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Upper Body

Medical Care for Hand, Shoulder & Elbow Pains

The upper body contains the fingers, hands, wrists, arms, elbows, and shoulders. Each of these components works in tandem to provide you with a full range of motion. When one part starts experiencing problems, your entire lifestyle can suffer. It suddenly becomes harder to drive, type, or even walk without worrying about pain. This is not something you have to live with. At Baxter Health, our orthopaedic team can help you manage the pain or relieve it entirely with safe, cutting-edge treatments.

The following are just a few of the upper body conditions we treat:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Sprains
  • Torn ligaments
  • Hand, arm, and shoulder injuries
  • Arthritis
  • Rotor cuff tears
  • Fractures and dislocations
  • Joint replacement

Recovering from these pains often requires a coordinated rehabilitation effort. At Baxter Health, you can find specialists in physical therapy, pain management, surgery, integrative medicine and more that are ready and willing to help you live an easier, more comfortable life.

Finding the Right Solution

Certain physicians turn to surgery immediately to resolve these problems, but at Baxter Health we know that not every patient is comfortable with surgery and it can take a toll on the body. We go through every possible option alternative to surgery with our patients so that they may try less invasive treatments like medication and splints before resorting to an operation. We know your time and money is valuable, and we only recommend surgery when our knowledgeable team determines it is the best course of action for effective pain relief.

Shoulder

Most people will experience shoulder pain at some point in their lives. While in many cases this can be treated with over-the-counter medications or simple stretches, it is in your best interest to visit a doctor if the pain does not letup in a few days so they can rule out serious complications and help you heal faster. Baxter Health is home to some of Arkansas’ leading orthopaedic professionals. Whether you need surgery, medication, or a simple diagnosis, we can help you get your shoulder back in prime condition.

Our shoulder services include:

  • Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
  • Reverse total shoulder replacement
  • Total shoulder replacement
  • SLAP Repair

Where Does Shoulder Pain Come From?

There is no joint in the human body with a greater range of motion than the shoulder. It’s unique design lets us perform a myriad of activities, from throwing a ball to do doing a pull up. The muscles around this joint go through much strain day to day, and in time they can grow inflamed or tear, resulting in aches and pains.

Oftentimes, shoulder pains will go away on their own, but if you notice your pain worsening, or the pain has lasted for more than a week, you should consult a doctor. You may have a condition where surgery or physical therapy are required for treatment, and waiting to have it checked out will only allow the condition to worsen over time.

At Baxter Health, we utilize conservative treatments unless a patient absolutely requires more invasive procedures. To learn more, visit our page on shoulder anatomy, check out the video center, or call the Baxter Health Orthopaedic Center at (870) 424-4710.

  • Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
  • Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
  • SLAP Repair
  • Total Shoulder Replacement

Elbow

Though you may have never practiced the sport before, many people develop tennis elbow and other painful joint conditions from natural wear and tear in their day to day lives. While elbow pain can be intense, in most cases it can be remedied. The Baxter Health orthopedic team will work to either completely heal your elbow pain, or provide you with medication and techniques to manage it so that it disturbs your day as little as possible.

Finding the Fastest Care Solution

Our staff is highly experienced in joint and bone pains, including how to recover from them quickly. If your elbow pain has lasted more than a few days, you should speak with a doctor for help treating it. We can prescribe a treatment that will address the root cause of your pains- whether its inflammation, muscle tears, or something else- and help you get back to your normal routine as fast as possible.

Possible treatments for elbow pain include:

  • Physical therapy
  • Hot/cold compresses
  • Braces and splints
  • Medical devices that reduce elbow strain
  • Resting with the elbow elevated

You can learn more about our elbow care services at our video center.

Hand & Wrist

If you’ve ever had a wrist or hand cramp, you know how painful it can be. Most of us can count on having to use our hands at some point during the day, especially if your job involves the use of a computer. Cramps and pains in the hand are an inconvenience no one can simply ignore. The orthopedic specialists at Baxter Health have a variety of treatments designed specifically for treating these conditions. We can help you diagnose the cause of your pain and prescribe a treatment that will speed up recovery.

Treating Pain at Home

Before visiting the doctor, there are several things you can do on your own to relieve pain until you have a chance to consult a medical professional.

There are several ways to care for your hand at home, such as:

  • Using a splint or brace to mitigate wrist pain
  • Applying an ice or heat pack to the affected area
  • Stop wearing rings, bracelets, watches, etc. until pain is completely gone
  • Taking over-the-counter pain medication like Aspirin (be sure to take as directed on package)

If these remedies are not working, or your pain persists for longer than a few days, then it is time to seek professional help. Your condition could be the result of an infection or other serious issue that you do not want to wait to have treated. Schedule an appointment with an orthopedist and get the pain relief you need.

To learn more about hand and wrist care at Baxter Health, call (870) 424-4710 or visit our video center which contains more info on our specific orthopaedic procedures.

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