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OrthoCare provides evaluation, treatment and education on a full range of conditions.

Knee Pain

Hip Pain

Shoulder Pain

Joint Replacement

Physical Therapy

Arthritis

Sprains and Fractures

Foot and Ankle Pain

Hand

Carpal Tunnel

Tennis Elbow

orthocare's team

Why

OrthoCare

The mission of OrthoCare in Harlingen, Texas, is to consistently deliver compassionate, high-quality medical care to individuals and to the community as a whole. 

Led by skilled orthopedic surgeon Stephanie Baker, MD, the OrthoCare team is committed to providing exceptional care with dignity and respect for every patient and their family.

As a physician-founded and physician-led organization, OrthoCare is uniquely poised to allow its doctors and clinicians to direct health care at every level. 

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Mission & Value

To deliver compassionate, quality care to patients and better healthcare to communities, these are our Values:

Quality: We are committed to always providing exceptional care and performance.

Compassion: We deliver patient-centered healthcare with compassion, dignity, and respect for every patient and their family.

Community: We are honored to be trusted partners who serve, give back, and grow with our communities.

Physician Led: We are a uniquely physician-founded and physician-led organization that allows doctors and clinicians to direct healthcare at every level.

OrthoCare

Our Providers

Stephanie Baker, M.D.

Stephanie Baker,
MD

Orthopedic Surgeon

Belinda Gonzalez, APRN, FNP-C

Belinda Gonzalez, APRN,
FNP-C

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Edith Ellorimo, LPT

Edith Ellorimo,
LPT

Physical Therapist

Joe Cespedes, LPT

Joe I Cespedes,
DPT

Physical Therapist

Jose A Cobos,
MD

Orthopedic Surgeon

Testimonials

Words From Our Happy Patients

Awards

★ Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery™ for 7 Consecutive Years (2014-2020)

★ Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award 2020, 2019, 10 consecutive years (2011 – 2020)

★ Named Among the Top 5% in the Nation for Overall Orthopedic Services in 2020

★ Named Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Overall Orthopedic Services for 10 Years in a Row (2011-2020)

★ Five-Star Recipient for Total Knee Replacement in 2020, 2019

★ Five-Star Recipient for Hip Fracture Treatment for 13 Consecutive Years (2008-2020)

★ Five-Star Recipient for Spinal Fusion Surgery (2020)

We accept most major insurance plans

List of Accepted Insurances

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OrthoCare

2114 Hale Drive
Harlingen, TX 78550
Appointments: 956-255-8678
General Inquiries: 956-365-4106

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Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
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Knee Pain Specialist

If you’re active in sports or other physical activities, you may be at increased risk for painful injuries to your knee joint. The team at OrthoCare in Harlingen, Texas, offers minimally invasive and surgical solutions for chronic knee pain. Experienced orthopedic surgeon Stephanie Baker, MD, customizes a treatment plan that may include steroid injections, physical therapy, or joint replacement surgery to restore function in your knee and keep you pain-free. Learn more about your options for treating persistent knee pain by calling OrthoCare or by requesting an appointment online today.

956-255-8678

Knee Pain Q & A

Acute knee pain often develops due to overuse injuries that affect your muscles and connective tissue. You may also experience sudden knee pain after a fall or sports-related injury. Acute pain typically resolves with rest and at-home care within four weeks.

However, when knee pain is chronic, meaning it lasts longer than six months, it can be the result of underlying medical conditions that compromise the structure of your knee joint or surrounding nerves. Chronic pain can also be due to severe knee injuries.

Common causes of chronic knee pain include:

  • Obesity
  • Arthritis
  • Bursitis
  • Sprains
  • Infection
  • Torn cartilage
  • Kneecap dislocation

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are also a common cause of chronic knee pain. The ACL is the large ligament that crosses your knee joint and keeps your kneecap in place. Tears can result from direct trauma to your knee joint or from repetitive use injuries common with sports, exercise, and manual labor.

When you experience sudden knee pain following an injury, you should stop putting weight on your knee and apply ice to reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter medications can also reduce inflammation and treat pain.

If these methods aren’t enough to resolve your knee pain, the team at OrthoCare offers on-site diagnostic testing, including ultrasounds and X-rays, to get a better understanding of what’s causing your pain. Your provider physically examines your knee and tests the range of motion in your joint.

