Hand Surgeon in Hauppauge, NY

Who We Are

Mirza Orthopedics is Long Island’s leading orthopedic practice specializing in treating all hand, wrist, elbow, knee, and shoulder conditions. We’re dedicated to providing personalized and expert care using the most advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive and arthroscopic surgeries.

We’re committed to improving treatment outcomes and finding better ways to fix painful conditions and injuries impacting the hands, knees, and upper extremities. That’s why our Long Island orthopedists have devoted much of their careers to clinical research and developing innovative devices and surgical techniques.

Justin Mirza, D.O. is a Long Island-based orthopedic surgeon at Mirza Orthopedics. Dr. Mirza graduated from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2009 and went on to finish his residency in orthopedic surgery at North Shore Long Island Jewish in 2014 and a fellowship in Hand Surgery at Stony Brook University Hospital in 2015.

Dr. Mirza specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions and injuries affecting both the upper and lower extremities. Many of the surgeries Dr. Mirza performs are done in the outpatient setting. He regularly performs minimally invasive surgeries such as arthroscopic carpal tunnel release, cubital tunnel release, and rotator cuff repair. As a level 1 trauma surgeon at Stony Brook University Hospital, Dr. Mirza also treats patients with complex fractures. In addition, he provides limb-saving vascular and nerve repairs, as well as finger and hand replacement surgeries for patients who have suffered from severe injuries.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Dr. Justin Mirza has become known for his unparalleled commitment to orthopedic research and his focus on highly personalized care for his patients of all ages in Suffolk and Nassau County. He has published numerous research articles on conditions and treatments of the hand and upper extremity and regularly presents his research around the world. He has committed himself to ground-breaking biomedical advances such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, a treatment which he offers for the hand, elbow, shoulder, knee, and ankle. Dr. Mirza is also dedicated to the product development and implementation of cutting-edge medical devices, including the SECURE intramedullary nail fixation device for metacarpal and phalange fractures.

Ather Mirza, M.D. is a Long Island-based orthopedic physician at Mirza Orthopedics with more than four decades of experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions and injuries affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Dr. Ather Mirza is a leading orthopedic hand surgeon known for his extensive expertise, commitment to orthopedic research and innovation, and highly personalized patient focus.

Ather Mirza, M.D. has spent much of his career developing innovative approaches to surgery and pioneering new surgical techniques that are less invasive for his patients. He currently serves as Chief of Hand and Microsurgery-Limb Replantation at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown and as Director of North Shore Surgi-Center in Smithtown. Prior, Dr. Ather Mirza was responsible for creating the microsurgical and replantation team and services at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Smithtown, which went on to perform the first major extremity implants.

Dr. Ather Mirza frequently lectures and leads seminars both nationally and internationally on hand and upper extremity topics, including the latest advances in surgical techniques, and has published and presented hundreds of papers in his field of expertise. He has also been involved in the successful product development of cutting-edge medical devices to treat conditions of the hand and upper extremity, including carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and distal radius fractures.

Make An Appointment Here!

Are you looking for a hand surgeon in Hauppauge, NY? Are you suffering from joint pain, specifically in your hand? Are you experiencing stiffness, weakness, or swelling in your hand? You may have hand osteoarthritis. At Mirza Orthopedics in Smithtown, orthopedic surgeons Dr. Ather Mirza and Dr. Justin Mirza focus on getting their patients back to their active lives with minimal downtime. Continue reading below to learn more about hand osteoarthritis.

Arthritis

Arthritis is swelling and tenderness of the joints. Arthritis of the hand will cause pain and stiffness at the base of your thumb, in the joints closest to your fingertips, and in the middle joint of the finger.

Symptoms of hand osteoarthritis

Joint pain
Weakness
Stiffness
Swelling
Redness
Limited or decreased range of motion
Clicking or cracking noise

Causes of arthritis flare-ups

Cold weather
Overuse
Wear and tear
Stress
Infection

How to treat Arthritis

There are several ways to treat arthritis in the hands. There is no cure for osteoarthritis in the hands, but there are things that can be done to decrease your pain and discomfort over time. You can take painkillers such as Tylenol or ibuprofen to reduce any pain you experience daily. The use of immobilizing devices like a brace or sleeve can also lessen pain by keeping your hand in a stable position. You can also undergo hand therapy, similar to physical therapy, where you would learn exercises and less painful ways to complete the daily tasks you may struggle with.

