Dr. Thomas F Hitchcock MD
Hand Surgeon | Hand Surgery
1000 N Oak Ave Marshfield WI, 54449About
Dr. Thomas Hitchcock is a hand surgeon practicing in Marshfield, WI. Dr. Hitchcock specializes in caring for hand, wrist and forearm problems. 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.
Education and Training
Greenville University B.A. 1978
Washington University School Of Medicine M.D. 1982
Washington Univ Sch Of Med- St Louis Mo 1982
Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine 1982
Board Certification
Surgery of the Hand (Orthopaedic Surgery)
Orthopaedic SurgeryAmerican Board of Orthopaedic SurgeryABOS
Provider Details
Dr. Thomas F Hitchcock MD's Expert Contributions
I have a pain in my wrist and I can't hold anything heavy. What could be the reason?
Could be one of several problems: 1. Wrist tendonitis, i.e., DeQuervain's tendonitis 2. Arthritis of the wrist You need to be seen by a hand surgeon and get X-rays of your wrist to distinguish between these two things. READ MORE
My child is 2 years old and loves to scribble with pencil and pens. Will it affect his fingers?
NO - that is very typical 2 year old behavior and should NOT have any harmful effects on hand function later in life! READ MORE
I got glass stuck in my hand but had it removed. Why does my hand hurt even after removal?
Could be you lacerated a nerve branch or could just be tender scar tissue. You should rub aggressively on the scar and give it several months to desensitize. READ MORE
My son jammed his thumb while playing tennis. Could there be a permanent damage?
Thumbs can have joint ligament injuries that can be serious and need surgery. In these situations, the X-rays can still be normal. Your son should see a hand surgeon to have an exam of the ligament stability of the thumb! READ MORE
My fingers are oddly shaped. Is there a surgery to correct them?
Not really - but you should consider piano playing as long slender fingers are a real asset to pianists. READ MORE
I had a blood clot on my index finger which is now less painful after ice pack. Should I still test it?
Finger swelling and bleeding are the main symptoms of a finger fracture. Even hand surgeons can't always tell if the finger is broken without an X-ray. I think you should see someone (could start with family doctor) for an X-ray. READ MORE
My daughter underwent a finger joining treatment using leeches. Will this cause a problem for her later in life?
No - medical leeches are quite frequently used to maintain venous outflow in the early time after a replantation or revascularization. They are actually very beneficial in promoting the recovery of normal circulation early on and should not cause any permanent problems. READ MORE
I feel like my hands are a little weak. What can I do to improve hand strength?
Hand therapists specialize in helping patients recover full strength and normal function. Ask your doctor for a referral to see a hand therapist in your area. READ MORE
How long will it take for me to recover from a hand surgery?
Can't really answer this question without more information on what type of wrist surgery you are having. Could be anywhere from 1 week (DeQuervain's release) to 3 months (Severe ligament injury requiring pinning & casting). READ MORE
I have been diagnosed with trigger finger syndrome. What is the course of treatment for this?
Normal first step is to do a cortisone shot to the flexor tendon sheath (unless you are an insulin dependent diabetic). Cortisone shots can cause serious elevations of blood glucose levels so are not safe to use with insulin dependent diabetics. If one or two cortisone shots fail to give long term relief, then you may need a simple surgery under local anesthesia to release the tendon A1 pulley. READ MORE
My mother suffered from compartment syndrome. Is it hereditary?
Most compartment syndromes are as a result of severe trauma and would not be hereditary in this case. There can be non-traumatic compartment syndromes causing overuse type pain also, but those are much less common. READ MORE
Are my symptoms a sign of nerve compression?
The symptoms you relate do sound like carpal tunnel syndrome which is the most common nerve compression syndrome in the hand. If the symptoms come on at night especially or when you are holding your hand still (watching TV, reading a book or the paper, driving a long distance, combing or curling your hair) then it sounds classic for carpal tunnel. The surgery is done if the symptoms get bad enough. Try using a splint on your wrist if you awaken frequently at night with pain or numbness. Your doctor can order an EMG test to confirm the presence of carpal tunnel and determine its severity. READ MORE
What could be the reason for the swelling in my palms?
Sounds like you should see a hand surgeon for further evaluation. Could be as simple as tendonitis but could also be more serious like a vascular clot in one of the arteries feeding your hand. READ MORE
I have a wound on my finger and I am diabetic. What should I do?
Diabetics are much more prone to infections with even small wounds on the hands. I think you should see your doctor or a hand surgeon for further evaluation. READ MORE
After a fracture my finger seems tilted. Why?
Sounds like the fracture may have some angulation or rotational deformity. Your doctor should evaluate for this with an X-ray. READ MORE
I am suffering from a hand pain due to sleeping on one side. What should I do?
Could be a symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel usually causes numbness of one or both hands, but sometimes there can be only pain. You should see your family doctor or a local hand surgeon for evaluation. READ MORE
Irritating scar tissue, what can I do?
Rubbing on the scar with regular hand lotion should improve this symptom. Rub lotion on the area as much as possible and give the scar a couple of months to get less tender. READ MORE
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel in earlier stages responds to splinting and/or cortisone injections. It depends on the severity of the carpal tunnel, but it can often get bad enough to require surgery. The good news is that the results of carpal tunnel release should be nearly 100%. I tell my patients it is about the only operation for which I can give a "Midas Muffler guarantee." READ MORE
Pin in my finger
Yes, you need to be careful to not accidentally remove the pin. Your surgeon may have given you a splint to minimize this risk. READ MORE
Depuytren's contacture question
Dupuytren's contracture is not normally treated with radiation therapy. It comes in all different patterns of severity and often requires surgery. Recently there have been some new options with injections of collagenase enzyme or what is called a percutaneous fasciotomy (cutting the cord with the bevel of a needle inserted through your anesthetized skin). You need to see a hand surgeon for recommendations as to the most appropriate treatment. READ MORE
Expert Publications
Data provided by the National Library of MedicineAreas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Instructor In Orthopedics University Of Michigan 1989 - 1992
Awards
- Faculty Teaching Award 1992 University of Michigan
Treatments
- Trigger Finger
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Arthritis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Neuropathy
- Osteoarthritis
- Pain
Professional Memberships
- Orthopedic Research Society
- Wisconsin Orthopedic Society
- Mid-America Orthopaedic Association
Areas of research
1. Flexor tendon healing2. Trigger FingersDr. Thomas F Hitchcock MD's Practice location
Dr. Thomas F Hitchcock MD's reviews
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Nearby Providers
- Dr. Steven Byron Sanford M.D.1000 N OAK AVE MARSHFIELD WI 54449
- Dr. Bruce James Watkins M.D.1000 N Oak Ave Marshfield WI 54449