Pittsburgh’s #1 Peripheral Nerve Surgeon for carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome
Nerve Decompression Surgeries for the Arms and Legs
Your peripheral nervous system is a complex group of nerves that connect your brain to your arms and legs, ferrying motor and sensory messages between the two that allow you to move, sense, and orient your body. In spite of their importance, these nerves are not particularly strong, and can be damaged easily -- especially in the hands, wrists, and elbows, which are prone to overuse. These are known as carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome. Your nerves can also be pinched in the legs at the knee (peroneal nerve) and at the ankle (tarsal tunnel).
An expert in nerve decompression surgery for both the arms (carpal and cubital tunnel) and legs (peroneal nerve at knee and tarsal tunnel), Alexander Spiess, MD is one of the most experienced, qualified, and skilled upper extremity specialists in the Pittsburgh region. Dr. Spiess has spent his entire career providing effective, lasting treatment for nerve decompressions and other forms of nerve damage. Using state-of-the-art technology, Dr. Spiess offers his patients thorough, compassionate care that is focused on helping them return to full functionality and find relief from debilitating pain.
If you’re ready to experience the best care available for your peripheral nerve compression, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Spiess’s office and schedule your first consultation today.
top thoracic outlet specialist in pittsburgh
Cutting-Edge Treatment for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
The thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a complex of symptoms and signs caused by compression of neurovascular structures at the thoracic outlet (or inlet). The etiology of TOS is multifactorial, including compression from a rib, tight (spastic) or enlarged neck muscles, abnormal course of the neck and shoulder blood vessels, other abnormal anatomical structures such as fibrotic bands or space-occupying lesions (Lipoma or fat tumor), or simply due to trauma of the neck and shoulder (whiplash injury or clavical fracture). Long-term factors, such as bad posture, breast hypertrophy, or prolonged loading of the shoulder (eg, carrying heavy bags), may also play a role in TOS.
Symptoms include neck pain, shoulder or upper back pain, numbness, tingling, or pain running into fingers, especially the ring and small finger. At the time of your visit, you can expect an exam and work up that will a referral for vascular studies of the neck and shoulder, and nerve studies of the neck and shoulder.
Generally, this phenomenon can be treated with therpy. of the neck and shoulder, as well as postural changes. Other non surgical options include BOTOX injection to loosen the muscles in the neck and shoulder, and relieve the pressure on the nerves. Finally, if non operative measures have failed to improve symptoms, Dr. Spiess performs a release of a neck muscle which is compressing the affected nerves.
If you are ready to be seen by Pittsburgh's leading Thoracic Outlet Sp[ecialist, schedule your first appointment with Dr. Spiess right here online. Just use our online scheduling tool, or call our office if you’re more comfortable speaking on the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a nerve decompression procedure?
Common symptoms of a compressed or “pinched” nerve include severe, lasting pain, numbness, or muscular weakness in the affected area. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, see Dr. Spiess as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis.
How long does a typical carpal tunnel release surgery recovery take?
Every body is different, and your recovery time will be based on your individual goals, needs, and circumstances. When you become a patient of Dr. Spiess, he will walk through your treatment timeline with you and help you to develop a recovery plan that works for you.
How do I get started with the best hand and wrist specialist near me?
You can schedule your first appointment with Dr. Spiess right here online. Just use our online scheduling tool, or call our office if you’re more comfortable speaking on the phone.