Cortisone shots are another treatment option that may help reduce pain and inflammation for several weeks or months but must be limited. If the treatments listed previously do not work, you may opt for surgery. If you are looking for a hand surgeon in Hauppauge, NY, to help with your arthritis, you should schedule an appointment with Long Island orthopedic surgeons Dr. Ather Mirza and Dr. Justin Mirza at Mirza Orthopedics in Smithtown. As hand surgeons in Hauppauge, NY, Dr. Schwartz, and Dr. Alongi will provide you with the best custom-tailored treatment plan for your arthritis.

Contact Mirza Orthopedics – Hand Surgeon in Hauppauge, NY

If you are suffering from what you believe is arthritis in your hands and are looking for a hand surgeon in Hauppauge, NY, contact Mirza Orthopedics in Smithtown today.

Hand Surgeon in Hauppauge, NY The hands are complex structures, each containing 27 bones that are surrounded by cartilage, or connective tissue, which cushions the bones during everyday movements and allows you to perform a wide range of motions without pain. When the cartilage surrounding any or all of these bones breaks down or deteriorates, it can result in hand arthritis, a condition characterized by bone-on-bone friction that leads to joint inflammation, pain, and swelling.

Though arthritis in hands and fingers is a common condition affecting millions of Americans, each patient’s needs are unique. At Mirza Orthopedics in Smithtown, our hand surgeon in Hauppauge, NY provides compassionate care and expertise in dealing with all types of hand arthritis. Whether your condition can be treated with nonsurgical options or requires surgery due to its severity, Dr. Ather Mirza and Dr. Justin Mirza will tailor an arthritis treatment plan based on your individual needs. We are dedicated to getting you back to your active life with better results and less downtime, serving patients of all ages from Suffolk County, Nassau County, and beyond. If you suspect that you may have hand and finger arthritis, book a consultation today by filling out the form on this page.

What causes hand arthritis?

Hand arthritis occurs when the cartilage that surrounds any of the numerous bones in the hand is worn down. As a result, the bones in the joint begin rubbing together, causing painful inflammation. This deterioration of cartilage may be caused by normal wear and tear over time, a specific injury, or an inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis.

There are numerous types of arthritis in the hand and finger joints, based on the location and cause of the cartilage deterioration, including the following:

Osteoarthritis of the Hand & Fingers

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is characterized by the progressive deterioration and eventual loss of cartilage in one or more places in the hand or finger joints. Osteoarthritis can also impact the elbow, wrist, and shoulder.

Posttraumatic Arthritis of the Hand & Fingers

Post-traumatic arthritis is characterized by damage to cartilage in the hand or finger joints that develop following an injury, such as a hand fracture.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by the deterioration of cartilage in the hand joints due to the immune system attacking the tissues.

Osteoarthritis of the Thumb (Basal Joint Arthritis)

Like osteoarthritis of the hand, osteoarthritis of the thumb (also known as basal joint arthritis) is characterized by a loss of cartilage at the base of the thumb, leading to pain and an unstable metacarpal bone.

What are the symptoms of arthritis in the hands and fingers?

If you have arthritis of the hand, fingers or at the base of the thumb, you will likely experience:

Pain in the joints that may be dull or have a burning sensation
Hand and finger stiffness, particularly when you first wake up
Pain that gets worse with activity and heavy use
Pain that worsens over time
Limited range of motion in the hand, fingers or thumb
Decreased strength in the hand, fingers or thumb
Grinding, clicking or snapping sensation (crepitus) with any movement of the affected joints
Changes in the mobility of surrounding joints
Cysts on the fingers (usually seen if you have arthritis at the tips of the finger joints)

What does treatment for arthritis in hands and fingers entail?

