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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What do plastic surgeons recommend for hand scars?
The best thing is to initially perform deep scar massage. You can use vaseline, vitamin E oil, or cocoa butter. There are also commercially available scar creams. If that does READ MORE
The best thing is to initially perform deep scar massage. You can use vaseline, vitamin E oil, or cocoa butter. There are also commercially available scar creams. If that does not work, then sometimes cortisone injections can soften up scars. For more severe scars, laser treatment or even surgery for deep severe scar tissue may be indicated.
Is burnt skin repair surgery an elective procedure?
This is a question that you will need to discuss with your surgeon. That being said, if this is not an acute burn and the surgery is to remove scarred skin, then more then likely READ MORE
This is a question that you will need to discuss with your surgeon. That being said, if this is not an acute burn and the surgery is to remove scarred skin, then more then likely this will be cancelled give the current regulations on elective surgery. Good luck and be safe!
Can a pinched nerve cause pain in your hand?
If your symptoms are numbness and tingling in the fingers at night, then yes it can be a "pinched nerve." This could possibly be carpal tunnel syndrome. I recommend you see your READ MORE
If your symptoms are numbness and tingling in the fingers at night, then yes it can be a "pinched nerve." This could possibly be carpal tunnel syndrome. I recommend you see your physician or a hand specialist to be examined.
Why is my left arm and hand tingling?
The most common cause of tingling in the hand is carpal tunnel syndrome. Other potential causes are a pinched nerve in your neck, or possibly compression of the ulnar nerve at READ MORE
The most common cause of tingling in the hand is carpal tunnel syndrome. Other potential causes are a pinched nerve in your neck, or possibly compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, known as cubital tunnel syndrome. I would recommend that you see your physician or a hand surgeon to be examined and evaluated.
How do you get rid of burn marks on your hands?
You can try massaging the area with either vitamin E oil, aloe or a specialized scar cream. If that does not help, or the scarring is significant, then you should consult a dermatologist. READ MORE
You can try massaging the area with either vitamin E oil, aloe or a specialized scar cream. If that does not help, or the scarring is significant, then you should consult a dermatologist. Some burn marks / scars can be treated with either cortisone injections or sometimes laser therapy.
Do you have phantom limb after an amputation?
The answer is that it can potentially happen. It is less common after a finger amputation as opposed to an amputation up the arm near the elbow or the shoulder.
Is there surgery for hyperpigmentation on the hands?
No, there is no surgery for hyperpigmentation. However, I suggest you consult a dermatologist who can speak to you about existing non-operative treatment options.
What can be done for neuropathy in the hands?
That really depends upon what you mean by "neuropathy." If you are talking about carpal tunnel syndrome, which is the most common type of "compression neuropathy," then you can READ MORE
That really depends upon what you mean by "neuropathy." If you are talking about carpal tunnel syndrome, which is the most common type of "compression neuropathy," then you can be treated with either splinting, cortisone injections or surgery, depending upon the severity of your symptoms and condition. If you are talking about a neuropathy secondary to diabetes or other medical conditions, then surgery is not indicated and you should see a neurologist for medical management and possibly medications. My recommendation is that you consult either a hand surgeon or a neurologist.
Why does my son have unexplained muscle pain?
There are many reasons, but most likely this is nothing to be concerned about. My suggestion is you mention this to your pediatrician.
Do you need hand surgery for a broken finger?
That really depends upon the fracture and if the fracture is displaced. Most finger fractures do not require surgery, but certain ones do. You need to see a hand surgeon to examine READ MORE
That really depends upon the fracture and if the fracture is displaced. Most finger fractures do not require surgery, but certain ones do. You need to see a hand surgeon to examine your finger and your x-rays. Good luck.
How do you remove sun spots on hands?
Hello, I suggest you consult a dermatologist regarding sun spots on your hands, as hand surgeons do not usually deal with this. Sometimes this can be treated with lasers or creams, READ MORE
Hello,
I suggest you consult a dermatologist regarding sun spots on your hands, as hand surgeons do not usually deal with this. Sometimes this can be treated with lasers or creams, but best to consult a dermatologist.
