Locations
Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center
Avon, IN
My office hours
Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
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Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center
Indianapolis, IN
About
Bio
Dr. Kaplan comes from Baltimore, MD, where he graduated summa cum laude and valedictorian of his medical school class. He trained in orthopaedics at NYU / Hospital for Joint Diseases in New York City, then pursued sub-specialty training in hand, microvascular, and upper extremity surgery at the Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center in 2001. Dr. Kaplan is very involved in the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, and was selected as a Young Leader by the Society in 2007. He has subsequently served on and chaired multiple committees, and is a reviewer for the Journal of Hand Surgery. He also currently serves as Vice-Chairman of Hand Surgery at St. Vincent’s Hospital.
Dr. Kaplan has a strong commitment to research and education. He has been integrally involved as a lead investigator in research on collagenase injection for Dupuytren’s contracture, culminating in FDA approval and publication in the New England Journal of Medicine. He has given numerous national and international lectures, and has been published in multiple journals. Dr. Kaplan is also actively involved in our fellowship program, a cornerstone to the mission of the Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center. He assists Dr. Greenberg in managing the fellowship and strives to continually improve it.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Hand Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
Doctor Q&A
127 Answers
73 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Heat, compression : The bruising will go away with time. Heat may help it clear faster. Try soaking your hand in hot water (not hot enough to burn) for 10-15 minutes 3x a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Cortisone injection : If the pain does not improve with a period of rest, splint immobilization, and anti-inflammatories, a well-placed cortisone injection can often lead t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Possibly: This could be normal post-operative pain, but f you have any concern of worsening or persistence of the sensation you should discuss it with your hand... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Rest and splint: Tendonitis often occurs when a tendon has gotten swollen from overuse or injury. Initial treatment is to rest the area, avoid activities which cause o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 60-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Spasms: Cramps can occur for a number of reasons. They can be related to activities you are doing, electrolyte imbalance, nerve problems, underlying arthritis... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Water, small meals: Weight loss occurs when your body uses up more calories than you take in. Exercise causes your body to use more calories, and also can speed up your m... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old male asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Night splint: Wearing a splint at night can be particularly helpful. Many people sleep with theirs wrists curled, which raises the pressure in the carpal tunnel. Im... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Pinched nerve: Which fingers are numb? Could be do to cubital tunnel syndrome (pinched nerve at elbow) if your ring and small finger go numb. If it is your thumb, in... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Probably not: Tennis elbow straps work by providing a "counterforce" to decrease the load of the tendons on their attachments at the elbow.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Numbness: Typical carpal tunnel symptoms are numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring finger. It will often wake you at night, and improve if... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Less effective: It is important to remove the old cream before applying the new, otherwise the new cream isn't close enough to work effectively.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Remove the joystick: Hopefully you've already done that. Next you can ice the area if it bruised. Should improve in a few days. Consider a padded glove from now on!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Trigger finger: If the pain if mostly in the palm at the base of the finger it may be a trigger finger. Other symptoms include catching or locking of the finger. May ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Depends: Which tendon is it? Most flexor tendons require surgical repair. For extensor tendons, if it is a laceration it should be repaired. If it is a rupture... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Yes: Hand transplantation is a pioneering area of transplant surgery. It is being done at several centers in the US. It remains somewhat controversial due ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Maybe tendonitis: What side of the wrist has the pain? Often times patients develop a tendonitis which causes a sharp pain with wrist motion. If it is on the thumb side... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Abcess, streaks: The redness of the infection should be improving daily. If you are experiencing increasing pain and swelling, develop red streaks traveling up your ha... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
If pus then drain: If it is a cellulitis - the area is red and swollen but there is no collection of pus, then antibiotics alone may work, but if there is a collection o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Can be: In absence of an injury, arthritis and tendinitis are the two most common reasons for pain around the wrist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Probably arthritis: Has this been a slowly progressive condition? As arthritis develops bumps occur from bone spur formation, and the joints can become crooked as ligamen... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
No: What was the surgery for? You may have developed stiffness in the joints, or scarring of the tendons. You should alert your surgeon.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Arthritis: The joint at the end of the finger, closest to the nail, is a common location for osteoarthrtis. As arthritis develops the joints can swell, and bone ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old female asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Probably not: Cortisone injections are used to reduce swelling and pain. Sometimes the area is more painful for the first day or two, though.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Motion, compression: Grade 1 sprains cause no long term problems and generally heal in 4-6 weeks (or sooner). They heal best when the joint is kept moving. Treatment consi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 53-year-old female asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Only between two: Frozen shoulder and dupuytren's disease are both fibroproliferative disorders. The exact cause of both is still not fully understood, but it is though... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
