Comprising 27 bones in the hand and 8 in the wrist, the hand is one of the most intricate parts of the human body. From sprains to fractures and dislocations, a hand surgeon treats the following:

• Arthritis:

Arthritis is a common disease affecting the joints in the body, especially the hands. It induces symptoms like joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and immobility.A hand surgeon employs non-surgical methods like medication, splints, and surgical interventions like joint replacements to improve joint function and alleviate discomfort.

• Tendonitis:

Hand surgeons frequently treat tendonitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the tendons, usually caused by overuse, injury, and diseases like arthritis or diabetes.

They treat tendonitis by recommending rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. In severe cases, surgical options such as tendon repair may be considered to restore proper function.

• Dislocations:

Hand surgeons manage joint dislocations, where bones move out of their normal position. They may employ techniques to manually realign the joint or perform surgery if necessary, ensuring proper alignment and preventing further damage.

• Fractures:

Bones in the hands and fingers are susceptible to fracture like any other bone in the body.

A hand surgeon treats fractures in the hand, wrist, or forearm through casting, splinting, or surgery to realign and stabilise the bones. This helps promote proper healing and restore normal hand function.

• Sports Injuries:

Hand surgeons address sports-related injuries, such as ligament tears, fractures, or dislocations, through a combination of non-surgical approaches like rehabilitation and, when needed, surgical procedures to repair damaged structures and enhance athletic performance.

• Infections:

Hand surgeons manage infections in the hand, which may result from injuries or other sources. Treatment involves antibiotics, drainage of abscesses, and sometimes surgical intervention to remove infected tissue and promote healing.

• Overuse Syndrome Injuries:

Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis, golfer’s and pitcher’s elbow and rotator cuff injuries fall under reuse syndrome. 

Hand surgeons treat these injuries with conservative measures like splints, physical therapy and cortisone injections. If symptoms persist, surgical interventions may be considered.

• Severe Cuts or Trauma:

Hand surgeons deal with severe cuts and traumatic injuries that can affect the integrity of your nerves, veins, ligaments, tendons, or cartilage by providing immediate care to repair these damaged structures. 

Surgical techniques, including nerve and blood vessel repair, are often employed to restore function and minimise long-term consequences.

• Tumour:

Tumours in the hand or wrist can be benign or malignant and may affect various tissues. 

A hand surgeon may perform hand tumour surgery, aiming to remove the mass while preserving function. 

• Congenital Hand Deformities:

Some individuals are born with hand abnormalities, such as having more or less than five fingers in a hand or having fingers fused together. A hand surgeon performs corrective surgeries to improve function and appearance in individuals with congenital hand deformities.

Hand surgeons choose the best way to help each person based on their needs. They aim to make the hand work well and feel comfortable for each patient. Whether fixing a broken bone or treating a condition, they customise their approach for the best outcome.