Hand surgeons fix urgent and traumatic injuries like wrists, fingers or hand bones that are broken or fractured as well as cuts that damage nerves, blood vessels or tendons. A deep cut should always be examined by a hand surgeon, Koh said.

Hand surgeons can also address nagging, chronic pain that doesn’t improve over time from conditions such as arthritis, ligament sprains, tendon injuries and nerve pain. If you or your doctor notice a difference in how one or both of your hands look or function, a surgeon can help determine the best treatment course.

"When something hurts or changes, it’s not always immediately clear if you need to see a doctor," Koh said. "Persistent injuries are common in hands. If left untreated, they can cause stiff knuckles and joints, so you should not hesitate to get them checked out."

Often, such injuries can be fixed with nonoperative methods. For example, arthritis around the base of the thumb is common in most patients over the age of 60, Koh said. Treatment usually includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy and lifestyle modifications, but the right management must be carefully considered based on a patients’ needs and circumstances. Surgery is only appropriate for persistent, chronic pain if other methods are unsuccessful.

"The hand and wrist are a complex system, and there are a lot of ways injuries occur," he said. "The underlying problem can be a mystery, but it’s one I’m happy to work on together with patients."

Many common injuries and complaints can be fixed with surgery if more conservative approaches don’t help.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a degenerative condition that develops when a nerve in the wrist becomes compressed and irritated, and it can cause numbness, tingling and pain, especially at nighttime. The condition doesn’t just impact desk workers. It can develop in anyone, regardless of their occupation or activities, Koh said.

He diagnoses carpal tunnel syndrome with a nerve-conduction study, or electromyography (EMG), to rule out neck problems and determine the severity of the condition. If nighttime splinting doesn’t help, the condition can be fixed with a small incision in the palm to open the ligament near the affected nerve. The surgery also can be done endoscopically, which results in quicker recovery. Each procedure can provide immediate relief. Most patients can use their hands on the same day as the procedure, and their skin will heal fully from the incision in two to four weeks.

Another common condition that can be treated surgically is trigger finger, or inflammation to the tendon that helps the finger bend. Trigger finger results in clicking, popping, catching or a locked joint and is caused by repeated use, especially in patients with diabetes. When untreated, patients often avoid using the finger, which can cause persistent stiffness on top of irritation. Koh first treats trigger finger with steroid injections to soften and remodel the tendon. Patients who don’t see results can opt for surgery, which involves making a tiny incision around the tendon so it can move freely.

Whether you have suffered a broken wrist playing pickleball or developed age-related arthritis, a hand surgeon’s ultimate goal is to preserve or restore your function, Koh said. He suggests patients modify their activities while they heal instead of completely avoiding their hobbies.

“There’s not always a clear connection between a person’s lifestyle and their injury, and I always strive to meet people where they are,” he said.