Our hands and wrists are the engines of daily life – typing, cooking, lifting, playing sports, and everything in between. When pain or injury strikes, even simple tasks become frustrating, and quality of life takes a serious hit.
At Northern Arizona Orthopaedics (NAO), our dedicated team of specialists is committed to diagnosing and treating a wide range of hand and wrist conditions, helping you return to the activities you love.
Meet Our Hand & Wrist Specialists
At NAO, we are proud to have a team of highly trained surgeons specializing in hand, wrist, and elbow care:
- Mark D. Mellinger, MD is a fellowship-trained orthopedic hand, wrist, and elbow surgeon with over two decades of experience treating conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, trigger finger, fractures, tendon/ligament injuries, and more. He offers both surgical and non-surgical treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs.
- Kael Nahikian, MD is a board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeon specializing in hand and wrist surgery, including microvascular surgery. Dr. Nahikian focuses on treating complex hand and wrist conditions, offering compassionate, personalized care to each patient.
Together with our skilled physician assistants and support staff, Dr. Mellinger and Dr. Nahikian provide comprehensive care to address your hand and wrist concerns.
Common Hand & Wrist Conditions We Treat
Our specialists are experienced in diagnosing and treating a variety of hand and wrist conditions, including:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Caused by compression of the median nerve, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger, especially at night. Non-surgical treatments include wrist splints and injections; surgery is an option for persistent cases.
- Arthritis (Hand & Wrist): Joint degeneration causing pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced grip, and functional decline. Diagnosis via imaging and exam; treatments span medications, splints, occupational therapy, and in severe cases, joint fusion or replacement.
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: Thumb tendon inflammation causing pain on the thumb-side of the wrist, worsened by thumb movement. Treated with splinting, NSAIDs, steroid injections, or surgery for refractory cases.
- Tendonitis & Repetitive Strain Injuries: Develop from repetitive motions or overuse, leading to symptoms like dull ache, tenderness, and limited movement. Treatment begins with rest, ice, anti-inflammatories, and may include corticosteroid or PRP injections, plus physical therapy.
- Fractures & Dislocations: Including scaphoid fractures, pediatric fractures, and hand/wrist dislocations. Treatment may involve casting, splinting, or surgical intervention depending on the severity.
Innovative Treatment Options: WALANT Surgery
At NAO, we offer Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) surgery for certain hand and wrist procedures. This technique allows patients to remain awake during surgery without the need for general anesthesia or a tourniquet, leading to faster recovery times, reduced costs, and a more comfortable experience.
When to See a Specialist
Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and may prevent further complications. You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand or fingers
- Pain or swelling that limits your daily activities
- Difficulty gripping objects or completing routine tasks
- Symptoms that don’t improve with rest or over-the-counter treatments
Early evaluation and treatment can improve recovery and help prevent more serious complications.
Prevention & Self-Care Tips
To maintain healthy hands and wrists, it is important to focus on ergonomics by setting up your workstation to promote neutral wrist positioning. Taking regular breaks during repetitive tasks allows your hands and wrists to rest and recover. Incorporating gentle hand and wrist stretches into your daily routine can improve flexibility, while exercises that strengthen the muscles of the hand and forearm help support joint stability and prevent injury.
Schedule an Appointment
If you’re experiencing hand or wrist pain, the expert team at Northern Arizona Orthopaedics is ready to help. Schedule an appointment with one of our specialists today and take the first step toward relief. We’re committed to providing exceptional care so you can get back to your daily activities comfortably and pain-free.
