expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Leigh S. Ende, M.D.

Hand Surgeon

Dr. Leigh Ende is a hand surgeon practicing in Randolph, NJ. Dr. Ende specializes in caring for hand, wrist and forearm problems without the option of surgery unless necessary. Many hand surgeons are also experts in diagnosing and caring for shoulder and elbow problems and tend to suggest non-surgical treatments such as hand therapy or physical therapy.
46 years Experience
Dr. Leigh S. Ende, M.D.
  • Randolph, NJ
  • Tulane Univ Sch of Med, New Orleans La
  • Accepting new patients

My child is 2 years old and loves to scribble with pencil and pens. Will it affect his fingers?

Absolutely not, let him scribble away, perhaps he will be an artist!

My nephew is born with webbed hands. At what age can he do his surgery?

That would be up to your hand surgeon however, generally after one year of age.

What could be the reason for the swelling in my palms?

Swelling can be caused for many different reasons. I would suggest that you see and hand specialist or neurologist for evaluation of where the problem may be coming from.

I have a wound on my finger and I am diabetic. What should I do?

If you are continuing to have slow healing after a week or so, I would advise you see a hand specialist. Because you are diabetic healing may be slower but there is always the READ MORE
If you are continuing to have slow healing after a week or so, I would advise you see a hand specialist. Because you are diabetic healing may be slower but there is always the chance that you may have a small foreign body of glass under the skin. Keep it clean and dry until you see your doctor.

I am experiencing numbness in my hands after a cancer treatment. Should I visit a doctor?

It is not unusual for certain chemotherapy to affect the small sensory nerves in the hands which can cause the symptoms of numbness and tingling. Generally these symptoms dissipate READ MORE
It is not unusual for certain chemotherapy to affect the small sensory nerves in the hands which can cause the symptoms of numbness and tingling. Generally these symptoms dissipate after a while. If the symptoms increase, I would suggest you see a hand surgeon to see if there is another underlying cause.

What is the reason for the bulge in my wrist?

It would be difficult to answer your question without seeing your wrist. It may be possible that you may have a ganglion cyst in the wrist that shows when you flex your hand. READ MORE
It would be difficult to answer your question without seeing your wrist.
It may be possible that you may have a ganglion cyst in the wrist that shows when you flex your hand. I would recommend that you see a hand specialist to determine the exact problem and treatment.

How long does it take for a wrist fracture to heal?

It normally takes about 6 weeks for bony fractures to heal depending on the type of fracture and age of the patient as long as healing is not delayed due to extenuating circumstances. READ MORE
It normally takes about 6 weeks for bony fractures to heal depending on the type of fracture and age of the patient as long as healing is not delayed due to extenuating circumstances.

I have been diagnosed with trigger finger syndrome. What is the course of treatment for this?

The most conservative treatment for a trigger finger is steroid injections. If that gives some relief after 6 weeks, another injection can be given. If there is no relief from READ MORE
The most conservative treatment for a trigger finger is steroid injections.
If that gives some relief after 6 weeks, another injection can be given. If there is no relief from the injection, a simple surgical release can be done. This takes about 20 minutes and is done under local anesthetic.

Are my symptoms a sign of nerve compression?

Numbness and tingling can be a sign of the nerve not getting adequate blood supply. It's important not to ignore these symptoms to avoid permanent damage to the nerve. An EMG READ MORE
Numbness and tingling can be a sign of the nerve not getting adequate blood supply. It's important not to ignore these symptoms to avoid permanent damage to the nerve. An EMG study would likely be ordered by your hand specialist to see how much damage and which nerves are involved. If surgery is necessary it can only be determined after the diagnosis is confirmed.

How can I reduce my hand tremors?

I would recommend that you see a neurologist for a work-up to see what might be causing your tremors. Once you are diagnosed, you may be able to find a treatment.

After a fracture my finger seems tilted. Why?

Depending where the fracture occurred at a joint or through a bone, the finger may have a deformity after healing. The most important thing is that your finger can bend and you READ MORE
Depending where the fracture occurred at a joint or through a bone, the finger may have a deformity after healing. The most important thing is that your finger can bend and you have a good range of motion without pain.

I have a ganglion cyst in my left wrist

Ganglion cysts at the wrist are more commonly surgically removed. Trying to drain ganglion cysts are not as successful because they are generally solid and not fluid enough to READ MORE
Ganglion cysts at the wrist are more commonly surgically removed. Trying to drain ganglion cysts are not as successful because they are generally solid and not fluid enough to drain. If the cyst is affecting daily duties and growing in size, I would recommend that you see a hand specialist for an opinion.

I am experiencing stiffness in my finger after an injury. What could be the reason?

Many times after a traumatic injury, swelling will cause stiffness. A fracture should be ruled out by an X-ray. If there is no fracture, gentle range of motion exercises may be READ MORE
Many times after a traumatic injury, swelling will cause stiffness. A fracture should be ruled out by an X-ray. If there is no fracture, gentle range of motion exercises may be done.

If I sprain my hand, should I put a hot compress or a cold compress?

I would recommend getting a splint to immobilize the hand instead of compresses or ointments. A splint for 3 weeks will allow it to heal without additional trauma.

Recovery expectations for knuckle joint replacement

Generally with a joint replacement the pain is reduced if not gone completely in time, but occupational therapy is very important after the surgery. It will enable her to bend READ MORE
Generally with a joint replacement the pain is reduced if not gone completely in time, but occupational therapy is very important after the surgery. It will enable her to bend the finger, Without OT she may remain with a stiff finger. The pain should diminish with time. All surgery can take up to a year before the final product but she should see improvement within a few months of the surgery.

Irritating scar tissue, what can I do?

You can try massage and Silicone to the affected area. Silicone patches can be purchased in any drug store. Keep it on the area for 8-12 hrs before replacing it. That should READ MORE
You can try massage and Silicone to the affected area. Silicone patches can be purchased in any drug store. Keep it on the area for 8-12 hrs before replacing it.
That should help reduce the scars in time.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

You can try having steroid injected into the carpal canal, but if the compression is severe, it should be surgically released so the blood supply to the nerve is adequate. You READ MORE
You can try having steroid injected into the carpal canal, but if the compression is severe, it should be surgically released so the blood supply to the nerve is adequate. You do not want to lose feeling in your fingers if the nerve is severely compressed.

Pin in my finger

It may work it way to the surface in time however, if it is bothersome, I would suggest removing it.

Hand pain after carpal tunnel surgery

Yes, there are several other nerves that could be causing pain. The ulnar nerve, radial nerve or median nerve at the guyons canal which is not the same location as the median READ MORE
Yes, there are several other nerves that could be causing pain. The ulnar nerve, radial nerve or median nerve at the guyons canal which is not the same location as the median nerve at the carpal canal. It would be a good idea to have these things evaluated. You should not have to live with discomfort. I hope this is helpful.

Depuytren's contacture question

I have not heard that radiation helps dupuytren's contracture which is excess collagen of the cord in the palm. Two options would be surgery or if there is a palpable cord, you READ MORE
I have not heard that radiation helps dupuytren's contracture which is excess collagen of the cord in the palm. Two options would be surgery or if there is a palpable cord, you may be a candidate for Xiaflex injection which would dissolve the cord without surgery. An evaluation would have to be done to determine treatment,