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.
31 years
Experience
Dr. Richard Stephen Gilbert, MD
- Great Neck, NY
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Accepting new patients
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Does exercise help nerve regeneration?
The answer is that exercising the muscles with hopefully prevent the muscles from atrophying while the nerve is regenerating. Exercise may not help the nerve regenerate, but it READ MORE
The answer is that exercising the muscles with hopefully prevent the muscles from atrophying while the nerve is regenerating. Exercise may not help the nerve regenerate, but it will keep the muscles strong once the nerve regenerates. So the simple answer is, exercise is beneficial. Good luck.
How risky is nerve surgery in the hand?
Nerve surgery in the hand is not "risky." As hand surgeons, we operate on nerves in the hand routinely. In terms of your specific type of nerve surgery, I would recommend that READ MORE
Nerve surgery in the hand is not "risky." As hand surgeons, we operate on nerves in the hand routinely. In terms of your specific type of nerve surgery, I would recommend that you discuss this with a hand surgeon. Good luck!
What is the best surgery for hand spasms?
Hand spasms are not treated with surgery. I would suggest you see a neurologist to determine why you are suffering from hand spasms. Depending upon the reason, there maybe medications READ MORE
Hand spasms are not treated with surgery. I would suggest you see a neurologist to determine why you are suffering from hand spasms. Depending upon the reason, there maybe medications that can treat your condition.
What wrist surgery can you get for arthritis?
That really depends upon the specific type of arthritis and the extent of your arthritis. There are many procedures that can be performed, such as wrist arthroscopy and debridement, READ MORE
That really depends upon the specific type of arthritis and the extent of your arthritis. There are many procedures that can be performed, such as wrist arthroscopy and debridement, partial fusion and even complete fusion for severe arthritis. I would suggest that you consult a hand surgeon.
Why does my hand pop sometimes?
There are many reasons why your hand may pop. In most cases it is secondary to gas deposition within the joint and this is nothing to worry about. If the popping is secondary READ MORE
There are many reasons why your hand may pop. In most cases it is secondary to gas deposition within the joint and this is nothing to worry about. If the popping is secondary to an injury or is associated with pain, then I would recommend you see a physician.
Can computer work cause rheumatic diseases?
The answer is no. By "rheumatic diseases" I assume you are referring to rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory arthropathy that is an immunologic condition READ MORE
The answer is no. By "rheumatic diseases" I assume you are referring to rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory arthropathy that is an immunologic condition and can never be caused by activities or computer use.
What are the signs of nerve damage in your hands?
Usually this presents with numbness and tingling of the fingers. In later stages, you may notice weakness and loss of dexterity.
How long does it take to bend your hand after surgery?
Unfortunately, I cannot answer that without knowing what kind of surgery you are undergoing. In most elective hand surgeries, you can begin moving your finger right after the READ MORE
Unfortunately, I cannot answer that without knowing what kind of surgery you are undergoing. In most elective hand surgeries, you can begin moving your finger right after the surgery, and in most cases, you are encouraged to do so. However, if you are having surgery for a fracture, then your finger(s) may need to be immobilized until your fracture heals. I would suggest that you discuss this with your surgeon.
Are men and women are at equal risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome?
Unfortunately for you, women are more at risk to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Most studies put women at three times higher risk to develop carpal tunnel syndrome compared to READ MORE
Unfortunately for you, women are more at risk to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Most studies put women at three times higher risk to develop carpal tunnel syndrome compared to men.
Good luck!
Good luck!
What promotes nerve healing?
That really depends upon what kind of "nerve damage" your son sustained. Nerves can recover and this depends upon which particular nerve was injured, the extent and location READ MORE
That really depends upon what kind of "nerve damage" your son sustained. Nerves can recover and this depends upon which particular nerve was injured, the extent and location of the damage and the mechanism of injury. If he did not need surgery, the only thing to do is wait and allow the nerve to recover. It is important to keep the hand and finger mobile and try to strengthen the muscles as much as possible to prevent atrophy. There are no known medications that help a nerve recover faster. Sometimes, electrical stimulation can be used to prevent muscular atrophy as the nerve recovers. In the past, Vitamin B12 was thought to promote nerve healing but this has been shown to have no benefit in a number of large scale studies. Good luck. I hope this helps.
