EXPERT
Dr. Richard Stephen Gilbert, MD
Hand Surgeon
Richard S. Gilbert, M.D. is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in surgery of the hand and upper extremity. He is the Chief of the Hand Service at Syosset Hospital, the Director of the Hand Service at the Peconic Bay Medical Center, Director at Northwell Health and an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. He received a bachelor's degree from The Johns Hopkins University, and a medical degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He completed his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at the Mount Sinai Medical Center and a Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery Fellowship at the Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Gilbert’s specialty interest is in the treatment and reconstruction of fractures, soft tissue injuries, and neuropathies involving the hand and upper extremity. He employs both traditional and the most advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive techniques, such as endoscopic carpal tunnel release, minimally invasive fracture repair, and small joint arthroscopy. Dr. Gilbert is a member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and The New York Society for Surgery of the Hand. He presently serves as the Secretary of The New York Society for Surgery of the Hand. He has published medical articles and presented at regional and national orthopedic conferences on conditions related to the hand and upper extremity. He has performed funded research related to the hand and upper extremity. Dr. Gilbert has received numerous awards and honors, including Castle Connolly Top Doctors, New York Magazine’s Best Doctor, New York Times Super Doctors, Newsday Top Doctors on Long Island, Best Doctors in America, Patients’ Choice Award and Most Compassionate Doctor.
32 years
Experience
Dr. Richard Stephen Gilbert, MD
- Great Neck, NY
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Accepting new patients
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Weird hand feeling?
It is difficult for me to diagnose this based upon your description. That being said, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. I suggest you consult a hand surgeon to get a proper READ MORE
It is difficult for me to diagnose this based upon your description. That being said, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. I suggest you consult a hand surgeon to get a proper diagnosis.
How long does it take to recover from trigger finger surgery?
The recovery is usually pretty quick after a trigger finger release, but this can vary patient to patient. You can use the hand right away after surgery to perform activities READ MORE
The recovery is usually pretty quick after a trigger finger release, but this can vary patient to patient. You can use the hand right away after surgery to perform activities of daily living. You can drive and do light typing, etc... the next day. However, it can sometimes take upwards of 6 weeks to fully return to all activities, such as tennis or golf for example. Good luck!
Can a scar be removed by plastic surgery?
Yes, most scars, if necessary, can be surgically removed by either a plastic surgeon or by a hand surgeon. That being said, a scar can recur after surgical removal. Your surgeon READ MORE
Yes, most scars, if necessary, can be surgically removed by either a plastic surgeon or by a hand surgeon. That being said, a scar can recur after surgical removal. Your surgeon can discuss what you can do to prevent recurrence post-operative.
How long does it take to recover from carpal tunnel surgery?
The general answer is that recovery after carpal tunnel release surgery is usually pretty quick. In terms of doing regular activities such as driving and typing and cooking, you READ MORE
The general answer is that recovery after carpal tunnel release surgery is usually pretty quick. In terms of doing regular activities such as driving and typing and cooking, you can usually do such things a day or two after the surgery. That being said, each surgeon has his or her protocol, so best to discuss this with your surgeon. In addition, recovery is usually quicker after endoscopic release than it is for an open carpal tunnel release. Speak to your surgeon about the particular procedure that you will be undergoing. Good luck!
Should I see a neurologist for numbness and tingling?
Hello. You can either see a neurologist or first see a hand surgeon. Most commonly numbness and tingling in the hand is secondary to carpal tunnel syndrome, but there are many READ MORE
Hello. You can either see a neurologist or first see a hand surgeon. Most commonly numbness and tingling in the hand is secondary to carpal tunnel syndrome, but there are many other causes. If needed, a neurologist can perform an electrodiagnostic study (EMGs) to make the correct diagnosis.
Good luck.
Good luck.
How long is physical therapy after hand surgery?
That really depends upon the type of surgery that you have undergone. Some surgeries often do not require any post-operative therapy, such as a carpal tunnel release. In contrast, READ MORE
That really depends upon the type of surgery that you have undergone. Some surgeries often do not require any post-operative therapy, such as a carpal tunnel release. In contrast, other surgeries, such as after a flexor tendon laceration, may require several months of therapy. Best to discuss this with your surgeon. Good luck!
How do you treat painful hand arthritis?
That really depends upon where in the hand your arthritis is located. Oftentimes, this can be treated with either anti-inflammatory medications if there is no contraindication READ MORE
That really depends upon where in the hand your arthritis is located. Oftentimes, this can be treated with either anti-inflammatory medications if there is no contraindication or cortisone injections. You could also consider occupational therapy. If all of these treatments do not provide you with relief of your symptoms, then sometimes surgery is indicated.
How long does finger nerve damage take to heal?
That depends upon what you mean by "nerve damage." If you injured or cut a nerve and it was surgically repaired, then this is what you can expect: In general, a nerve begins to READ MORE
That depends upon what you mean by "nerve damage." If you injured or cut a nerve and it was surgically repaired, then this is what you can expect: In general, a nerve begins to regenerate after about 3-4 weeks, and then it continues to regenerate at a rate of 1 millimeter per day. You can measure this out on your finger to see how long it will take. In general, it will take about 2-3 months before you should notice any improvement.
