Hand Specialists

When should I see a hand surgeon?

See a hand surgeon for persistent pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or deformity in the hand, wrist, or fingers. Common conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, fractures, tendon injuries, and arthritis at the base of the thumb.

Is carpal tunnel surgery effective?

Carpal tunnel release has a success rate above 90%. The procedure takes 10-15 minutes under local anesthesia. Most patients return to desk work in 1-2 weeks. Numbness often improves within days, though severe cases take longer to fully recover.

What is trigger finger?

Trigger finger occurs when a tendon in the finger becomes inflamed and catches or locks when bending. It is common in the ring finger and thumb. Treatment starts with splinting and steroid injections. If those fail, a minor surgical release resolves it in minutes.

How long does it take to recover from hand surgery?

Recovery varies by procedure. Carpal tunnel release: 1-2 weeks for desk work, 4-6 weeks for heavy use. Trigger finger release: 1-2 weeks. Fracture repair: 6-8 weeks in a cast/splint. Tendon repair: 3-4 months with hand therapy.

Do hand surgeons treat wrist pain?

Yes. Hand surgeons are trained in the entire upper extremity from fingertips to elbow. They treat wrist fractures, ganglion cysts, de Quervain tendinitis, wrist arthritis, and TFCC tears. The specialty is formally called "Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery."

What causes numbness in my hands?

The most common cause is carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve compression at the wrist). Other causes include cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve at the elbow), cervical spine problems, and peripheral neuropathy. A hand surgeon can diagnose the source with nerve conduction studies.