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Hand Specialist Criteria: When to Seek Expert Care

Our hands are precious. It allows us to interact with the world in countless ways. Our hands can perform extremely gentle and precise actions. When a hand is overused, problems arise. Knowing when to consult a hand specialist can make all the difference in your recovery and long-term hand function.

What is a Hand Specialist?

A hand specialist is a medical professional with advanced training focused specifically on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm. These experts typically begin their careers as orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, or general surgeons before completing additional fellowship training in hand surgery and treatment.

What sets a hand specialist apart is their deep understanding of the incredibly complex anatomy of the hand — with its intricate network of 27 bones, dozens of joints, numerous muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels all working together in a relatively small space. This specialized knowledge allows them to address both common and rare hand conditions with precision.

When Should You Consult a Hand Specialist?

Knowing when to seek care from a hand specialist rather than a general practitioner can be challenging. Here are some key criteria that suggest it’s time to consult with a hand specialist:

Persistent Pain or Discomfort

If you’re experiencing hand, wrist, or finger pain that doesn’t improve with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers within a few weeks, a hand specialist can provide targeted diagnosis and treatment. Chronic pain might indicate underlying conditions that require specialized care.

Noticeable Deformities or Changes

Any visible changes in our hand’s appearance, such as nodules, bumps, finger bending, or contractures, warrant evaluation by a hand specialist. These changes often signal conditions like Dupuytren’s contracture, ganglion cysts, or rheumatoid arthritis that benefit from expert management.

Injury and Trauma

Fractures, dislocations, lacerations, burns, or crush injuries to the hand should typically be evaluated by a hand specialist. These injuries can potentially damage multiple structures, including bones, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels, requiring specialized assessment and treatment.

Limited Range of Motion or Weakness

If you notice decreased ability to move your fingers, thumb, or wrist, or experience weakness when gripping objects, a hand specialist can determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate interventions.

Nerve-Related Symptoms

Numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or loss of feeling in your hands or fingers—especially if these symptoms persist or worsen—are good reasons to consult a hand specialist. These symptoms often indicate conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or other nerve compression issues.

Post-Surgical Complications

If you’ve had previous hand surgery and are experiencing new problems or incomplete recovery, a hand specialist can provide valuable second opinions and revision surgeries when needed.

The Expertise You Can Expect

When you visit a hand specialist, you’ll benefit from their comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment. These experts typically offer:

    • Advanced diagnostic capabilities, including specialized imaging and nerve conduction studies
    • Conservative treatment options, such as custom splinting, targeted exercises, and precise injections
    • Surgical interventions ranging from minimally invasive procedures to complex reconstructions
    • Rehabilitation guidance to restore function and prevent future problems

Finding the Right Hand Specialist

Our hands are incredibly important and serve us in many ways. It is important to have the excellent care of a hand specialist when you encounter hand problems. When searching for a hand specialist, look for board certification in their primary specialty (orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, etc.) plus additional certification in hand surgery. The most important criteria are finding a hand specialist with experience treating your specific condition and someone with whom you feel comfortable communicating about your hand health concerns.