None: Dupuytren's disease is not helped by medication. Unfortunately we do not know of anything that will stop or prevent the disease. There is a new treatm... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Call you doctor: X-ray results should be available within one day at most. Call your doctor if you are waiting longer than that.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
More swelling?: Symptoms are made worse with increased swelling. Did your activities increase prior to the onset? You can try anti-inflammatories, contrast baths, str... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Good: Depends on the fracture and healing to date, but 3-4 weeks of casting is sufficient for most metacarpal fractures. After cast comes off often will use... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Sure: If you can tolerate them, try Ibuprofen or naproxen. Also, some swelling is helped by soaking for 10-15 minutes in warm water with epsom salts.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
See hand surgeon: Many finger fractures are successfully treated with splints or casts. Some are more complicated and best treated with surgery. It is best to see a han... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
4-6 weeks: Bones in the hand and fingers usually heal enough to resume motion and strengthening in 4-6 weeks. The bone will continue to heal and strengthen for a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
May be carpal tunnel: May be carpal tunnel syndrome. Sleeping in a brace may be helpful, but if persistent symptoms see a hand surgeon to confirm the diagnosis and recommen... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Poor circulation: Cold fingers may be a sign of diminished blood flow into the finger. If bad enough ulcers may develop, finger will be painful, and healing compromised... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Diphenhydramine: Try Diphenhydramine (benadryl) by mouth or topical.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Around 2-3 pounds: of course depends on the amount of cast material used.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Not normal: You may have a hyper-laxity disorder like Ehlers Danlos. Here is a link for more information:
http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/ehlers-danlos-syndrome
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Probably won't help: Treatment of a jammed thumb depends on what the injury is. If it is a minor sprain, pullling on it won't help, but won't hurt. Be careful though - som... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Medications are best: For patients with ra, there are medicines than can help with the symptoms, but there are now disease modifying medicines that can actually stop the di... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Side effect: Atrophy and pigment changes are a side effect of steroid injection, especially if the steroid is placed close to the skin. The effects typically will ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Arthritis?: Joint pain most commonly is from arthritis. You can also have pain around the joint at the base of your finger from a tendonitis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
May help: Soaks help with the swelling and pain. You might also consider using a splint or anti-inflammatory medication. If pain persists more than a few days y... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Long or short: If in a cast above your elbow, you should not be able to rotate your forearm. If the cast ends below your elbow, you should be able to rotate.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Splint, see hand doc: May be carpal or cubital tunnel syndrome. Sleeping in a brace may be helpful, but if persistent symptoms see a hand surgeon to confirm the diagnosis a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Nerve compression: Several nerve compressions can lead to hand weakness. One of the more common is compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow - cubital tunnel syndrome.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Yes and no: Typical carpal tunnel symptoms are numbness and tingling. The fingers most affected are the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. Finger spasms may... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Cubital tunnel: May be a pinched nerve at your elbow. This will cause numbness / tingling in the ring and small finger and weakness in your hand. If symptoms are pers... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Less swelling: The water pill may be making your tissues, joints, etc less swollen, and this may reduce pain.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Black: The skin color won't change.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. F. Thomas Kaplananswered
Hand Surgery 27 years experience
Arthritis: Pain in the joints is often from arthritis. Many patients complain of pain after a day of use, night pain, and morning stiffness.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
19
Recommendations
320
Thank you notes
Dr. William Kleinman
Nov 27, 2012
I give Dr. Tom Kaplan my strongest endorsement. He is one of the finest young hand surgeons I know. Quality care of his hand and upper extremity patients is his highest priority. But he is also a b...Read More
Dr. Alexander Mih
Nov 27, 2012
Dr Kaplan has been on the leading edge of innovative treament for Dupuytren's disease as a lead invesitgator of a national study. In addition, he has distinguished himself as a skilled surgeon treati...Read More
Dr. Robert Baltera
Nov 27, 2012
I fully endorse Dr. Kaplan. He is a highly skilled hand and upper extremity surgeon. Dr. Kaplan is committed to research and education. He provides superb care, offering his patients the best possi...Read More
HealthTap member
Thank you for the practical advice. I will keep this in mind. I want to lose this weight, but it's a struggle. Knowing WHAT to do is very motivating.
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! All the answers helped but your showed me what to do, where to go next to get help. Thank you!
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! I love this website and the professionalism bestowed upon me every time I ask for medical advice!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Graduated 1996MD
Medical/Graduate school
University of Maryland School of Medicine, MD
Graduated 1996MD
Residency
NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases
Residency
NYU Medical Center
Awards
Top Doctor - Hand Surgery, Indianapolis Monthly
Clinical Pearl Award, American Society for Surgery of the Hand
Resident Teacher of the Year, Hospital for Joint Disease
Affiliations
Indianapolis Hand Society
American Society for Surgery of the Hand
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Publications
Collagenase clostridiyum histolyticum injection for the treatment of Dupuytren's Contracture
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