Fair Oaks Ortho

09/04/2024

09/04/2024

TREATING A JAMMED FINGER

08/05/2024

Your finger shouldn’t click, pop, or be stuck in a bent position.

If one (or several) of your fingers or thumb is experiencing any of these symptoms, you might have a condition called trigger finger or trigger thumb (stenosing tenosynovitis). It’s not serious, but it can really hurt. Doing simple things like typing on your computer, playing a musical instrument, or even just gripping the handle on a cup of coffee can be hard to manage.

Highly Recommended, Virginia Board Certified Dr. Stephen W. Pournaras, Hand & Upper Extremities Orthopedics, is an experienced orthopedic surgeon in Fairfax, VA.

He offers his patients the most effective and complete pain relief and healing system for the assessment and rehabilitation from the suffering of hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder conditions. His practice, Fair Oaks Orthopedics accepts most health insurance. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

CALL: 703.591.0077
Our practice location:
3998 Fair Ridge Dr., Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 22033
info@handsurgeonfairoaks.com

08/02/2024

What To Do If You Have Wrist Pain

Is your wrist sore, swollen or hard to move? Highly recommended hand surgeon Dr. Stephen W. Pournaras tells his patients the first step in wrist injury treatment is likely immobilization, preventing wrist movement. “Unless your wrist is fractured, you can begin by splinting it with a brace,” he says. “Preventing the thumb and wrist from moving will help the body begin to heal and reduce swelling."If you are still having symptoms after wearing a brace for four or five days, you may need to seek medical wrist injury treatment. Making an appointment after wearing a brace that doesn’t provide relief over a few days or if pain wakes you at night is a good way to ensure the best healing results long-term. Continued pain, swelling, not being able to move your hand or wrist, as well as experiencing other symptoms, could mean something is wrong, and seeking medical attention can help you avoid permanent damage to your wrist.

If you suspect you have had a wrist injury, seeking medical attention for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan is vitally important. Early and appropriate care can help prevent complications and ensure a better recovery.

Contact Board-Certified Orthopedic Hand Surgeon Stephen W. Pournaras, Jr, MD, and make an appointment today.
CALL: 703.591.0077
Our practice location:
3998 Fair Ridge Dr., Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 22033
info@handsurgeonfairoaks.com

08/02/2024

Most people use their wrists daily to accomplish simple tasks they don't even think about—typing on their gadgets, driving, cooking, cleaning, and even reading a book. That is why feeling pain in your wrist can truly affect your ability to live normally.

Below are a few guidelines that could suggest when to see us for your wrist pain by scheduling an orthopedic evaluation and receiving the best treatment.

Wrist Pain Doesn’t Subside with Rest or Ice Therapy
Using some self-care strategies can help alleviate your wrist pain. For example, you could apply a cold compress or ice to your wrist every few hours for 20 minutes at a time for two or three days. If this doesn’t help, see Orthopedic Specialist Stephen W. Pournaras, Jr, MD.

You will also want to rest the area and not put any more stress on your hurting wrist. Resting your wrist can decrease inflammation and help to lighten the pain.

If this does not work within the first few days of the beginning of your wrist pain, there may be an underlying condition that needs to be addressed. It's time to consult with Fair Oaks Orthopedics for an accurate diagnosis and to find out the next steps you should consider in reducing the pain.

Pain Persists Even When Your Hands Are at Rest Wrist pain usually starts after hours of continuously using your hands without resting. However, if the pain persists despite giving your wrists a break, then you should call us.

Chronic wrist pain may indicate an underlying condition such as carpal tunnel syndrome. This must be treated as soon as possible because carpal tunnel can develop into permanent disability if it is left untreated.

Reduced Range of Motion
Debilitating pain in your wrist can make it difficult or impossible to move your hand and wrist. The pain may even radiate into your fingers, in which case the nerves in your wrist may be pinched. This may also cause a feeling of tingling or numbness. Make an appointment with Dr. Pournaras or our PA-C David Park, as soon as possible for an evaluation. We have urgent care appointments available.

CALL US TODAY 703.591.0077

08/02/2024

At Fair Oaks Orthopedics, we seem to see these hand and wrist injuries most commonly during the summer.
Wrist Sprains: Falls are extremely common during the summer. Many activities, such as skateboarding, rollerblading, bike riding, or riding a scooter, can result in wrist sprains. To protect your wrists, wear wrist guards during these activities.

Lawnmower Injuries: Each year, 25% of hand and foot lawnmower injuries result in amputation. Keep children away from the lawnmower and always keep your hands away from the blades.

Burns: Barbecuing and relaxing around a fire pit during the summer is always enjoyable, but the open flames can be dangerous. Always use long tongs when grilling to protect your hands.

Golfing Injuries: Golfing can be tough on your hands, arms, and wrists. Warming up and stretching before playing is important for injury prevention.

