depend on for everyday life. For most of us, it’s hard to get through our day without extensively using our hands or upper extremities (meaning the elbows, wrists, and shoulders).

Unfortunately, with a body part we use so often, it’s only expected that a wide array of afflictions can ail us. If you’re feeling some discomfort in your hand or an upper extremity, while it might just be some routine soreness from a bad night’s sleep, discomfort can also indicate something more serious.

When to Seek Out Specialized Care

If you find yourself struggling with an unexplainable pain or discomfort, you might be dealing with something a little more troublesome than just general stiffness or soreness. At the Hand to Shoulder Clinic subspecialty division within MidAmerica Orthopaedics, our specialists often encounter the following conditions:

• Hand: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Dupuytren’S Contracture, Thumb Arthritis
• Shoulder: Rotator Cuff Tear, Shoulder Dislocation, Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
• Elbow: Elbow Tendonitis, Dislocated Elbow, Tennis Elbow
• Wrist: Fractures/Sprains/Dislocations, De Quervain’S Tenosynovitis

There are certainly a number of additional health conditions that can affect these crucial body parts. While the concern that your discomfort might be something serious can be upsetting, take solace in knowing that a good specialist quite literally makes it their job to get you back into the best condition you can achieve.

While many people don’t want to bother with locating and setting up an appointment with a specialist, most medical professionals will emphatically explain the benefits of choosing to see a specialist for certain issues—hand and upper extremity conditions are one such issue.

When it comes to these kinds of injuries and conditions that affect mobility, seeing a specialist can mean the difference between a full recovery and an elongated healing period that leaves your injury or condition never fully resolved. The discomfort you feel in your hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder may be easily healed, but only with the right help.

The Specialists at the Hand to Shoulder Clinic within MidAmerica Orthopaedics

If you’re dealing with hand or upper extremity discomfort, a specialist is likely on your mind. Yet, finding the right specialist can be intimidating. Luckily, at MidAmerica’s Hand to Shoulder Clinic, that process is made simple through an excellent array of specialist options.

Dr. Anton J. Fakhouri, MD, FICS, FACS

Dr. Fakhouri is a hand and upper extremity orthopedic specialist with an extensive knowledge of trauma and fractures to upper extremities, bone and soft tissue reconstruction, and microsurgical limb reconstruction. His dedication and compassion for each patient has earned him a reputation as a trustworthy expert.

Dr. Gary A. Kronen, MD

Undergoing surgery is a nerve-racking ordeal, but not for patients of Dr. Kronen. Lauded as one of the Premier Hand Surgeons in the United States by America’s Top Surgeons and recognized by “The Leading Physicians of the World”, he has expertise in complex hand injuries, microsurgery, and secondary hand reconstruction. His skill and professionalism are only further solidified by his winning of the MVP Partnership Award in August 2015 for an outstanding commitment to the quality of his work.

Dr. Danil A. Rybalko, MD

The conscientious approach Dr. Rybalko takes with all his patients engenders trust that they are in good hands. As a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity surgery, Dr. Rybalko is known for his extensive knowledge in his area, his use of minimally invasive,state of the art techniques, and his equally extensive experience at well-respected institutions such as Mount Sinai Hospital.

Dr. Adam F. Meisel, MD, FAAOS

Dr. Meisel has long worked with patients that prioritize their physical ability, from competitive athletes to the average lover of an active lifestyle. With an emphasis in Sports Medicine as well as arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Meisel goes the extra mile to ensure the best outcome for his patients.

Getting Started with a Hand to Shoulder Specialist

Keeping your hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder in the best condition possible means opting for the best professionals available. If you’re seeking a treatment option to heal and alleviate hand or upper extremity pain or discomfort, MidAmerica Orthopaedics can help you start out with the right specialist for you. After all, our hands and arms are the way we most directly connect to the world around us.