Hand & Wrist Care
OrthoConnecticut offers specialized expertise from fellowship-trained board-certified hand & wrist physicians.
Your in Good Hands.
Care for the hand and wrist begins with a thorough evaluation to accurately diagnose even complex cases and create a personalized treatment plan. We use advanced technology, including on-site fluoroscopy, to support precise diagnosis and treatment.
Thorough Evaluation & Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis of even complex cases.
Personalized Treatment Options
Tailored treatment plans for each patient.
Advanced Imaging
Real-time fluoroscopy for precise diagnosis and treatment.
Common Symptoms
We use our hands for everything and when problems occur it can affect even the most basic task. The most common symptoms include:
- Pain and stiffness with movement
- Difficulty or pain with gripping
- The feeling of clumsiness
- Difficulty with fine movements such as fastening buttons
- Uncomfortable catching or locking when bending of the fingers or thumb
- Tingling or numbness at night or with certain activities
- Swelling
Hand Surgery & Wrist Surgery
Expert treatment for hand conditions from arthritis to complex fractures using advanced surgical techniques.
1 in 10 Adults
Experience Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Their Lifetime
30%
Of Hand Fractures Affect the Fingers
20%
Of Sports Injuries Involve the Wrist
Conditions We Treat
- Animal Bites to the Hand
- Basal Joint Osteoarthritis
- Boxer’s Fracture
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Colles Fractures
- Stenosing Tenosynovitis (De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis)
- Distal Radius Fracture
- Mallet Finger
- Nerve Injuries of the Hand
- Scaphoid Fractures
- Dupuytren’s Disease
- Fingertip Injuries
- Ganglion Cysts of Hand
- Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury Treatment with OrthoConnecticut
- TFCC Tears
- Trigger Digit
- Wrist Sprain
- Hand and Wrist Joint Pain
Available Treatments & Procedures
- Distal Radius Fracture Repair with Volar Plate
- Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release
- Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release (Lins)
- Ganglion Cyst Removal
- Dupuytren’s Contracture Needle Aponeurotomy
- Open Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
- Scaphoid Fracture Treatment with Open Reduction and Internal Fixation
- Trigger Finger Release Surgery
Have questions? Speak to one of care consultants at 855.457.4392
Schedule Your Appointment Online
Schedule a consultation with one of our expert specialists to discuss your condition and explore personalized treatment options.
Meet Our Hand & Wrist Specialists
Trained at the country’s most prestigious medical institutions, our physicians offer the most advanced surgical techniques for both simple and complex issues.
Hand & Upper Extremity Specialist | Surgeon
Joseph DiGiovanni, M.D.
Certified Physician Assistant
Jacquelyn Giannelli, PA-C
Hand & Upper Extremity Specialist | Surgeon
Aaron N. Insel, M.D.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about hand & wrist care at OrthoConnecticut.
What is a Hand and Wrist Specialist Called?
A doctor who specializes in the hand, wrist is often referred to as a Hand Specialist. These orthopedic doctors typically treat the injuries and illnesses related to these very complex and important parts of the body. The hand and wrist are made up of 29 different bones, muscles and ligaments that enable a wide range of critical movement for human functioning. An orthopedic surgeon is a highly trained physician whose overall focus is on the human body’s musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Orthopedic doctors specializing in the hand and wrist have extensive knowledge of the bones, ligaments, joints, muscles, and tendons in the hand and wrist and the mechanics of every specific part of each of these joints.
What is a Hand Specialist?
A hand specialist is a type of orthopedic doctor whose specialty is in treating, diagnosing, and preventing all injuries and illnesses related to the hand and wrist. These doctors have a deep knowledge of the complex system of muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, tendons, and bones that make up the hand and wrist. They may work with patients that have an acute injury to their hand or wrist as well as patients who are having more long-term, chronic conditions that affect mobility and function.
While you may perceive pain in your hand as normal, some types of pain should be addressed immediately by a hand specialist. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact an orthopedic doctor at OrthoConnecticut that specializes in hand and wrist:
- Persistent pain and discomfort, even when your hand is not moving
- Symptoms that do not improve
- Loss of muscle tone or function in your hand
- A numb or tingling sensation in your hand, wrist, or fingers
- Pain that reaches to your elbow
- Pain or difficulty doing activities of daily living
- Pain, swelling, or redness that gets worse with activity
- Difficulty picking things up or with small hand motions
Some of these symptoms may signal that you have a serious condition such as a dislocation, fracture, or break and should be evaluated by a specialist.
