Submitted By Dale S. Snead M.D.
12.18.2009

As a physician who has spent more than 10 years studying and treating disorders of the hand, wrist and elbow, I’m still surprised when patients ask, “Why do I need a hand specialist?” 
One reason is because your hands are valuable assets.  You use them to do everything – eat, write, earn a living and play sports just to name a few.  If something happened to your hands, it might dramatically alter your life and daily routines. That means you need to treat your hands with respect and take the best care possible.  If you wouldn’t let a mechanic look after your sick pet, then you shouldn’t let just anyone care for your hands. 
Also, there are many issues that can cause pain and loss of function in your hands, including fractures, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and trigger finger.  At times, these conditions are so severe that the only relief will come from surgery.  Having surgery is serious business, and you really need someone who is qualified to perform the procedure. 
Board-certified hand specialists are medical doctors who have had specific training to care for the hand, wrist and elbow.  We go through years of preparation and have to pass rigorous exams in medicine, orthopedics and hand surgery.  Hand surgeons understand the intricacies of the hand, and we focus our surgeries only in that area. 
You use your hands every day, and proper care is essential.  That’s why choosing the right doctor is extremely important as well.  Whether your problem is in the hand, wrist or elbow, a board-certified hand specialist is the best person to help relieve the pain and get you back to your daily activities.