The human hand is our main point of interaction with the world from the moment we wake up until we lay to rest at night. However, accidents, injury and medical conditions can impair or limit functionality. Only the expertise of an orthopedic hand surgeon can offer the type of healing and rehabilitation to restore maximum use of this vital extremity.

While hand surgeons have had a role in the medical field for decades, the specific role of an orthopedic hand surgeon is relatively new. Hand surgery deals specifically with injuries and hand, wrist, and forearm. Orthopedic hand surgeons are trained to resolve these painful problems with surgical and non-surgical methods. Many hand surgeons are also qualified in the diagnosis of shoulder and elbow problems.

Since many hand surgeons spend the bulk of their time to examining, treating and studying the hand, they are the undisputed experts in this medical discipline. Orthopedic hand surgeons are orthopedic, plastic, or general surgeons who have additional specialized training in hand surgery. Membership in the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, requires hand surgeons to undertake a full year of training and pass a in-depth examination.

An orthopedic hand surgeon will provide care to all the different types of tissues that make function of the hand possible. The good news is not every visit to a hand surgeon will result in the need for surgical intervention. Often they will recommend non-surgical options to resolve the patient"s situation or even make a referral to a hand therapist for supplementary treatment.

Anyone with pain in their hand, fingers, wrist, arm or other issues in their upper extremities should seek the aid of qualified orthopedic hand surgeon. Some conditions patients often have treated include wrist pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, significant cuts to the finger and/or hand as well as sports injuries specific to the hand and wrist.

Choosing the right orthopedic hand surgeon is important in obtaining the best possible treatment. Patients seeking a qualified surgeon should inquire if they are "board certified" by their accrediting organization. By doing so the patient is assured to receive the best possible care from a qualified physician specialized in the treatment of all disorders and conditions affecting the hand.