How do you do everyday tasks after hand surgery?
That really depends upon the type of hand surgery that you are undergoing. If you are having a simple procedure such as a trigger finger release or a carpal tunnel release, then READ MORE
That really depends upon the type of hand surgery that you are undergoing. If you are having a simple procedure such as a trigger finger release or a carpal tunnel release, then you should be able to perform simple everyday tasks such as getting yourself dressed, eating, etc...the next day. I would suggest that you discuss this with your surgeon.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Is acupuncture good for arthritis in the hands?
The answer is that it possible may alleviate your symptoms from arthritis, but it will not actually alter the condition. Meaning, it will not prevent the arthritis from progressing. READ MORE
The answer is that it possible may alleviate your symptoms from arthritis, but it will not actually alter the condition. Meaning, it will not prevent the arthritis from progressing.
Can you repair nerve damage?
I assume you are referring to a nerve that is lacerated (cut). The answer is yes. A hand surgeon can repair nerves by suturing under a microscope. Good luck.
When can you write again after hand surgery?
That really depends upon the particular type of surgery that was performed. For simple procedures such as carpal tunnel release or trigger finger release, as long as you are comfortable, READ MORE
That really depends upon the particular type of surgery that was performed. For simple procedures such as carpal tunnel release or trigger finger release, as long as you are comfortable, you can start writing the next day. However, with more complex procedures, you may have more limitations. Best to ask your surgeon.
Hand pain?
My suggestion is that if you are still having pain after 8 weeks, you should see a physician to be examined and get X-rays. You want to be certain that you are not neglecting READ MORE
My suggestion is that if you are still having pain after 8 weeks, you should see a physician to be examined and get X-rays. You want to be certain that you are not neglecting an injury that could be more problematic in the future.
After Carpal Tunnel Surgery?
Yes, this is quite common is not cause for concern. You should note improvement in your numbness and tingling. If the pain worsens, then I would recommend you discuss this with READ MORE
Yes, this is quite common is not cause for concern. You should note improvement in your numbness and tingling. If the pain worsens, then I would recommend you discuss this with your physician. Good luck!
How long does it take for an incision to heal after hand surgery?
That really depends upon the length and location of the incision. Usually within 10-14 days the incision is fully healed. However, it can take several months for a scar to fully READ MORE
That really depends upon the length and location of the incision. Usually within 10-14 days the incision is fully healed. However, it can take several months for a scar to fully mature and flatten out.
What helps nerve pain in hands?
That really depends upon the reason you have "nerve pain" in your hands. The first thing you need to do is see a physician to get a proper diagnosis. The most common cause of READ MORE
That really depends upon the reason you have "nerve pain" in your hands. The first thing you need to do is see a physician to get a proper diagnosis. The most common cause of "nerve pain" in the hands, meaning numbness and tingling, is carpal tunnel syndrome. If this is the diagnosis, then treatments include splints, cortisone injections and sometimes surgery. I recommend that you see a hand surgeon to first get a proper diagnosis.
Do I need to go to hospital for a dislocated hand?
You absolutely should either goto a hospital or see a physician to obtain X-rays to make certain that it is still not dislocated and to make certain that there is not an associated READ MORE
You absolutely should either goto a hospital or see a physician to obtain X-rays to make certain that it is still not dislocated and to make certain that there is not an associated fracture. Good luck.
When should I go to the doctor for hand pain?
That really depends upon the nature of your pain. If you have had constant pain that has been persistent or worsening for at least several weeks, then you should probably consult READ MORE
That really depends upon the nature of your pain. If you have had constant pain that has been persistent or worsening for at least several weeks, then you should probably consult a physician. If your symptoms are mild and intermittent and not particularly bothersome, then you can probably give this some time to see if your symptoms resolve on their own. I hope this helps!
