expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Jon Norberg, M.D.

Hand Surgeon | Hand Surgery

Dr. Jon Norberg is a hand surgeon practicing in Maple Grove, MN. Dr. Norberg specializes in caring for hand, wrist and forearm problems without the option of surgery unless necessary. Many hand surgeons are also experts in diagnosing and caring for shoulder and elbow problems and tend to suggest non-surgical treatments such as hand therapy or physical therapy.
28 years Experience
Dr. Jon Norberg, M.D.
  • Maple Grove, MN, MN
  • Univ Of Nd Sch Of Med- Grand Forks Nd
  • Accepting new patients

New pigmented lesion on the palm of my hand that I need to get biopsied. How much skin can be removed from the palm of the hand without requiring a...

That amount of skin removal is well tolerated in the palm. Usually dermatology will either do that procedure or provide the recommendation of how big the biopsy needs to be. READ MORE
That amount of skin removal is well tolerated in the palm. Usually dermatology will either do that procedure or provide the recommendation of how big the biopsy needs to be. The biopsy does not typically go deep enough to put the nerves or other structures at risk.

I have numbness in my arms and hands when sleeping?

Look at the attached links and see which one sounds like what you have. https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/carpal-tunnel-syndrome https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/cubital-tunnel-syndrome https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-outlet-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20353988 Follow READ MORE
Look at the attached links and see which one sounds like what you have.

https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/carpal-tunnel-syndrome
https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/cubital-tunnel-syndrome
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-outlet-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20353988

Follow the recommendations for whichever seems more like what you have and if it doesn't get better or is getting worse, see a specialist.

What is going on with my wrist?

Hard to tell from the photo and your description, but without a history of trauma, would think it is likely due to a ganglion on the back of your wrist. Often theses can be resolved READ MORE
Hard to tell from the photo and your description, but without a history of trauma, would think it is likely due to a ganglion on the back of your wrist. Often theses can be resolved with draining the cyst, sometimes they require surgical removal. Best to see a hand surgeon who can examine you and make recommendations.

If this occurred after trauma you need an x-ray and exam.

Cervical MRI dismissed by spine surgeon?

Very reasonable to get second opinion. Recommend going to someone not in the same group.

What are some ways to prevent carpal tunnel?

Here are some pictures of exercises and a link to a video that may help. Wear a splint at night. See a doctor if symptoms not getting better. http://www.carpal-tunnel-symptoms.com/tendon-glide-exercises.html https://youtu.be/f0RHZ6bnhxg?t=12 READ MORE
Here are some pictures of exercises and a link to a video that may help.

Wear a splint at night. See a doctor if symptoms not getting better.

http://www.carpal-tunnel-symptoms.com/tendon-glide-exercises.html

https://youtu.be/f0RHZ6bnhxg?t=12

Do store-bought braces work for carpal tunnel?

Here are some pictures of exercises and a link to a video that may help. Wear a splint at night. A splint from drug store or Amazon is just fine. See a doctor if symptoms not getting READ MORE
Here are some pictures of exercises and a link to a video that may help. Wear a splint at night. A splint from drug store or Amazon is just fine. See a doctor if symptoms not getting better.

http://www.carpal-tunnel-symptoms.com/tendon-glide-exercises.html

https://youtu.be/f0RHZ6bnhxg?t=12

What's the best way to treat trigger finger?

See a hand specialist to try a splint and steroid injection and see if it resolves the problem.

Hand pain?

If it is continuing to hurt, it is time you went in to have someone look at it. They can examine you and possibly take an X-ray. Most hand specialists don't require a specialty READ MORE
If it is continuing to hurt, it is time you went in to have someone look at it. They can examine you and possibly take an X-ray. Most hand specialists don't require a specialty referral, so I would find one in your community with a good reputation and contact their office to be seen.

What can I do for claw hand?

Depending on how long ago and how severe the burn, this may be what you need. If it has been several months and you are continuing to have problems or it is getting worse, then READ MORE
Depending on how long ago and how severe the burn, this may be what you need. If it has been several months and you are continuing to have problems or it is getting worse, then seeing a hand or plastic surgeon to remove the scar tissue may be necessary.

How do cortisone injections work for carpal tunnel?

The theory behind injections into the carpal tunnel is that they decrease swelling and inflammation in the carpal tunnel (around the tendons that run alongside the nerve in the READ MORE
The theory behind injections into the carpal tunnel is that they decrease swelling and inflammation in the carpal tunnel (around the tendons that run alongside the nerve in the carpal tunnel) making more room for the median nerve so that it is no longer compressed by them.

How effective is a splint for trigger finger syndrome?

First line of treatment is splinting and anti-inflammatories. Success depends on the cause of the trigger finger and if you have diabetes, thyroid problems or other medical conditions READ MORE
First line of treatment is splinting and anti-inflammatories. Success depends on the cause of the trigger finger and if you have diabetes, thyroid problems or other medical conditions complicating the picture. Voltaren gel is now available as a topical anti-inflammatory and may be a good choice to try along with sleeping in the splint.
Success rate is about 50% with splinting.

Should I see a hand surgeon to deal with my carpal tunnel?

Most people that have carpal tunnel surgery ask themselves why they didn't take care of it sooner. If you wait too long, there may be permanent damage to the nerve.

Does Dupuytren's contracture need surgery?

Dupuytren's is not usually a painful condition. See the attached link to see if you have the correct diagnosis. https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases--conditions/dupuytrens-disease/ READ MORE
Dupuytren's is not usually a painful condition. See the attached link to see if you have the correct diagnosis.
https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases--conditions/dupuytrens-disease/

Is there anything that I can do at home for carpal tunnel?

Follow the link to see a program put out by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/recovery/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-therapeutic-exercise-program/ READ MORE
Follow the link to see a program put out by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/recovery/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-therapeutic-exercise-program/

Trigger finger therapies?

Splinting (especially at night) and anti-inflammatory medications are often successful. Injections of steroid if the splinting is unsuccessful.

How long is the recovery after a carpal tunnel release?

Different physicians have different rehab protocols. I have my patients move their fingers and wrist immediately after surgery, but limit them to 5 lbs max lift, grip, push or READ MORE
Different physicians have different rehab protocols. I have my patients move their fingers and wrist immediately after surgery, but limit them to 5 lbs max lift, grip, push or pull with the surgical hand for 3 weeks and then start increasing activity as tolerated over the next several weeks until they are back to full activity. Usually about 6 weeks. It takes about 12 weeks to get all your strength back.

Tendon repair recovery question

Splinting is typically 8 weeks with limited use of the injured hand. Attached is an article reviewing a current rehab protocol. https://journals.lww.com/prsgo/fulltext/2016/11000/flexor_tendon_repair_postoperative_rehabilitation_.26.aspx READ MORE
Splinting is typically 8 weeks with limited use of the injured hand.

Attached is an article reviewing a current rehab protocol.

https://journals.lww.com/prsgo/fulltext/2016/11000/flexor_tendon_repair_postoperative_rehabilitation_.26.aspx

What are the signs of nerve damage in your hands?

Numbness and burning are the typical signs.