Dr. Olmsted sees patients at the Burnsville and Eagan clinic locations. Click here for directions.

The majority of surgeries are done as an outpatient in a surgery center. Dr. Olmsted performs surgeries at the following surgery centers and hospitals:

• Eagan Orthopedic Surgery Center
• Minnesota Valley Surgery Center
• Crosstown Surgery Center
• Fairview Ridges Hospital
• Fairview Southdale Hospital

We treat patients of all ages with various conditions of the elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand. Our approach is a combination of both non-surgical and surgical treatments, which varies depending on each individual patient.

If you are a new patient, please arrive to your appointment early in order to complete the registration process. In addition, please bring the following:

• Driver’s License or State ID
• Referral (if required by insurer)
• Insurance information
• Copies of operation records, medical records, x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans from prior doctor visits
• List of current medications and any known allergies

It depends, as each patient’s situation is unique. Most often you will be seen in clinic first, and then we will determine if an MRI is necessary. If you have any questions, please contact our care team at 952-808-3079 before your appointment, and we will be very happy to address any of your questions.

Yes, absolutely. The more information we have regarding your unique situation and history, the better equipped we are to provide the highest level of care. Bringing any previous x-rays, scans, and/or documentation (if available) is recommended. If you do not have this information, don’t worry, we will still take great care of you.

Ice should be used during the acute phase (first 24 to 48 hours) following an injury, or whenever there is swelling. Ice decreases blood flow to the area, which in turn decreases swelling and inflammation. Heat does the opposite. It increases blood flow to the area and can provide pain relief once the swelling and inflammation has subsided. Heat is good to use prior to doing any exercises or physical therapy as it warms up your muscles.

To get in touch with Dr. Olmsted regarding second opinions, you can use the General Contact Form at TCOmn.com/contact-us or contact us via phone at 952-808-3000 to set up an appointment or speak with a member of our care team.

You can get cortisone injections every 3-4 months as long as they continue to provide symptomatic relief.

Some patients get immediate relief from a cortisone injection. For others, it may take up to two weeks for the injection to take effect. However, most people notice relief within 2-3 days. The duration of a cortisone injection can vary greatly. Some will last as long as a year, whereas others may last only a few days. It is also important to know that occasionally pain can get worse following a cortisone injection before it gets better. In the meantime, over the counter pain medications and ice are recommended.

The initial visit is about fact-gathering, listening to your story, and learning more about you and your lifestyle. I’ll then examine your concerns, review x-rays if needed, and begin to build a list of options for you.

If you have records from another physician, provider, or hospital you may bring them with you to your appointment. If you do not have a physical copy, please contact the physician, provider, or hospital prior to your TCO appointment to let them know you would like them sent to us. Please be aware you may need to sign a Release of Information (ROI) before they send them, so please allow extra notice.

Yes, feel free to have family members or friends join you in your consultation. Many patients find it helpful to have an extra set of ears to remember the details of the visit.

After your appointment, or after surgery, you can expect prompt and accessible follow-up treatment. Care continues long after surgery and we want to be a part of your complete healing process. If you ever have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

If an MRI scan or other diagnostic test was ordered, you will follow up in clinic to review your imaging and discuss next steps in your treatment plan.

If you have questions after your appointment, please feel free to contact us. You can call our clinic directly at 952-808-3000 to speak with my care coordinator.

The amount of time will vary depending on each unique patient and each unique procedure. We will discuss this with you in your appointment prior to surgery.

The timeframe for recovery depends on the procedure and the individual, but it is our goal to get you back to your regular lifestyle as fast as possible. You can discuss your likely recovery time at your appointment.

Each individual will experience different pain levels, but it is our goal to have you feeling back to normal as soon as possible. Please note that we strive to get our patients off narcotic pain medication as soon as possible. It can be needed shortly after surgery, but we do not advocate long-term use of pain medication. We take pain medication very seriously and make sure it is necessary before signing a prescription for any patient.