Once they confirm the root cause of your knee pain, your OrthoCare provider customizes a treatment plan to relieve your pain and protect the function of your knee joint.

If medications aren’t enough to treat your persistent knee pain, your OrthoCare physician may recommend intra-articular knee injections, which contain a numbing agent and a steroid to reduce pain and inflammation. 

You may also be a candidate for regenerative medicine therapies that use stem cells and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to heal soft tissue and joint damage from the inside out. 

If you have a more serious knee injury, your provider may recommend surgery to repair or replace your knee joint. Surgical options available for knee pain include:

  • Knee arthroscopy
  • Meniscal surgery
  • ACL reconstruction
  • Tendon repair surgery
  • Multiligament reconstruction
  • Total knee replacement
  • Patellofemoral knee replacement
  • Unicompartmental and partial knee replacements

Following your surgical procedure, you can benefit from physical therapy with the on-site therapy team to restore function in your knee and strengthen the muscles that support your joint.

Find a solution to end your persistent knee pain by calling OrthoCare or by booking a consultation through the online booking system today.

Hip Pain Specialist

Your hips are critical to your ability to walk, run, or stand. They also provide stability to the rest of your body, which is why hip pain can become disabling. At OrthoCare in Harlingen, Texas, Stephanie Baker, MD, provides expert diagnosis and treatment for hip pain, including surgical interventions such as hip replacements and reconstructions. If you need specialized orthopedic care for hip pain, call OrthoCare or schedule a consultation online today.

956-255-8678

Hip Pain Q & A

Arthritis is one of the most prevalent causes of hip pain. You use your hip joints far more than you might imagine, and diseases like osteoarthritis accelerate the deterioration of the cartilage that protects and lubricates your joints. You can also develop rheumatoid arthritis in your hips. 

Your hip pain could also be due to injuries like tendinitis, bursitis, labral tears, or fractures. Sciatica and other spinal issues can also cause hip pain.

You’re more likely to experience hip pain if you’re overweight or have a condition like osteoporosis that weakens your bones. Your lifestyle can also contribute to hip pain — for example, if you have a sedentary lifestyle or a physically demanding job. 

You should never ignore pain, especially if it reduces your mobility or persists for more than a few days. Getting treatment as early as possible can reduce the amount of pain you experience overall and minimize disruption to your life. 

The doctors at OrthoCare provide comprehensive exams to identify the condition causing your hip pain. After reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle details, they complete a physical exam to evaluate your condition and look for causes of your pain. 

Your doctor might ask you to walk around the office or perform other movements so they can see how your pain interferes with your mobility and look for other clues to aid their diagnosis. 

You might also need X-rays, MRIs, or other diagnostic tests to help your doctor gather the details they need to diagnose the issue causing your hip pain. 

At OrthoCare, the doctors create customized treatment programs, combining therapies to relieve your pain and heal your hip. Depending on your condition, your doctor might recommend:

  • Physical therapy
  • Musculoskeletal ultrasound-guided injections
  • Nerve blocks
  • Spinal cord stimulation trials
  • Regenerative medicine
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Medication

In some cases, conservative treatments might not resolve your pain. In these cases, your doctor discusses surgical options, including:

  • Total hip replacement
  • Hip hemiarthroplasty (replacing half of the hip)
  • Revision hip replacement
  • Anterolateral hip replacement
  • Hip reconstruction
  • Hip fracture surgery

If you have hip pain, contact the team at OrthoCare by calling the office or making an appointment online today.

Shoulder Pain Specialist

If you experience intense shoulder pain or have limited range of motion, you can get the comprehensive care you need at OrthoCare in Harlingen, Texas. Experienced orthopedic surgeons Stephanie Baker, MD, offers both nonsurgical and surgical solutions for treating the underlying cause of shoulder pain. Whether you need steroid injections or total shoulder replacement surgery, you can rely on the expertise of the orthopedic team at OrthoCare. Schedule an appointment online or by calling the office today to learn more about available treatments for shoulder pain.

956-255-8678

Shoulder Pain Q & A

Your shoulder is a complex joint that allows you to move in a variety of ways. Injuries from overuse or disease in any of the structures that make up your joint can cause shoulder pain.

