Dr. Ajay Balaram
Orthopedic Surgery
Arlington Heights , IL
17 years experience male
Locations
Hand to Shoulder Associates
Arlington Heights , IL
My office hours
Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Show morePhone
Practice website
Insurances accepted
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
About
Bio
I am a fellowship trained hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder surgeon. I completed my orthopaedic surgery residency at Loyola University Chicago, and completed my fellowship training in hand and upper extremity surgery at NYU hospital in Manhattan, New York. I currently live and practice in Chicago.
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.
Orthopedic Surgery
Hand Surgery
Sports Medicine
Doctor Q&A
42 Answers
2 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 37-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Different doctors : The orthopedic hand doctor will look at all aspects of the hand and wrist including skin, bones, nerves, vessels, tendons, ligaments and motion. The e... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Rest and ice : elbow pain can occur from a variety of different conditions. Initially try rest and ice. If the pain persists see your doctor to be evaluated.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Multiple procedures: There are multiple procedures to treat sl injury. It matters if the injury happen recently or a long time ago. If it happened recently then a repair ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Not likely. : The fingers themselves don't have muscles inside them. They do have tendons, bones, ligaments, blood vessels and nerves. The muscles that control the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Forearmyes, bicepsno: Dequervains can often cause pain on the thumb side of the forearm and into the thumb. It is not really associated with the biceps muscle.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Stiffness Soreness: Expect stiffness after you come out of the cast. Your elbow will also be sore, it usually takes about six weeks for a fracture to heal. In the elbow w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Radius: The radius is the shorter of the two bones, but they are very similar in length. The radius is wider close to the wrist, and the ulna is wider close ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 49-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Stop if painful: Frozen shoulder goes through phases. Depending on what phase you're in motion or rest maybe recommended. You shouldn't do exercises that cause severe ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Not a side effect: Feeling sleepy is not a side effect of an elbow cortisone injection. Some potential side effects include a rise in blood sugars (for diabetics) or po... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Xrays: The only way to know for sure is with an xray. I would recommend it if you still have pain after a couple days. Even if its a hairline fracture, you w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Yes: It's possible to have other surgeries with a cast on. The IV can be placed on the other hand or leg. The nurses will make sure the cast is well suppor... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Depends what surgery: If its a carpal tunnel or trigger finger release you should only need a few days, some of my patients go back to light work the day after. If it is a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
They are similar: Carpal tunnel release is incising through a ligament to decompress a pinched nerve. Trigger finger or trigger thumb release is incising through a ten... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Keep it clean: If you can see yellow fat tissue, or the bleeding won't stop, you probably need stitches. If there is no fat exposed you probably can treat the cut b... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Forearm: That area is called the forearm and is made up of the radius and ulna bones.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Get an xray: If the elbow is still hurting 3 weeks after the fall you may have a small fracture. Usually contusions or bruises go away after a few days. Always b... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Xray and specialist: Make sure to get an xray and find out which bone is fractured. Also see a hand or orthopedic specialist to see if it needs a splint or surgery. Hope... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Webspace: Most hand surgeons call this area the webspace between fingers. This is the u shpaed "webbing" at the base of the fingers. The webspace between the ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Yes: Your fingers should be free to move in a wrist splint. You may have to set your wrist on a towel or bump to get your fingers into a good position to ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Depends on severity: Nerve damage comes in many forms from pressure on the nerve to complete nerve lacerations. Compression can be treated with splinting, changes in your... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Relocate the Elbow: The first thing that needs to be done is to put the elbow joint back in place. This is an urgent issue and needs to be done quickly to avoid long term... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Injuries: Mallet fingers usually come up after a forceful injury to the hand. Sometimes they are not noticed until hours after the injury. Often a ball hitting ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Therapy: Directed therapy by a certified occupational therapist is the best way to get motion back. If therapy fails after all treatment options are exhausted ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Regain function: Tendons connect muscle to bone. Often tendons are cut or injured after an accident. Tendon surgery is required to repair them. There are tendons on th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Get an xray: You may have what's called a bony mallet which is a small fracture of the fingertip. Either way you will need a splint to keep the finger straight for... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
X-ray , ice, elevate: To help with the throbbing try ice and holding the finger up in the air to keep the swelling down. If it is painful for more than a day go get an x-ra... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Pain loss motion: There will be pain, swelling, decrease in finger motion and possibly a crooked deformity to the finger.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Tendonitis. : Golfer's elbow is a inflammation of the tendons that insert on the inside of your elbow (close to the funny bone). Usually it causes pain with pressi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
1 comment
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
See a physician: Infections of the finger require antibiotics to treat and can sometimes become severe and require surgery. The best option is to see your physician t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Yes: A chip fracture is common after some sort of injury. Often this is called an avulsion fracture as its usually a ligament pulling off a small piece of... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 52-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Yes it can: Frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis can show up on MRI as a distinct thickening of the shoulder capsule. Often an MRI is not needed as this is a cl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Epicondylitis: You may have a condition called medial epicondylitis also known as golfers elbow. This is similar to tennis elbow but occurs on the inside if the elbo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Possible Fracture: You may have a fracture of your radial head. Pain at the elbow with a clicking or crunching feeling and pain with rotation of the forearm, (pronation ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Not recommended: Hand sanitizer has alcohol which can be toxic the tissues and flesh underneath the skin. (its not toxic to the top layer of skin) usually best course... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Carpal tunnel?: It could possibly be carpal tunnel, my patients usually tell me these three symptoms.
1. Numbness and pain that wakes them up at night. It feels lik... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Matters which bone: It matters which bone in the elbow was chipped. Usually after a chipped or "non displaced" elbow fracture a cast is not needed because putting an elb... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
X ray: The only way to know for sure is from an xray. Even with xrays sometimes fractures are missed. Pain cannot be used as a test for a hairline fracture... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Olecranon Bursitis: Common finding after irritation at the elbow or injury. Usually goes away on its own, but some physicians suggest draining it, especially if it looks... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Get an xray: Hopefully you just had a soft tissue injury, but if its swollen and painful consider an xray. You can ice it and elevate it in the meantime.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Ulnar gutter cast: It matters where the break is, but usually an ulnar gutter cast that crosses the wrist and includes the small and ring finger will stabilize a small f... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Comfortable clothes: Wear loose comfortable clothing. Usually you will have to change into a hospital gown prior to surgery. Try to wear loose clothing in case you need t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ajay Balaramanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 17 years experience
Weeks to months : Swelling to the fingers is usually the last thing to go away after surgery. As your motion increases your swelling will get better.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >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.
2
Recommendations
23
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Balaram is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Balaram is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! Thanks I will check into that thanks so much
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! Thank u i will go home and take a nap!
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Creighton University School of Medicine, NE
Graduated 2006MD
Residency
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
Awards
Cum Laude
Presidents Martin Luther King Jr. Award - for starting an acute care clinic for the homeless.
Affiliations
AAOS
ASSH
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