Jammed Fingers: Many sports become more active in the summer, and jammed fingers are some of the most common sports injuries.

If you have suffered an unfortunate summertime injury,

TRUST: Stephen W. Pournaras, Jr. MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

CALL: 703.591.0077
Our practice location:
3998 Fair Ridge Dr., Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 22033
info@handsurgeonfairoaks.com
We can help you get back on the road to recovery!

07/30/2024

Welcome New Patients!
Highly Recommended, Virginia Board Certified Dr. Stephen W. Pournaras, Hand & Upper Extremities Orthopedics, Fairfax, VA, is an experienced upper extremity hand surgeon specializing in work-related and personal injury cases in Fairfax VA.

Fair Oaks Ortho offers all patients the most effective and complete pain relief and healing system for the assessment and rehabilitation from the suffering of hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder upper conditions. We accept most health insurance. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

CALL: 703.591.0077
Our practice location:
3998 Fair Ridge Dr., Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 22033
info@handsurgeonfairoaks.com

07/29/2024

💥Nerve Pain💥
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⁉️ Nerve Pain Down Your Arm?

Sports Injuries can result in Radial Nerve Damage

The most common cause of radial nerve damage is a broken humerus, which is the bone that runs from the elbow to the shoulder.

A patient can also sustain radial nerve damage from a work injury, or from an accident.

Other causes of radial nerve injury include:
💥direct blow, such as those sustained during a car accident or sports injury
💥injuries involving sharp objects, such as knives or glass
💥sustained pressure, ex: using crutches incorrectly
💥crush injuries
💥sleeping on your arm

If you feel pain, call us today. We can help!

TRUST: Stephen W. Pournaras, Jr. MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

CALL: 703.591.0077
Our practice location:
3998 Fair Ridge Dr., Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 22033
info@handsurgeonfairoaks.com

07/02/2024

Elbow And Arm Pain After A Car Accident:

Arm pain after a car accident is generally caused by direct trauma to your elbow, forearm, and shoulder. Common injuries can include a broken arm, humerus fracture, and brachial plexus injury.

Many accident victims are surprised to learn how common elbow and arm pain is after a car crash. Whether you tightly grip your steering wheel to brace for impact or are knocked against your car window, a traumatic accident can severely damage the structures in your arm, shoulder, and neck.

Arm pain can be caused by soft tissue injuries in the muscles and tendons, damage to bones and joints, or impairment of crucial nerves. Dr. Pournaras can determine this at your appointment.

Never ignore any pain after a car accident. Signs of an injury may appear 24 to 48 hours after the accident, meaning your injuries may be worse than they initially appear. Even severe injuries, such as a total shoulder dislocation, have delayed symptoms.

By seeking a proper diagnosis and treatment plan right away, car accident victims have a greater chance of fully healing from their injuries. Failing to seek medical attention may only worsen the injury or cause secondary injuries that permanently reduce your range of motion.

Dr. Stephen W. Pournaras is a well-known and respected orthopedic specialist focusing on arm and upper extremity injuries. He will immediately send you to imaging (x-ray, MRI) to diagnose your type of injury. The appropriate diagnostic testing will enable him to prescribe you the best physical therapy or treatment and make the appropriate referrals. This documentation helps if you have a personal injury claim.

TRUST: Stephen W. Pournaras, Jr. MD
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

CALL: 703.591.0077
Our practice location:
3998 Fair Ridge Dr., Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 22033
info@handsurgeonfairoaks.com

07/02/2024

Injury Spotlight:
TRICEPS TENDONITIS
(Also called Weight Lifters Elbow)

Most people know about Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow, but there is also a condition called Weightlifter’s Elbow. This is known as Triceps Tendonitis, and it is caused by repetitive motion that irritates the tendon connecting the Triceps muscle to the elbow. It can also be caused by doing a lot of push-ups, dips, or any motion that puts a lot of force on the triceps muscles.

The main symptom is pain in the back of your elbow. There may also be stiffness and swelling. In more severe cases, the back of the elbow will ache, and you will experience sharp pain when you extend your elbow, especially against resistance. The area at the back of your elbow may be tender when touched.

Elbow pain shouldn’t be a regular occurrence while lifting weights. It’s important to not only identify the source of your pain, but also to treat it as soon as possible. If you experience pain from lifting weights, you need an experienced orthopedic specialist to help. Dr. Stephen W. Pournaras, Jr. often treats sports and overuse injuries and can help you recover and prevent reoccurrence.

If you suspect you have had an elbow injury, receiving medical attention for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan is vital. Early and appropriate care can help prevent complications and ensure a better recovery.

Contact Board-Certified Orthopedic Hand Surgeon Stephen W. Pournaras, Jr, MD, and make your appointment.
CALL: 703.591.0077
info@handsurgeonfairoaks.com