One common injury that causes chronic shoulder pain is a rotator cuff tear. The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that connect muscle to bone. When you tear these tendons, it reduces your range of motion, and you may find it painful to lift your arm up over your head.

Other causes of shoulder pain include:

  • Arthritis
  • Fractures
  • Bone spurs
  • Labrum tears
  • Torn cartilage
  • Joint dislocation
  • Nerve compression

When you can no longer treat shoulder pain at home, or if your pain is worsening even with treatment, you should schedule a diagnostic evaluation with the orthopedic team at OrthoCare.

To find out the root cause of your shoulder pain, your OrthoCare provider takes time to review your medical history and your physical activities, including exercise and sports.

You may also need diagnostic imaging tests, like X-rays or an ultrasound, that are available on-site to ensure you receive fast, accurate results.

Once they understand the source of your shoulder pain, the medical team customizes a treatment plan to relieve your pain and improve the function of your shoulder joint.

Initially, your OrthoCare provider may recommend nonsurgical treatments to relieve your shoulder pain and reduce inflammation. This may include oral medications or injections of steroids and an anesthetic.

Other treatments for shoulder pain include:

Physical therapy

You may also benefit from physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support your shoulder joint, and the improved blood circulation promotes natural healing.

Regenerative medicine

Regenerative medicine therapies are an effective treatment option for soft tissue tears and joint degeneration. 

By injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cells into your shoulder joint, you can heal from the inside out. These substances found naturally in your body help to repair damaged tissue and bone by producing new, healthy cells to replace damaged ones.

Surgery

If you have a serious shoulder injury or progressive degenerative disease, you may be a candidate for surgery. The team at OrthoCare offers several types of orthopedic shoulder surgeries. Among them are:

  • Shoulder stabilization
  • Shoulder arthroscopy
  • Rotator cuff repair
  • Shoulder joint replacement

The skilled surgeons also perform superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) surgery to reattach your bicep tendon to the labrum, which is strong cartilage that supports the socket and ball of your joint.

You don’t have to live with chronic shoulder pain. Find out if you’re a candidate for orthopedic surgery or other available treatment by calling OrthoCare, or by requesting an appointment online today.

Joint Replacement Specialist

Around 1 million Americans have joint replacement surgery every year. If you have late-stage arthritis, joint replacement can remove the limits that your disease imposes. For optimal results from your joint replacement, you need the very best in experienced surgeons. At OrthoCare, the skilled team, led by Stephanie Baker, MD, performs hip and knee replacements using the most advanced surgical approaches. Learn what joint replacement can do for you by calling the Harlingen, Texas, office now, or you can use the online scheduler any time.

956-255-8678

Joint Replacement Q & A

Joint replacement is surgery in which your OrthoCare surgeon removes your damaged joint and replaces it with new plastic, ceramic, or metal components. 

Depending on your needs, your surgeon may replace only part of the joint. For example, a partial hip replacement replaces only the ball part of your hip joint but leaves the socket intact. 

The new joint functions smoothly, like a healthy natural joint, and it won’t degrade over time like natural tissue will. Joint replacement is often the next step if conservative care treatments like physical therapy, injections, and medication don’t offer adequate relief for your joint pain. 

The OrthoCare team may recommend joint replacement for anyone dealing with chronic joint problems in their hips or knees. Less common types of joint replacement include ankle, shoulder, elbow, and wrist joint replacement. You could be a good candidate for joint replacement if you have:

  • Severe joint damage from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
  • Ongoing joint pain 
  • Lost range of motion in your joint
  • Experienced a traumatic joint injury
  • Bone cancer or bone malformations in the joint
  • Osteonecrosis, which is bone death related to lack of blood supply
  • A bone fracture that won’t heal

Age isn’t necessarily a prerequisite for joint replacement surgery, but most joint replacement candidates are in their 60s. The average age of joint replacement is decreasing due to rising obesity rates and the corresponding stress on the joints. 

After your OrthoCare surgeon performs your joint replacement surgery at the state-of-the-art Harlingen Medical Center, you typically start your recovery protocol right away. Usually, you start using your new joint through physical therapy and prescribed exercises. 

As with any surgery, it’s normal to have some discomfort as you recover. But, by following your surgeon’s directions, you can have the fastest possible recovery. 

