Hand Surgeon in Knoxville, TN
Hand Doctors in Knoxville, TN
Our Specialty
Expert Hand Surgery by Dr. Kent A. Rinehart, M.D.
Welcome to Tennessee Orthopaedics, where we provide specialized care for elbow, shoulder, and hand/wrist conditions. We are proud to feature the expertise of Dr. Kent A. Rinehart, M.D., an esteemed orthopedic hand surgeon dedicated to restoring function and alleviating pain for our patients. Serving the communities of Knoxville and Sevierville, TN, Dr. Rinehart is your trusted partner in orthopedic health.
Meet Dr. Kent A. Rinehart, M.D: Hand Surgeon in Knoxville and Sevierville, TN
Dr. Kent A. Rinehart is a board-certified orthopedic hand surgeon specializing in the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. His impressive educational background includes graduating Summa Cum Laude from East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine. He completed his residency at the University of Nebraska. He pursued a prestigious fellowship at the Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center, where he received extensive training in treating conditions from the shoulder to the fingertips.
Professional Associations
Dr. Rinehart is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH). These affiliations reflect his commitment to staying at the forefront of orthopedic medicine and his dedication to providing the highest standard of care.
Comprehensive Hand and Upper Extremity Services With Dr. Rinehart at Tennessee Orthopaedics
Who Should See a Hand Surgeon?
If you are experiencing chronic or acute pain in your hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder that interferes with your daily activities, it is time to seek expert care. Dr. Rinehart, an orthopedic hand specialist, and his team at Tennessee Orthopaedics are here to help you regain functionality and reduce pain.
Chronic Hand Pain
Patients should make an appointment with Dr. Rinehart if they’re experiencing chronic, persistent pain that affects their ability to perform everyday tasks such as fastening buttons, picking up small objects, or holding utensils.
Patients with Acute Injuries
Dr. Rinehart and the staff at Tennessee Orthopaedics recommend utilizing our walk-in Ortho Quick Care services for suspected hand or wrist fractures, sprains, or other injuries that cause immediate pain and limit movement.
Interference with Daily Activities
Make an appointment with a hand specialist if you’re experiencing difficulty gripping objects, opening and closing your hand, or completing natural motions. Hand and wrist pain or stiffness shouldn’t interfere with your daily activities or cause you to miss out on parts of your day-to-day life.
Sleep Disturbances
Hand or wrist pain shouldn’t disrupt your sleep – impacting your ability to fall, stay, or sleep deeply. If you’re experiencing sleep disturbances because of hand pain, contact Tennessee Orthopaedics.
If conservative treatments such as NSAIDs or physical therapy have not provided relief, it is essential to consult with an orthopedic specialist. Reduced hand movement is abnormal for aging, and early intervention can prevent further complications.
Orthopedic Hand Specialist in Tennessee
At Tennessee Orthopaedics, we prioritize personalized care plans tailored to your needs. Dr. Rinehart, a leading hand doctor, will thoroughly evaluate your condition and consider all possible treatment options. While hand surgery is sometimes necessary, we often explore non-surgical treatments first, such as:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy exercises aim to strengthen the muscles and improve the flexibility of the hand and wrist. This helps to provide better support to the joints and reduces the risk of further injury. Strengthened muscles and tendons are better able to handle daily activities, which can reduce pain and improve overall function. After hand surgery, patients often require physical therapy to aid in their recovery. This therapy is crucial for restoring movement, minimizing pain and swelling, and enhancing the overall success of the surgery. It usually involves personalized exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Medication and Lifestyle Modifications
When surgery is the best option, Dr. Rinehart uses the latest techniques and technologies to ensure the best outcomes and a speedy recovery. By combining medications with lifestyle modifications, patients can address both the symptoms and the root causes of their pain. For example, using pain relievers to manage acute pain while incorporating ergonomic adjustments to prevent future issues can be highly effective.
Surgical Interventions
It is essential to consider several factors when determining whether hand or wrist surgery is necessary. These factors include your symptoms, the underlying condition, and the effectiveness of non-surgical treatments. Dr. Rinehart will collaborate with you to evaluate your condition and provide surgical recommendations tailored to your specific needs. For conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome, which involve nerve compression in the hand or wrist, surgery may be necessary if symptoms persist despite non-surgical treatments. Such symptoms include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected hand. If you have exhausted non-surgical options, including medications, splinting, and physical therapy, without experiencing significant improvement, surgery may be the next suitable course of action. Persistent symptoms despite these treatments often suggest that surgical intervention is necessary to address the problem.
Leading Hand Doctor Serving East Tennessee Communities
Dr. Rinehart is available to patients across multiple locations, making it convenient for you to receive the specialized care you need:
Knoxville, TN: Centrally located to serve the broader Knoxville area.
Sevierville, TN: Bringing top-tier hand and upper extremity care to Sevierville and the nearby regions.
Schedule Your Appointment with a Leading Hand Surgeon in Knoxville and Sevierville, TN
Don’t let your hand or upper extremity pain keep you from enjoying life. If you’re struggling with any of the symptoms mentioned above, schedule a consultation today with Dr. Kent A. Rinehart, an experienced Knoxville hand surgeon. Our team at Tennessee Orthopaedics is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care and helping you return to your daily activities pain-free.
For more information or to book an appointment, call us at (865) 123-4567. We look forward to helping you achieve a pain-free life and optimal hand and upper extremity health.
Our Hand & Wrist Surgeons
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