SHOULDER, eLBOW & HAND SURGERY IN MERIDIAN, ID

SHOULDER, ELBOW & HAND SURGERY IN MERIDIAN, ID

Not sure when to see a shoulder or upper extremity specialist? Here are a few signs it might be time to schedule a visit:

NOT SURE WHEN TO SEE A SHOULDER OR UPPER EXTREMITY SPECIALIST? HERE ARE A FEW SIGNS IT MIGHT BE TIME TO SCHEDULE A VISIT:

Sudden trauma, visible swelling, or a joint that feels unstable or “pops out” could signal a tear or dislocation that needs surgical attention

Trouble lifting your arm, rotating your shoulder, or straightening your elbow may indicate structural damage requiring surgical evaluation

If shoulder, elbow, or arm pain doesn’t improve with rest, therapy, or medication, or if weakness limits daily activities

SHOULDER, ELBOW & HAND DISORDERS

SHOULDER, ELBOW & HAND DISORDERS

The upper extremity, especially the shoulder and elbow, is essential for nearly every daily task. Its complex structure and frequent use make it vulnerable to injuries, overuse, and degenerative conditions. When left untreated, upper extremity problems can significantly interfere with mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life.

Dr. Jensen, a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon with extensive experience in treating upper extremity conditions, is dedicated to helping patients restore function and relieve pain. His patient-centered approach emphasizes personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs.

HERE ARE THE SHOULDER , ELBOW & HAND CONDITIONS WE TREAT, AND HOW

Click any issue for more detail, and our approach to resolving it for you.

SHOULDER CONDITIONS

Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness, significantly limiting shoulder movement. It often develops after an injury or surgery but can also arise gradually without a known cause.

Non-surgical treatments, including physical therapy and injections, are common, though severe cases may require surgery. Recovery may take several months, with physical therapy playing a vital role in gradually improving strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

Biceps tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon connecting the biceps muscle to the shoulder, often caused by overuse or age-related wear. Symptoms include pain in the front of the shoulder and tenderness along the tendon.

Treatment options include rest, medications, physical therapy, or, in severe cases, surgical intervention. Recovery typically involves strengthening exercises to prevent recurrence.

Glenohumeral arthritis is a degenerative condition that occurs when the cartilage within the shoulder joint wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It can result from wear and tear, previous injuries, or inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment options include non-surgical approaches like physical therapy, medications, and injections, while advanced cases may require shoulder replacement surgery. Recovery involves ongoing therapy to manage symptoms and restore joint function.

Impingement syndrome occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are compressed, leading to pain and inflammation. Repetitive overhead movements or structural abnormalities often cause this.

Treatment includes physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or arthroscopic surgery for severe cases. Recovery focuses on reducing inflammation and restoring shoulder strength and mobility.

Rotator cuff tears happen when the tendons of the rotator cuff become damaged or torn, often due to age-related wear, repetitive overhead movements, or trauma. Common symptoms include pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting the arm.

Treatments range from physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications to surgical tendon repair. Recovery typically involves a structured rehabilitation program to restore function and strength.

Total shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pain and restore function in the shoulder joint, most commonly due to glenohumeral arthritis. This condition occurs when the cartilage cushioning the joint wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

During the procedure, the damaged ball of the humerus and the glenoid are replaced with artificial components designed to replicate the anatomy and mechanics of a healthy shoulder. Patients typically experience significant pain relief and improved function after surgery, though full recovery may take several months, including physical therapy, to rebuild strength and motion.

Reverse shoulder replacement is a surgical option for individuals whose shoulder function is compromised by rotator cuff injuries. Unlike total shoulder replacement, this procedure reverses the mechanics of the joint by attaching a ball to the shoulder blade and a socket to the humerus.

This design allows the deltoid muscle, rather than the rotator cuff, to power shoulder movement. Patients often achieve improved stability and the ability to lift their arms again, with a recovery process that includes physical therapy to adapt to the new joint function.

OTHER UPPER EXTREMITY CONDITIONS

A distal biceps tendon rupture involves a tear where the biceps tendon connects to the forearm, typically caused by heavy lifting or a sudden forceful movement. Patients often report hearing a “pop” at the time of injury, followed by bruising, arm weakness, and difficulty rotating the forearm or bending the elbow.

Surgical intervention is usually required to regain full strength and function. To help prevent this injury, it’s important to avoid excessive strain on the arm and maintain well-balanced muscle conditioning.

Elbow arthritis occurs when the protective cartilage within the joint gradually wears away, commonly due to aging, past trauma, or repetitive motion. This degeneration can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty with bending or straightening the elbow, especially during activity.

Management typically includes anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and changes in activity to relieve stress on the joint. In more advanced cases, surgical options such as elbow replacement may be explored to restore function and reduce pain.

Lateral epicondylitis, known as tennis elbow, results from repetitive strain on the forearm extensor tendons near the outer elbow. It often develops from overuse during activities that involve gripping or wrist extension, leading to pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow.

Treatment often includes rest, stretching, physical therapy, bracing, and anti-inflammatory medications. Surgery is rarely needed. Preventing recurrence involves using proper technique during activities and strengthening the forearm and wrist muscles.

Loose bodies are small fragments of bone or cartilage that have broken off and move freely within the elbow joint. These fragments can result from injuries, repetitive use, or degenerative conditions like arthritis, and may lead to pain, swelling, or a catching or locking sensation in the joint.

Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery is commonly used to remove the loose bodies and address related joint issues. Rehabilitation focuses on restoring range of motion and strength. Early treatment can help avoid long-term joint damage.

Medial epicondylitis, or golfer’s elbow, is caused by repetitive stress to the tendons on the inner side of the elbow, usually from activities involving wrist flexion or gripping. Symptoms include pain along the inside of the elbow, forearm tightness, and reduced grip strength.

Conservative treatment methods—such as rest, physical therapy, bracing, and anti-inflammatory medications—are often effective. Surgery is reserved for persistent cases. Preventative care includes proper body mechanics and strengthening exercises to support the tendons.

An olecranon fracture affects the pointed bone at the back of the elbow and is most commonly caused by a direct impact or a fall onto the elbow. Symptoms include intense pain, visible swelling, and an inability to fully extend the arm.

Most olecranon fractures require surgical stabilization, followed by a structured rehabilitation plan involving bracing and physical therapy. Prevention includes fall safety practices and maintaining bone strength through proper diet and weight-bearing exercise.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs through a narrow passage in the wrist, becomes compressed. This pressure can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand and fingers.

The condition often develops due to repetitive hand or wrist movements, prolonged use of vibrating tools, or underlying health issues. Symptoms may worsen at night or during activities such as typing or gripping objects.

Treatment options may include wearing a wrist splint, modifying activities to reduce strain, or using anti-inflammatory medications. If these measures do not provide relief, a surgical procedure can be performed to release pressure on the nerve and restore normal function.

Trigger finger occurs when the tendon in a finger becomes inflamed or irritated, making it difficult for the tendon to move smoothly through its sheath. As a result, the finger may lock in a bent position before suddenly snapping straight.

This condition is often linked to repetitive hand use or swelling around the tendon. Common symptoms include stiffness, a popping or clicking sensation, and pain when bending or straightening the finger.

Treatment options may start with rest, splinting, or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. If these measures are not effective, a minor surgical procedure can release the constricted area and restore smooth movement.