Hand Pain Doctor

HAND, WRIST, AND ELBOW ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON LOCATED IN KIRKLAND, WA

Hand Doctor

Dr. Samuel Galle is an orthopedic hand pain doctor, hand surgeon, and fellowship-trained specialist who specializes in diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm. Located in Bellevue and Kirkland, WA, Dr. Galle offers hand pain treatments that range from non-surgical options like medication, splinting, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections to advanced minimally invasive surgery, depending on the underlying hand pain causes and severity.

When to See a Hand Pain Specialist

Hand pain can have various causes ranging from acute traumatic injuries to degenerative joint wear. Patients visiting our clinic often report symptoms such as localized pain, aching, tenderness, stiffness, reduced range of motion, weakness, or loss of grip strength. Dr. Galle is specially trained to identify and treat these and many other underlying problems and conditions.

Common Hand Conditions Diagnosed and Treated

Arthritis in Hands: Osteoarthritis can affect many joints in the hand, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Trigger fingers: Inflammation at the base of the finger can result in a “catching” sensation with pain and discomfort, particularly with movement.
Hand Fractures and Finger Dislocations: Injuries such as fractures or dislocations of the hand or fingers can cause severe pain and loss of function if not treated correctly in a timely fashion.
Ganglion Cysts on Hands: These noncancerous lumps can develop along the tendons or joints of the hand, causing pain or discomfort.
Dupuytren’s Contracture: This condition involves the thickening and tightening of the tissue beneath the skin of the hand, leading to the fingers being pulled into a bent position.
Nerve Pain in Hands: many patients describe a painful or tingling feeling.

Diagnostic Methods Used by a Hand Pain Doctor

As a dedicated hand pain doctor, Dr. Galle utilizes advanced diagnostic methods to pinpoint the structural cause of your pain. He uses a variety of techniques, including:

Physical Examination: A comprehensive clinical evaluation of hand anatomy, joint stability, nerve sensitivity, tendon function, and range of motion.
Diagnostic Imaging: Same-day digital X-rays to assess bone fractures and joint space, alongside expedited access to high-resolution MRI or Clarius ultra-high frequency ultrasound for soft tissue and tendon visualization.
Wrist Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure using a micro-camera to inspect and repair internal joint cartilage or ligament damage.
Electrodiagnostic Testing: Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG) are used to measure nerve conductivity and to diagnose the cause of hand pain.

What is Arthroscopy of the Hand?

Arthroscopy of the hand is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a small camera to look inside of a joint. By inserting a miniature camera (an arthroscope) through micro-incisions, Dr. Galle can directly inspect, diagnose, and repair damaged cartilage, torn ligaments, or joint inflammation in real time on a high-definition monitor. Because healthy surrounding tissue is preserved, hand arthroscopy offers patients smaller scars, reduced post-procedure pain, and a significantly faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.