Your physical therapy and exercise build up the joint’s support muscles as your tissue heals. This forms a long-term stable support system for your new joint. 

Overall, it can take around three months to return to full normal activity, although this can vary by patient. Many patients are able to return to work after around six weeks, especially if they have a desk job. Everyone is different, so your surgeon can give you personalized recommendations.  

For joint replacement from the premier orthopedic surgery team in Harlingen, call OrthoCare or use the online booking tool now.

Physical Therapy Specialist

To help you recover more efficiently from a sports injury or orthopedic surgery, the team at OrthoCare in Harlingen, Texas, offers on-site physical therapy services. Orthopedic surgeon Stephanie Baker, MD, works closely with the in-house physical therapists to ensure you’re healing properly and enjoying a physically active, pain-free life. The therapy team uses the latest advancements in therapeutic modalities to rebuild muscle strength and restore mobility. Learn more about the rehabilitative benefits of physical therapy by calling OrthoCare or by requesting a consultation through the online booking feature today.

956-255-8678

Physical Therapy Q & A

Physical therapy involves the evaluation and treatment of conditions that affect your musculoskeletal function and mobility.

The on-site physical therapy team at OrthoCare is highly experienced in assessing your mobility and range of motion to help you recover fully from an injury or underlying medical condition. They use a variety of exercises, manual techniques, and therapeutic modalities to improve the efficiency and speed of your healing and keep you pain-free.

You may be a candidate for physical therapy as part of your rehabilitation from an injury due to a fall, auto accident, or a sports-related injury.

The team at OrthoCare carefully assesses your injury and oversees any necessary treatment. They may refer you for physical therapy soon after your treatment to help you rebuild muscle strength and improve your range of motion.

Physical therapy is an effective rehabilitative treatment for acute and chronic pain and immobility that results from:

  • Stroke
  • Arthritis
  • Fractures
  • Neck pain
  • Back pain
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Foot and ankle injuries
  • Overuse and repetitive motion injuries

The OrthoCare team also recommends physical therapy as part of the recovery process from sports-related injuries and orthopedic surgeries.

During your initial appointment with the OrthoCare physical therapists, you can expect to spend time discussing your existing condition and your medical history. Your therapist assesses your range of motion and overall mobility to determine what you need to do to recover from an injury or surgery.

Your treatment plan may include a variety of therapeutic exercises you can do in the office and at home. The therapy team also uses modalities like electrical stimulation to improve your muscle function and reduce existing pain.

Electrical stimulation involves the placement of several electrodes on the surface of your skin. These electrodes deliver low currents of energy into your muscles to interfere with pain signals that are traveling to your brain.

Your OrthoCare physical therapist can determine how often you need to participate in physical therapy to achieve the best results based on your condition and unique needs.

To learn more about the benefits of physical therapy, call OrthoCare to schedule an appointment, or request a consultation through the online booking system.

Arthritis Specialist

If you live with stiff, swollen, painful joints, you might be one of the 54 million Americans with arthritis. Stephanie Baker, MD, diagnoses arthritis and offer personalized care at OrthoCare in Harlingen, Texas. The goal is to reduce your pain and help you get back to your regular activities. Don’t ignore joint pain. Call OrthoCare or schedule a consultation online today for expert care.

956-255-8678

Arthritis Q & A

Arthritis is a group of over 100 different diseases that cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness in your joints. Some of the common symptoms of arthritis include:

  • Stiff and swollen joints
  • Chronic joint pain
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Skin that looks red or shiny
  • Joint deformity 

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis. It’s degenerative and develops when the cartilage that cushions and protects your joints wears away. Other common types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, and lupus. 

As with many health issues, the earlier you start treatment, the better. If you’re having chronic joint pain, mobility problems, or any other signs of arthritis, make an appointment with the doctors at OrthoCare right away. 

When you start treatment early, you can reduce the extent and severity of your joint pain. The doctors can also help you keep active so you can maintain your quality of life. 

The doctors at OrthoCare begin with a physical examination of your painful joints. They feel for signs of swelling and deformity and might test your range of motion, strength, and flexibility. Your doctor also reviews your medical history and asks questions about your symptoms and lifestyle. 

If necessary, your doctor orders diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays and MRIs to evaluate the inside of your joint in more detail. If your doctor suspects rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, they also order blood tests to collect more information about your health.