In many cases, symptoms of hand arthritis can be successfully managed long-term with nonsurgical methods. Conservative treatments for arthritic hands and fingers commonly include:

Resting the hand and fingers
Modifying activities that cause hand and finger pain
Taking anti-inflammatory medications
Applying ice or moist heat
Completing stretching and strengthening exercises, which may include undergoing a physical therapy program to improve the hand and fingers’ range of motion
Getting steroid injections
Splinting the hand and fingers
Getting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

In cases where hand, finger or thumb arthritis is more severe and conservative treatments have failed to produce successful outcomes, surgery may be the best option to provide long-lasting symptom relief. There are a number of different surgery options for arthritic hands and your doctor will recommend a procedure based on your individual needs.

A joint fusion (also known as arthrodesis) is one treatment option for severe hand or finger arthritis. It involves fusing the bones of the affected joint together, which effectively eliminates pain but also causes the joint to become permanently fixed. In some cases of hand arthritis, joint replacement surgery may be recommended in order to relieve pain and restore function.

If you’re suffering from painful hand arthritis symptoms (including arthritis of the fingers and basal joint arthritis) that are impacting your quality of life, Mirza Orthopedics in Smithtown can help. Schedule an appointment with our hand surgeon in Hauppauge, NY by contacting our Smithtown office today.

Hand Surgeon in Hauppauge, NY Each of your hands contains more than 20 bones that all work together, enabling you to perform countless activities on a daily basis. When a traumatic injury involving the hands or fingers occurs, any of these bones are susceptible to breaking, leading to severe pain and impaired movement. At Mirza Orthopedics on Long Island, we provide compassionate care and expertise in dealing with all types of hand fractures. Whether your break can be treated with nonsurgical options or requires surgery due to its complexity, our broken hand specialists Dr. Ather Mirza and Dr. Justin Mirza will tailor a treatment plan for your needs. We are dedicated to getting you back to your active life with better results and less downtime. If you’re looking for fractured or broken hand treatment, book an appointment with a Hand Surgeon in Hauppauge, NY today by filling out the form on this page.

What causes hand fractures and breaks?

Hand fractures and broken bones can be caused by any injury that involves a direct blow to the hand, but they most often result from falling on an outstretched arm, sometimes in an attempt to catch one’s self during a fall. Hand fractures in healthy bones are more likely to result from direct trauma, such as a sports-related injury or car accident, whereas bones with osteoporosis can suffer from a hand fracture or break more easily (e.g. a fall from a standing position).

You may be more likely to experience a hand fracture or broken bone if:

You are over the age of 60
You have osteoporosis
You participate in sports or activities where falls or trauma to the hand are common, such as skiing, basketball, football, ice hockey, rugby, and bike riding

What are the symptoms of a fractured or broken hand?

If you have suffered a hand fracture or broken bone, you will likely experience:

Immediate pain in the hand
Pain that gets worse with movement, particularly any gripping or squeezing motions
Tenderness in the hand
Swelling and bruising
Visible deformity in the hand, including fingers or a wrist that hangs in a bent or out-of-place position
Limited range of motion or inability to move the hand or fingers
Numbness in the hand

In cases where your symptoms are focused in the wrist, not far from the base of the palm, you may have experienced a distal radius fracture. If you’re suffering from any of the symptoms above, contact our broken hand doctors and specialists for treatment and care.

What does fractured or broken hand treatment entail?

Most cases of hand fractures can be effectively treated without surgery, so long as it is not a compound fracture or fracture where the bone fragments have shifted out of position.

Nonsurgical treatments for broken or fractured hands commonly include:

Closed reduction by an orthopedic specialist for repositioning the broken bones back into their proper positions
Immobilizing the hand with a plaster cast or splint
Taking anti-inflammatory medications
Completing a physical therapy or rehabilitation program to restore strength and range of motion to the hand

In some cases of hand fractures, a patient may need to undergo surgery in order to reposition the broken bones and hold them in the proper place during healing.

If you’ve suffered from a hand or finger fracture, Mirza Orthopedics, Hand Surgeon in Hauppauge, NY, is here for you. We specialize in helping patients with fractured and broken hands, providing compassionate care and expertise. If you believe you may have experienced a break in the hand, contact our office in Smithtown as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for broken or fractured hand treatment.

FAQ

What is a hand surgeon called?

