Patient Questions

Harrison Solomon is an Expert Contributor on FindaTopDoc. Here are some of their recent answers to patient questions.

Surgeon
Harrison B. Solomon, MD

The main question is, what is causing the weakness. I would recommend you visit your primary care physician or even a neurologist to be sure there is nothing specific causing the weakness.

The answer to this varies widely depending upon what type of surgery is needed. You will have to consult with your surgeon.

No. Compartment syndrome is not hereditary. However, carpal tunnel syndrome is to an extent. There is no reliable way to prevent it. Harrison Solomon, M.D.

Quite possibly, this is nerve compression. However, there are other possibilities. I would recommend you be evaluated by your primary care doctor or local hand surgeon. Harrison Solomon, M.D.

Most commonly, carpal tunnel develops for no reason at all. However, there are some risk factors and other more unusual causes for the condition. Keep in mind, carpal tunnel is very common. No family history is necessary. No repetitive injury is necessary either. Quite often, it just occurs for no reason that is identifiable. In your specific situation, your local hand professional would be able to examine your mother and perhaps provide more insight. Harrison Solomon, M.D.

It’s hard to say just based on those symptoms. I recommend being seen by your primary care doctor or a hand surgeon. Harrison Solomon, M.D.

Healing is likely to be slow. However, if there is no sign of infection, it should eventually heal. If you are concerned that there is a foreign body left inside or an infection, you should go see your doctor. Harrison Solomon, M.D.

Could be inflammation or tendinitis. If you are able, try some anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen to decrease the swelling.

This could be early osteoarthritis. If you are able to, try ibuprofen before bed to see if that helps the morning symptoms.

This is unusual. Please consult a dermatologist.

It’s hard to confirm that diagnosis, which is unusual. I would recommend a second opinion or an opinion from a hand surgeon.

If you have shaking or a tremor, you should consult a neurologist.

On occasion, yes.

Not really. When the problem gets severe, the best treatment is surgical. A cortisone injection may help temporarily, but is not always indicated. Consult with your hand surgeon.

Typically, hand pain at night is not caused by sleeping position. However, it could be caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. You may try picking up carpal tunnel braces and wearing them at night.

This is frequently tendinitis. And poor wrist positioning may contribute. Your wrists should be in neutral (straight) position when you type. Also, taking frequent breaks from the computer is important.

I recommend you see a neurologist to determine the cause and get the appropriate treatment recommendations.

Yes. It can be drained or removed. Draining with a needle is easier but will have more frequent risk of recurrence.

The injury may have caused a sprain or fracture. I would recommend evaluation by a hand surgeon.

At this point I would see a hand surgeon. It may still resolve on its own, but after 6 months it should be evaluated.