The doctors at OrthoCare carefully craft treatment plans to address your specific needs. They often combine approaches within your treatment plans to address your pain and joint health from multiple angles. Your treatment plan could include:

  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Joint injections
  • Regenerative medicine
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Nerve blocks
  • Spinal cord stimulation

The doctors often include physical therapy in arthritis treatment plans. While exercise might seem like the last thing you want to do when you have joint pain, strengthening the muscles and connective tissue around your joint can reduce your pain and risk of future injury in the long run. 

If you have chronic joint pain and are concerned about arthritis, call OrthoCare or make an appointment online today.

Sprains And Fractures Specialist

Sprains and fractures have more in common than you may think: Both are intensely painful and damaging if you don’t get treatment. At OrthoCare in Harlingen, Texas, the experienced orthopedic surgery delivers the best in sprain and fracture diagnosis and care. Trusted physician Stephanie Baker, MD, uses today’s most advanced treatment protocols to get you back to even better than before after a sprain or fracture. Click the online scheduler or call the office for help now.

956-255-8678

Sprains and Fractures Q & A

A sprain is a ligament injury that occurs with either overstretching or tearing. Your ligaments join two bones together, so they play an extremely important role in your overall musculoskeletal function and health. 

Although your ligaments are tough fibrous cords, they’re vulnerable to sprains if the bones they’re retaining move out of place even briefly. Many sprains happen during sports, but you can just as easily sprain a ligament when you trip and fall or when you lose your balance on unstable ground. 

Symptoms of sprains usually include pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to bear weight on the affected body part. The most common sprains occur in the ankle, but you can also sprain ligaments in your knee, wrist, or other areas. 

A fracture is a partial or complete break in a bone. The most common cause of fractures is trauma, which often occurs with sports injuries or in accidents. 

If you have osteoporosis, cancer, or another condition that weakens your bones, you could sustain a fracture after even a minor collision or fall. 

Fractures may be hairline cracks, breaks that don’t actually move the bone, breaks that completely knock the bone out of alignment, or even breaks in which part of the bone breaks your skin. 

Fractures are often quite painful, and they may cause swelling, bruising, and inability to bear weight on the affected part of your body. Some common areas for fractures include the ankles, hips, wrists, and legs. 

Sprains and fractures can cause serious symptoms, and if you don’t get treatment, you risk an even worse injury. The OrthoCare team offers all-encompassing sprain and fracture care on-site. Your treatment may include: 

  • Brace, splint, or cast
  • Oral medication
  • Physical therapy
  • Regenerative medicine, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
  • Closed reduction (bone resetting)
  • Surgical repair using plates, screws, and other hardware
  • Surgical ligament repair, graft, or replacement
  • Joint replacement

OrthoCare typically recommends a conservative approach to sprain and fracture care when possible. If you’re unable to heal naturally, a variety of cutting-edge treatments can jump-start your recovery. 

If you need surgery for a sprain or fracture, you can count on the world-class orthopedic surgeons at OrthoCare for a safe and effective procedure. 

Get immediate sprain and fracture care from leading orthopedic surgery specialists by calling OrthoCare or using the online scheduler now.

Foot And Ankle Pain Specialist

Foot and ankle pain can start in the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other structures in your lower extremities, which sometimes makes diagnosis and treatment a challenge. With the world-class medical team at OrthoCare in Harlingen, Texas, on your side, however, you’re assured of an accurate diagnosis and long-lasting relief. Stephanie Baker, MD, specializes in orthopedic surgery, giving you truly comprehensive care for foot and ankle pain in one convenient location. Call the office now or click on the online scheduling tool for help.

956-255-8678

Foot and Ankle Pain Q & A

There are a very large number of reasons for foot and ankle pain. Among common examples:

  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Ligament injuries
  • Ankle sprains
  • Bone fractures
  • Bone dislocations
  • Arthritis
  • Bunions
  • Bursitis
  • Hammertoe
  • Heel spur
  • Flatfoot
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

The foot and ankle pain specialists at OrthoCare can identify and treat any kind of foot or ankle injury or damage. Whether you have a sports injury, long-term pain due to chronic disease, extreme foot or ankle trauma, or some other type of problem, the skilled team is here for you.

