S. Houston Payne, Jr., MD
Hand & Orthopaedic Surgeon
Regaining function after an amputation or nerve injury can be challenging, but the Limb Optimization Clinic at Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow is here to help. Our team offers advanced surgical and non-surgical treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance independence for patients facing limb loss or neurological conditions.
If you or a loved one are experiencing residual limb pain, phantom limb pain, spasticity, or other functional challenges, our specialists are ready to create a personalized treatment plan. Contact our clinic today to schedule a consultation!
An amputation is a life-changing event. We at Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow want you to know that there are both non-surgical and surgical treatments which can help to optimize your function after amputation. Our specialists treat both upper and lower extremity amputations.Â
Residual limb pain is pain in the remaining portion of your limb after an amputation. This pain often originates from a symptomatic neuroma, which is a disorganized collection of nerve fibers that forms after a nerve is cut. It is important to know that there are both surgical and non-surgical treatment options for painful neuromas and residual limb pain.Â
It is not normal to have pain after you have healed from an amputation, and you don’t have to simply live with the pain. Non-surgical options offered by our Therapy Department include nerve desensitization techniques, mirror therapy, and many others. Surgical treatments such as Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) and Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces (RPNI) can also be helpful in properly selected patients.Â
Phantom limb pain is the perception of pain or other sensations in the portion of an extremity that has been amputated. It is common among people who have had amputations. Scientists still struggle to fully explain the cause of phantom limb pain. Nonetheless, many treatments have been developed to lessen the burden of phantom limb pain.
Our surgeons and therapists will work with you to determine an individualized treatment plan, which can include modalities like mirror therapy, massage, biofeedback, and occasionally surgery. There are newer surgical techniques called Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) and Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces (RPNI) which have shown promise in the treatment of phantom limb pain. Â
People who have sustained a brain, spinal cord, or brachial plexus injury often have decreased function of their arms and hands. We at Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow are passionate about helping you maximize your function and independence after a brain, spinal cord, or brachial plexus injury.
Spasticity is a common upper extremity problem for patients who have suffered a brain injury or spinal cord injury. Spasticity causes tightness or stiffness of muscles which can make it difficult to use your arm or hand. Common forms of neurologic injury that can lead to spasticity are stroke (CVA), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and cerebral palsy. When spasticity is severe or remains untreated, it can lead to joint contractures.
Many people are unaware that there are treatment options for both spasticity and joint contractures which can greatly improve function and quality of life. These include physical therapy and occupational therapy, Botox injections, and surgical treatments. At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow, we will develop a personalized plan to treat you or your loved one’s spasticity or contracture.
Injury to the spinal cord can cause decreased function in the arms and hands. Many people are unaware that there are several ways to optimize hand and arm function for people with spinal cord injuries and quadriplegia. These include non-surgical treatments such as stretching, muscle strengthening, and custom-made splints.
There are also surgical options such as Nerve Transfers and Tendon Transfers which can dramatically improve function. We at Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow know that life can be challenging after a spinal cord injury. We are here to help optimize your function.
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves located in your neck and armpit (axilla). This is where nerves (cervical roots) exiting your spinal cord combine, crisscross, and ultimately branch into the smaller nerves which travel down your arm. People can occasionally sustain injuries to this network of nerves, leading to decreased function of the arm or hand.
There are also rare tumors which can compress the brachial plexus and cause problems as well. It is important for people to know that there are treatment options for brachial plexus injuries. These include non-surgical options like desensitization for pain control and specialized splints and braces.
There are also surgical treatments that can be helpful in carefully selected patients. These include Nerve Repair or Grafting, Nerve Transfers, Tendon Transfers, and Scar Release (Neurolysis) from around the brachial plexus.
If you’re experiencing pain or limited function after an amputation, brain injury, spinal cord injury, or brachial plexus injury, there are effective treatments available. At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow, our specialists offer both surgical and non-surgical solutions, including nerve procedures, therapy techniques, and personalized treatment plans to help restore movement and relieve pain.
Whether you’re seeking relief from residual limb pain, phantom limb pain, spasticity, or nerve-related weakness, our team is here to support your recovery and maximize your independence. Schedule an appointment today and take the next step toward improved function and quality of life!
Medically reviewed by
Hand & Orthopaedic Surgeon
Hand & Orthopaedic Surgeon
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Hand & Orthopaedic Surgeon
Hand & Orthopaedic Surgeon
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