What Are Common Conditions Affecting the Hand
Two of the most common conditions affecting the hand are carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis. Carpal tunnel syndrome is essentially a pinched nerve in your wrist. This can be caused by a combination of different factors including repeated hand use, prolonged flexion or extension of the hand or wrist, sex, age, heredity, or having diabetes, thyroid disease, or rheumatoid arthritis. Those with carpal tunnel may experience pain, numbness, or tingling in the hand and arm.
Arthritis is one of the most common conditions that affect the hand. Over 58 million Americans are living with some form of arthritis. Arthritis in your hand will usually occur in the base of your thumb, your finger joints, or your knuckles. It is generally caused by older age and is most common in adults over the age of 50. You are also more likely to get arthritis if you’ve had multiple previous injuries to your hand, wrist, or fingers such as broken or dislocated bones and joints.
While carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis are the most common conditions that affect the hand, they’re not the only ones. Here are some other common issues that occur in the hand and wrist:
- Fractures
- Dupuytren’s Disease
- Sports Injuries
- Nerve Injuries
- Wrist/Finger Instability
- Ganglion Cysts
- Tendon Disorders
What Type of Doctor Should I See for Hand Pain?
If you’re experiencing hand pain that doesn’t improve with rest, you should see an orthopedic doctor at OrthoConnecticut that specializes in treating the hand and wrist. These hand and wrist specialists are experts in understanding the complexity of the ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves that make up the hand and wrist.
How do you Treat Sore Hands?
There are a variety of options for treating sore hands. The method you choose ultimately depends on your condition and what your doctor prescribes. The very first thing you should do is try to rest your hands as much as possible. If you are suffering from arthritis in your hands, you may use a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that you rub onto your hands to relieve pain. For something like carpal tunnel syndrome, you can do at-home exercises to strengthen your hand’s muscles and nerves. For more acute injuries, you might work with heat and cold to treat your soreness. If you do end up experiencing serious pain, you should contact a hand and wrist specialist at OrthoConnecticut right away.
Can an Orthopedic Doctor Treat Carpal Tunnel?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common hand conditions that orthopedic doctors treat. Depending on the severity of your carpal tunnel, a physician may prescribe any number of approaches. For mild carpal tunnel, they may prescribe icing, rest, anti-inflammatories, or a wrist splint. If your carpal tunnel is more severe, an orthopedic doctor may recommend a simple surgical treatment to treat the issue.
Patient Testimonials
Real stories from patients who found relief and returned to the activities they love.
Marlon S.
Shoulder Arthroplasty
“Dr. John Brown just completed my right total shoulder arthroplasty. He will do my left one in three or four months. I trust him implicitly. He is the best doctor I’ve ever had! I am recommending my friends with bad shoulders to visit with Dr. Brown so their lives can be blessed as mine has been through his healing abilities.”
- Sun City West
Carol L.
Hip Replacement Surgery
“I have been visiting the Core Institute in Mesa, AZ, for a couple of years for treatment. I had hip replacement surgery there, which went exceptionally well! Unfortunately, I have other orthopedic issues that require ongoing care at Core. I have seen Dr. William C. Thompson and Dr. Decomas, along with their team. Despite the pain I have experienced, these professionals have significantly improved my quality of life! Definitely Recommend!”
- Mesa
Kelley S.
Spine Injections
“I have had several spine doctors (VA System) when it comes to my spine injections, no other Doctor is as gentle yet effective as Dr. Sherman. He has had a profound effect on my health. It has been a long journey, I’m glad I have had him to guide me.”
- Scottsdale
Milissa C.
Pain Management
“Dr Sherman is the best! He is very empathetic and listens to all of my concerns. He truly cares. His office staff is also fantastic and he is always running on time for his appointments. Go see him for all your pain management needs!”
- North Phoenix
Julie E.
Vein Dysfunction
“Hilary is very knowledgable and explained in detail what problems are caused by vein dysfunction and what symptoms you would have. She had a plan and dates for procedures/follow-up before I left the exam room. Very happy with this experience.”
- Sun City West
Constance C.
X-rays
“The doctor showed me my x-rays and showed me where the crack in my kneecap was. He answered all my questions and was very easy to understand what he was talking about. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing him. I’ll be seeing him again in January.”
- Peoria Lakes Club
Johnnie J.
Physical Therapy
“There’s something powerful about having a therapist who truly sees you, not just your injury. That’s how Shannon Geraty works. She made the hard days feel possible and the good days feel like triumphs. I’m walking away not only stronger, but also more confident and encouraged than I thought I could be. I’m deeply grateful for her care.”
- Mesa