The OrthoCare team offers full diagnostic services on-site in their state-of-the-art facility. The skilled doctors perform a clinical exam and medical history review, along with a discussion regarding your symptoms, lifestyle, and pain. 

You may need a biomechanical movement analysis so your doctor can find movement patterns that caused or exacerbated your pain, especially if you have a sports injury. 

Many of the causes of foot and ankle pain occur within small bones, ligaments, and tendons. To identify these problems, your doctor may perform an X-ray, MRI, or other imaging test. You may need a nerve conduction test if your doctor suspects nerve damage is causing your foot or ankle pain.

Foot and ankle pain treatment at OrthoCare includes immediate symptom relief along with treatment to specifically target the primary cause of your pain. Your treatment may include:

  • Bracing, splinting, or casting
  • Oral medication
  • Physical therapy
  • Cortisone and anesthetic injections
  • Nerve block injections
  • Regenerative medicine, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Ankle joint replacement
  • Ligament repair, graft, or replacement
  • Tendon repair, graft, or replacement

The OrthoCare team is dedicated to your full recovery in the shortest time possible. 

Whenever possible, they treat your foot and ankle pain using conservative care or minimally invasive treatments, but they’re also premier orthopedic surgeons who can correct any structural problems through surgery if needed. 

If your foot or ankle pain doesn’t go away after a short period of rest, call the office or use the online appointment scheduler now.

Hand Specialist

When hand pain strikes, it can become severely disabling and interfere with many aspects of your life. Stephanie Baker, MD, at OrthoCare in Harlingen, Texas, offers expert diagnosis and treatment for hand pain, helping you get back to your regular activities with minimal disruption to your life. Call OrthoCare or make an appointment online today for specialized orthopedic treatment for hand pain.

956-255-8678

Hand Pain Q & A

In each hand, you have 27 small bones, plus a network of muscles and connective tissue that allow you to make precise movements and gestures. Your pain can originate in the delicate structures of your hand or result from nerve compression in your wrist, arm, shoulder, or neck.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are common causes of hand pain. These conditions cause inflammation, swelling, and stiffness in your joints, which is not only painful but reduces your mobility. 

You might also sustain an injury such as a dislocation or a fracture. While hand injuries such as these are common sports injuries, you can injure your hand in other situations. You could develop ganglion cysts, trigger finger, or Dupuytren’s syndrome. 

Repetitive use injuries can cause tendinitis and other problems in your hand. For example, if you have a job or hobby that requires repetitive hand movements such as typing, knitting, or playing a musical instrument, you have an increased risk of hand pain. 

The doctors at OrthoCare diagnose the condition causing your hand pain with careful exams. They begin by reviewing your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle and ask about any injuries or issues that could contribute to your pain. 

Your doctor carefully examines your hand, wrist, and arm, manipulating your muscles, soft tissue, and joints to feel for inflammation or deformity. They also use X-rays and other imaging studies to examine the inside of your hand. If you have signs of nerve damage, your doctor might recommend a nerve conduction study.

After your doctor diagnoses the cause of your hand pain, they create a personalized treatment program to heal your hand, relieve your pain, and restore your range of motion. Depending on your needs, your doctor might combine treatments such as:

  • Medication
  • Splints and braces
  • Regenerative medicine
  • Injections
  • Nerve blocks

When necessary, the doctors offer surgical treatments to repair injuries, relieve nerve compression, or release tight connective tissue. In many cases, they suggest physical therapy to rehabilitate your hand and help you rebuild strength, range of motion, and dexterity. 

Call OrthoCare or schedule a consultation online today if you have hand pain that disrupts your life or independence.

Carpal Tunnel Specialist

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common and progressive condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in your hands and arms. At OrthoCare in Harlingen, Texas, Stephanie Baker, MD, diagnoses carpal tunnel syndrome and offers personalized treatment to relieve your condition and help you get back to your regular activities. If you have any signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, call OrthoCare or schedule a consultation online today.

956-255-8678

Carpal Tunnel Q & A

Your carpal tunnels are the small passages in your wrists surrounding the median nerves as they travel into your hands. The carpal tunnels are bone on three sides and are closed by the transverse carpal ligament, a strong band of connective tissue. 