Good luck.
I suggest you consult a dermatologist regarding sun spots on your hands, as hand surgeons do not usually deal with this. Sometimes this can be treated with lasers or creams, but best to consult a dermatologist.
Good luck.
Can you surgically get rid of arthritis?
You cannot get rid of arthritis, but you can have surgery to treat your arthritis. In the hand, there are many surgical procedures that we perform for arthritis including joint READ MORE
You cannot get rid of arthritis, but you can have surgery to treat your arthritis. In the hand, there are many surgical procedures that we perform for arthritis including joint reconstruction, joint replacement and fusion, depending upon the specific joint and the arthritis. I would recommend that you consult a hand surgeon to be evaluated and discuss what can be done to help your specific condition. Good luck.
What helps nerve pain in hands?
The answer really depends upon what is the cause of your "nerve pain." The most common cause in a 58 year old female is carpal tunnel syndrome. I suggest that you see a hand READ MORE
The answer really depends upon what is the cause of your "nerve pain." The most common cause in a 58 year old female is carpal tunnel syndrome. I suggest that you see a hand surgeon to get a proper diagnosis and discuss treatment recommendations.
How long does it take to recover from hand surgery?
Unfortunately, I cannot answer this question, as this varies upon the type of procedure that you are undergoing. Simple procedures such as a trigger finger release or a carpal READ MORE
Unfortunately, I cannot answer this question, as this varies upon the type of procedure that you are undergoing. Simple procedures such as a trigger finger release or a carpal tunnel release may only require a couple of weeks to recover and you can use your hand the next day. Complex reconstructions for trauma or arthritis can sometimes take months to fully recover. I would recommend you ask your surgeon about your particular procedure. Good luck.
Does hand surgery leave scars?
Any type of surgery that requires an incision will leave a scar. Everyone scars differently but in most cases scars on the hand are usually not cosmetically noticeable after they READ MORE
Any type of surgery that requires an incision will leave a scar. Everyone scars differently but in most cases scars on the hand are usually not cosmetically noticeable after they fully heal. You should speak to your surgeon about things that you can do after the incision has healed, such as scar massage and silicone sheets that can improve the appearance of the scar. Good luck.
How painful is knuckle surgery recovery?
It is difficult to make a generalization, as there are many reasons why you would have surgery on your knuckles. However, in general this type of surgery is usually not very painful READ MORE
It is difficult to make a generalization, as there are many reasons why you would have surgery on your knuckles. However, in general this type of surgery is usually not very painful and usually resolves after several days.
Should I wear a wrist brace after carpal tunnel surgery?
The answer is no. After successful carpal tunnel release surgery, you should no longer need to wear a carpal tunnel brace.
Can an x-ray miss a broken hand?
In certain fractures, X-rays can initially be negative for a fracture. That is why if there is any question of what we call "an occult fracture," then we immobilize the injured READ MORE
In certain fractures, X-rays can initially be negative for a fracture. That is why if there is any question of what we call "an occult fracture," then we immobilize the injured region and have the patient come back in a week or two for re-evaluation and possibly repeat X-rays to make certain that there is not a fracture.
How long does swelling last after hand surgery?
This really depends upon the type of surgery and the reason for the surgery, such as an injury versus a diagnosis such as carpal tunnel release surgery. That being said, it can READ MORE
This really depends upon the type of surgery and the reason for the surgery, such as an injury versus a diagnosis such as carpal tunnel release surgery. That being said, it can sometimes take at least a couple of months, sometimes longer, for swelling to fully resolve after hand surgery.
How to manage pain after closing door on hand?
I would recommend ice and elevation and an anti-inflammatory (Motrin, Advil or Aleve). However, it your pain is significant, then you should probably see a physician and get an READ MORE
I would recommend ice and elevation and an anti-inflammatory (Motrin, Advil or Aleve). However, it your pain is significant, then you should probably see a physician and get an X-ray to make certain that you do not have a fracture. Good luck.