Good luck!
Good luck!
What is going on with my wrist?
It looks like you have a ganglion cyst. If it bothers you, then you should see a hand surgeon in consultation. Treatment options are either aspiration or surgical excision. READ MORE
It looks like you have a ganglion cyst. If it bothers you, then you should see a hand surgeon in consultation. Treatment options are either aspiration or surgical excision. If it does not bother you, then nothing necessarily needs to be done.
Do bone spurs have to be surgically removed?
Bone spurs of the wrist do not need to be removed unless they cause pain or other symptoms. The majority of bone spurs of the hand and wrist cause minimal symptoms and do not READ MORE
Bone spurs of the wrist do not need to be removed unless they cause pain or other symptoms. The majority of bone spurs of the hand and wrist cause minimal symptoms and do not need to be surgically removed. In either case, bone spurs of the wrist are usually not "serious."
Will I be sedated during my hand surgery?
The answer is most likely yes. Most hand surgery procedures are performed under a local anesthetic block and intravenous sedation. Your anesthesiologist will discuss this with READ MORE
The answer is most likely yes. Most hand surgery procedures are performed under a local anesthetic block and intravenous sedation. Your anesthesiologist will discuss this with you on the day of your surgery. Good luck!
Will normal hand function come back after breaking your hand?
That is a difficult question to answer and depends upon the specific bone that you fractured and any other associated injuries. That being said, most hand fractures heal with minimal READ MORE
That is a difficult question to answer and depends upon the specific bone that you fractured and any other associated injuries. That being said, most hand fractures heal with minimal to no long-term functional deficits to the patient.
How is a nerve block done for hand surgery?
An injection is given by the anesthesiologist in the region of the shoulder or upper arm. The advantage to a nerve block is that you do not require general anesthesia. Most often READ MORE
An injection is given by the anesthesiologist in the region of the shoulder or upper arm. The advantage to a nerve block is that you do not require general anesthesia. Most often you are sedated during the surgery, similar to a colonoscopy, for example. The other advantage is that your arm will remain numb after the surgery, sometimes up to 24 to 48 hours, so that you do not have any pain immediately after your surgery. Good luck
Can drinking apple cider vinegar help with nerve pain?
The simple answer is not that I have heard. This is certainly not a proven treatment for nerve pain. That being said, there is probably no harm in trying.
Can a fracture move in a cast?
Yes, a fracture can move or settle in a cast if it is an unstable fracture. That is why you need to be closely followed by your physician while you are in the cast and get serial READ MORE
Yes, a fracture can move or settle in a cast if it is an unstable fracture. That is why you need to be closely followed by your physician while you are in the cast and get serial X-rays. That being said, there are fractures that we know are stable and do not need to be followed so closely.
Why do I have hard lumps on my fingers and thumbs?
Obviously, I cannot make a diagnosis without examining your hand. That being said, the most common causes of "hard lumps" on your fingers would be arthritis, or possibly what READ MORE
Obviously, I cannot make a diagnosis without examining your hand. That being said, the most common causes of "hard lumps" on your fingers would be arthritis, or possibly what is called Dupuytren's disease. There are many other possibilities as well. I suggest you consult a hand surgeon to get a proper diagnosis.
Is twitching a sign of nerve damage?
This may be neurologic in origin, or possible secondary to a muscular or metabolic condition. I would recommend that you consult a neurologist or your primary care physician. READ MORE
This may be neurologic in origin, or possible secondary to a muscular or metabolic condition. I would recommend that you consult a neurologist or your primary care physician.
When should I worry about hand numbness?
If you have only had numbness for 2 days, I would not be concerned. If it persists past 2 weeks or so or it worsens, then I would consult a physician. Also, if you note any weakness READ MORE
If you have only had numbness for 2 days, I would not be concerned. If it persists past 2 weeks or so or it worsens, then I would consult a physician. Also, if you note any weakness or numbness in any other area, then I would suggest you consult a physician.
How do I get rid of numbness in my hand?
That really depends upon what is causing the numbness in your hand. The most common cause of numbness in the hands is carpal tunnel syndrome. You should consult a physician for READ MORE
That really depends upon what is causing the numbness in your hand. The most common cause of numbness in the hands is carpal tunnel syndrome. You should consult a physician for an examination and a proper diagnosis.
How long does hand nerve damage take to heal?
That depends upon what you mean by "nerve damage." If you are referring to a nerve laceration that was repaired surgically, this really depends upon the specific nerve lacerated READ MORE
That depends upon what you mean by "nerve damage." If you are referring to a nerve laceration that was repaired surgically, this really depends upon the specific nerve lacerated and how close it was lacerated to the hand. That being said, a general rule is that it takes about 3 weeks for a nerve to begin to regenerate after it is surgically repaired or injured and then it regenerates at an average of 1 millimeter per day. Good luck.
