Dr. Raskin has over twenty years of experience in diagnosing and treating a variety of wrist conditions. His surgical expertise specifically for the wrist has transformed the lives of patients who have found their lifestyles compromised by problems such as tendonitis, arthritis, ligament injuries and fractures. While Dr. Raskin is skilled in diagnosing and treating a variety of wrist conditions, below are the most common conditions that he successfully treats.
Cysts and masses
Wrists are a common location for the development of lumps known as ganglion cysts. These non-cancerous masses are filled with fluid and can appear, disappear, and change in size fairly quickly. They normally grow on the back of the wrist, but can limit movement as well as look unsightly. Their exact cause is not known, but some studies suggest that people who have jobs or hobbies that place increased strain on the wrist are more likely to be affected.
Initially, non-surgical treatments are most likely to be recommended. These can include immobilization of the wrist, and draining the fluid from the cyst, in a procedure known as aspiration. However, if non-surgical methods are unsuccessful, or the cyst reappears after aspiration, then surgery may be necessary. This involves removing the cyst and the joint capsule or tendon sheath, which act as the stalk for it. This minimizes the likelihood of it returning, although it is not guaranteed.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a highly common condition affecting the tendons in the wrist, causing them to become irritated and inflamed. This causes warmth, pain, and swelling of the joint, and it can also limit movement. There are several different types of tendonitis, but they are almost always treated in the same way.
Non-surgical treatments for tendonitis include anti-inflammatory medications, cold therapies, 1mm’ obilization and cortisone injections. Surgical intervention is used when other treatments have failed to produce the desired result, and involves releasing the tight tendon sheath that causes pain.
Golfer’s Wrist and Tennis Wrist
Golf and tennis are extremely popular pastimes. In the spring of 2017, more than 25 million American’s had played a round of golf in the last twelve months, while the latest research shows that tennis participation in the U.S. has grown to just under 18 million players. However, both of these sports require a repetitive movement that leaves many participants in some degree of pain.
Known by golfer’s as ‘golfer’s wrist’ and tennis players as ‘tennis wrist’, the most common pain experienced by players of both of these sports is normally a form of repetitive strain injury, or RSI. However, other injuries requiring medical intervention can also occur. Keith Raskin, MD at The Raskin Center for Hand, Wrist & Elbow Surgery in Manhattan, NY successfully treats a range of repetitive strain injuries, including cases of Golfer’s wrist and Tennis wrist…