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when inflammation in the tissues surrounding your carpal tunnel reduces the space available for your nerve and causes nerve compression. As a result, you develop symptoms such as:

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers
  • Electrical shock-like sensations that shoot into your hand
  • Pain or tingling that extends up your arm
  • Weakness and clumsiness in your hand

You might find that you drop things frequently or have trouble holding a cup of coffee or a pen.

Carpal tunnel syndrome usually develops gradually. You might notice symptoms at night or after holding your hands and wrists in an extended position for a long time — for example, while you type on a keyboard at work.  

Many factors contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. Repetitive movements like typing, knitting, or playing a musical instrument can cause inflammation in your wrists. 

Carpal tunnel also has hereditary factors — you might have a smaller carpal tunnel or other anatomical differences that increase your risk. Pregnancy and other health conditions can also cause swelling that triggers carpal tunnel syndrome. 

The doctors at OrthoCare begin by providing a thorough exam and testing to confirm your diagnosis. They review your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle factors while examining your hands, wrists, and arms. 

Your doctor looks for signs of muscle atrophy around the base of your thumb. They test your grip strength and sensitivity in your fingertips. When necessary to confirm your diagnosis, they use nerve conduction studies, X-rays, and MRIs.

After confirming your diagnosis, your doctor recommends a treatment plan to reduce inflammation in your wrists and relieve your symptoms. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor might recommend:

  • Bracing and splinting
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Physical therapy
  • Cortisone injections

When conservative treatments don’t relieve your condition, your doctor might recommend a surgical procedure to release your carpal tunnel. 

If you have any signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, getting treatment early is essential to minimizing the disruption to your life. Call OrthoCare today or make an appointment online for expert treatment.

Tennis Elbow Specialist

Tennis elbow is a common issue for adults in the 30-50 age group. While it might sound like only a minor inconvenience, tennis elbow can actually cause significant pain and weakness that restricts your daily activities. Fortunately, the OrthoCare team, led by Stephanie Baker, MD, understands the intricacies of tennis elbow diagnosis, management, and recovery. The skilled team performs all treatments and procedures on-site in their state-of-the-art facility in Harlingen, Texas. Book your appointment with online scheduling, or call the office now.

956-255-8678

Tennis Elbow Q & A

Tennis elbow is an elbow injury that typically occurs with overuse of the forearm muscles. As the name implies, this condition often affects tennis players who strain their forearm muscles. 

Assembly line workers, casino dealers, cooks, carpenters, and others who regularly make repetitive arm and wrist movements can develop tennis elbow, as well. 

Tennis elbow can cause serious pain and other problems in the elbow area, lower arm, or even your wrist if you don't get treatment. 

Tennis elbow symptoms typically include:

  • Radiating pain that starts in your outer elbow and sometimes moves down
  • Burning sensation in your outer elbow
  • Weak-feeling elbow, arm, or wrist
  • Difficulty with gripping, like holding a pencil or a glass

For some tennis elbow sufferers, the pain is worse at night. Generally, using your forearm for any forceful motions worsens tennis elbow symptoms.

Tennis elbow symptoms can come and go, so you might think the problem has suddenly cleared up if you don’t have symptoms for a day or two. 

Most likely, however, the lack of symptoms means you’ve greatly reduced arm usage, so as soon as you try to resume normal arm use, you’ll be in pain again. Treatment is the best way to permanently resolve the problems causing your symptoms so you can use your arm without pain or fear. 

Tennis elbow treatment typically includes conservative care, such as:

  • Rest
  • Physical therapy
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Bracing
  • Injections — corticosteroids and anesthetics
  • Regenerative medicine treatments to restore your damaged tissue
  • Biomechanical motion evaluation
  • Improved sports technique

If your tennis elbow resists conservative care for 6-12 months, the OrthoCare specialists may recommend a surgical procedure for long-lasting relief. Tennis elbow surgery can be either traditional open surgery with a longer incision or arthroscopic surgery with a pair of very small incisions. 

During arthroscopic or open tennis elbow surgery, your surgeon can remove damaged tissue, resurface bone tissue, or remove a small section of bone depending on your needs. The ultimate goal of tennis elbow surgery is restoring normal motion and relieving pain long-term.

The OrthoCare team has extensive experience in all types of conservative, minimally invasive, and operative care for tennis elbow. Call the dedicated team in their Harlingen office or use the online scheduler now.