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

That varies widely on what type of nerve surgery you are having. For example, nerve repair will improve for at least one year. Whereas nerve decompression, such as carpal tunnel release, will recover in just a few weeks. However, keep in mind, complete recovery for virtually any surgery takes about six months.

It is possible. Not everyone gets this, and if they do, it is usually temporary.

Unfortunately, that is a very broad question. Some hand surgeries recover in just one or two weeks. Other surgeries take one or two years.

You can but I usually don’t recommend it. Depending upon the problem, consulting a cosmetic dermatologist could also be useful.

It depends completely on what you’re having done. Please consult with your surgeon.

I am sorry to hear that. Sometimes, nerve damage will improve over time. Sometimes there are surgeries or other treatments that could help as well.It really depends on your specific situation.

Usually, if the muscle is gone or diminished in size, that change is permanent.

It can. However, that would be unusual. At age 37 your nighttime symptoms are probably not nerve related. Consultation with a local hand surgeon would be helpful.

This is usually a pinched nerve. It could be a pinched nerve coming from your neck, or a pinched nerve in your wrist area which would most likely and most commonly be carpal tunnel syndrome.

Laser is a possible option depending on how old they are. A cosmetic dermatologist should be consulted. Harrison Solomon, M.D.

Hi there! It really depends on the type of surgery that you had. In some cases, you can pick up light objects immediately. For other types of surgery, you cannot use the hand at all for six weeks. Your surgeon will be the best one to answer this question regarding your particular situation. Harrison Solomon, M.D.

No surgery for that unfortunately! Check with a dermatologist though. Harrison Solomon, M.D. Montgomery Orthopaedics A Division of the Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics (301) 949-8100

That depends on the cause of the neuropathy. If the neuropathy is from diabetes, treatments are slim. Tight control of your glucose level is the best long-term treatment. However, if the neuropathy is from a pinched nerve such as carpal tunnel syndrome, the best treatment maybe surgery. In summary, it depends on the cause of the neuropathy. Harrison Solomon, M.D. Montgomery Orthopaedics A Division of the Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics (301) 949-8100

Hard to know with just that history. I recommend to visit his pediatrician who may order some bloodwork. Harrison Solomon, M.D. Montgomery Orthopaedics A Division of the Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics (301) 949-8100

Sometimes. It just depends on the severity of the fracture and the amount of displacement. Harrison Solomon, M.D.

It’s more a question of personal opinion than medical opinion. Having said, that I would not recommend it. If anything, I would contact a cosmetic dermatologist to consider laser or possibly a plastic surgeon as well. Perhaps they could show some before and after pictures so that you can make that decision. Harrison Solomon, M.D.

Contact your local cosmetic dermatologist. Laser is the most likely answer. Harrison Solomon, M.D.

Yes, you can! Harrison Solomon, M.D.

Well it depends on the surgery. Overall, hand surgery is mild or moderately painful. Not severe.

No! However, at 27, please be sure you need the surgery. Carpal tunnel is quite rare in your age group.