A hand surgeon is a type of orthopedic surgeon who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the hand, wrist, and forearm. They are commonly referred to as “hand surgeons”. Some may also be referred to as “hand and wrist surgeons” or “upper extremity surgeons” to denote their specialization in treating conditions that affect the upper extremities of the body.

What is the difference between a hand surgeon and an orthopedic surgeon?

A hand surgeon is a type of orthopedic surgeon who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the hand, wrist, and forearm. However, while all hand surgeons are orthopedic surgeons, not all orthopedic surgeons are hand surgeons. The main difference between the two is their area of specialization.

Orthopedic surgeons, in general, specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments throughout the body. They may have a broad range of knowledge and expertise in treating conditions throughout the body, including the hand, wrist, and forearm.

Hand surgeons, on the other hand, have additional training and specialization in treating conditions that specifically affect the hand, wrist, and forearm. This includes conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, Dupuytren’s contracture, and fractures or dislocations of the hand or wrist. They may also have expertise in performing delicate procedures such as microsurgery, which may be necessary for certain hand and wrist conditions.

In summary, while all hand surgeons are orthopedic surgeons, not all orthopedic surgeons specialize in hand and wrist conditions. Hand surgeons have additional training and specialization in treating conditions that specifically affect the hand, wrist, and forearm.

What Are Common hand surgeries?

There are many different types of hand surgeries that a hand surgeon may perform, depending on the specific condition being treated. Some of the most common hand surgeries include:

Carpal tunnel release: This surgery is used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition in which the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the wrist. The surgery involves cutting the ligament that is pressing on the nerve to relieve the pressure.
Trigger finger release: This surgery is used to treat trigger finger, a condition in which a finger gets stuck in a bent position. The surgery involves cutting the pulley that is restricting movement of the affected tendon.
Dupuytren’s contracture release: This surgery is used to treat Dupuytren’s contracture, a condition in which thickened tissue forms in the palm of the hand and causes the fingers to bend inward. The surgery involves cutting the thickened tissue to release the affected fingers.
Ganglion cyst removal: This surgery is used to remove a fluid-filled cyst that develops near a joint or tendon in the hand or wrist.
Fracture repair: This surgery is used to repair a broken bone in the hand or wrist. The procedure may involve the use of pins, screws, or plates to hold the bone in place while it heals.
Joint replacement: This surgery is used to replace a damaged joint in the hand, such as the base of the thumb or a finger joint. The damaged joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint.
Tendon repair: This surgery is used to repair a torn or damaged tendon in the hand or wrist. The procedure may involve reattaching the tendon to the bone or using a graft to repair the tendon.

These are just a few examples of the many types of hand surgeries that a hand surgeon may perform. The specific surgery recommended will depend on the individual’s condition and the severity of the problem.

What is the most common hand surgery?

Carpal tunnel release surgery is one of the most common hand surgeries performed by hand surgeons. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, becomes compressed as it passes through the wrist. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers.

During carpal tunnel release surgery, the surgeon cuts the ligament that is pressing on the median nerve to relieve the pressure. This procedure can be done using an open or endoscopic technique, and is typically performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Recovery time varies depending on the individual, but most people can resume normal activities within a few weeks to a few months after surgery.

What does a hand surgeon treat?

A hand surgeon is a medical specialist who focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions and injuries affecting the hands, wrists, and forearms. Some of the common conditions that a hand surgeon may treat include:

Carpal tunnel syndrome: a condition where the median nerve that runs through the wrist becomes compressed, leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.
Arthritis: a chronic condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints of the hands and wrists.
Tendinitis: a condition where the tendons in the hand and wrist become inflamed, causing pain and swelling.
Dupuytren’s contracture: a condition where the tissues in the palm of the hand become thick and fibrous, leading to the fingers becoming permanently bent towards the palm.
Fractures: breaks in the bones of the hand, wrist, or forearm.
Trigger finger: a condition where one or more fingers become stuck in a bent position and then snap straight.
De Quervain’s syndrome: a condition where the tendons at the base of the thumb become inflamed, causing pain and swelling.
Ganglion cysts: fluid-filled sacs that develop on the wrist or hand.

Hand surgeons may also perform reconstructive surgeries, such as skin grafts, tendon transfers, or joint replacements, to improve the function of the hands and wrists.