Douglas G. Wright, MD

01/05/2019

Thank you to our Bel Air area patients. Lifebridge Health can be reached at the following numbers for medical records and billing questions.

Medical record requests must be faxed to:
410-663-0047

Billing questions contact:
410-469-4369

01/05/2019

The Bel Air office is now permanently closed.
Thank you to all of the wonderful patients we have been fortunate to serve over the last 15 years.

01/04/2019

https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/2018/11/30/southern-ocean-medical-center-welcomes-herbert-kunkle-jr-m-d-and-douglas-wright-m-d-to-orthopedic-surgery/

Manahawkin, NJ ― Hackensack Meridian Health Southern Ocean Medical Center is pleased to welcome Herbert L.

10/11/2017

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the palm and hand and may result in pain, numbness, weakness and tingling. The condition is caused by compression of the median nerve, which crosses the wrist and supplies sensation to the hand. The median nerve is in the palmar aspect of the forearm and enters the carpal tunnel, an enclosed space that protects the nerve and tendons as they cross the wrist and divide in the hand. Symptoms of carpal tunnel include numbness and frequent dropping of items or difficulty with fine manipulation. Handling keys, money and typing may be noticeably affected. Patients classically describe waking up at night and sitting on the side of their bed shaking their hand to get “circulation “ or sensation back. Overuse and manual labor may also trigger symptoms. Pregnancy and fluid overload classically result in symptoms.
Initial treatment includes splinting and elevation. Medication may decrease the inflammation. Nerve conduction testing is often helpful to assess the severity of nerve compromise. When symptoms persist more than a few weeks, medical evaluation should be sought. Surgery reliably treats the problem, although the nerve may have delayed return if symptoms have been ignored for a long time. Diabetes, obesity and smoking are all related to increased risk of symptoms and delay in nerve recovery.
Surgery is performed on an out-patient basis and can be done with an endoscope or traditional incision. Anesthesia can be local or general and recovery and return to work is rapid.

10/02/2017

Gout: What it is and how to treat it

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by an elevated level of Uric acid in the body. The Uric acid forms into crystals that deposit in a joint and cause a painful cascade of inflammation. The body’s defenses try to engulf the crystals, which rupture the cells and cause the release of enzymes into the joint. The enzymes and inflammation process can degrade the cartilage and causes joint destruction

The most common joint affected is the big toe, or metatarsal-phalangeal joint, commonly referred to as a bunion. Gout can affect any joint in the body and can also involve the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, wrist and fingers. The joint typically becomes warm, swollen and red. People describe terrific pain associated with a gout “flair” that can be relieved by a number of specific medications. Many patients report a family member with gout, often a parent, but new cases often arise without a previous history. Gout is more common in the elderly. Elevated levels of Uric acid can also be responsible for kidney stones, renal damage and other end organ injury.

Elevated levels of Uric acid occur with dehydration, and the intake of foods high in protein. Patient with chronic gout attacks often can pinpoint the food or beverage that brings on an attack. In Maryland, a typical attack is precipitated by a weekend in the sun, drinking alcohol and eating crabs. The combination of sun and alcohol causes dehydration, while seafood and alcohol are high in purines which are broken down into Uric acid and are the cause of gout.

Treatment is directed at lowering the level of Uric acid in your system. Chronic gout can cause extreme joint destruction and require surgery or joint replacement. The initial approach is to increase hydration by drinking lots of water. Uric acid is excreted in urine, so “dilution is the solution to the pollution”. Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are the first line of medical treatment and treatment as simple as aspirin can increase excretion of Uric acid. A high index of suspicion, family history and elevated level of Uric acid is suggestive of gout. Definitive diagnosis may involve removal of joint fluid and microscopic assessment if the diagnosis is in question. Treatment should be directed by a physician familiar with medications and strategies to lower Uric acid level and prevent Gout attacks.

09/27/2017

Over 20 residents of the Catholic Charities Senior Living Center in Abingdon spent an hour with Dr. Wright to learn more about joint replacements. More community education seminars are in the works!