Hand surgery is a specialized procedure that can have a profound effect on the patient's quality of life and daily activities. Hand pain can be the result of conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome , sports injuries , nerve injuries and congenital conditions. Any hand pain, regardless of condition or cause, can impede a person’s day-to-day activities. While hand therapy with a physical therapist or occupational therapist can ease pain, surgery is often required to treat the root issue.

At UF Health, hand surgeons know the full spectrum of congenital and acquired hand disorders and ailments. Our team works in a collaborative effort with doctor, therapist and patient to ensure optimal function. UF Health also offers treatment and therapy in one spot, saving you time as we work to get your hand back to optimal mobility.

Causes of hand pain and conditions

People of all ages can suffer hand pain, with common causes being hand injury, misuse or repetitive use, tendon issues as well as genetics. Diagnosis of hand injury or condition is essential to preventing further injury or pain and getting hand function back. In most cases surgery, along with a form of post-operative treatment with a hand therapist, can be successful.

Conditions we treat

• Hand and upper extremity fractures
• Raynaud phenomenon
• Dupuytren contracture
• Tendon & joint issues
• Arthritis of the hand, wrist and elbow
• Ganglion cysts
• Flexor tendon issues
• Osteoarthritis of the thumb
• Trigger finger
• Tendon lacerations
• Tendinitis
• Hand tumors
• Thumb arthritis

Nerve conditions

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• Nerve injuries of the hand and nerve palsies

Congenital hand, pediatric hand and hand deformities

• Syndactyly (webbed fingers)
• Ulnar club hand
• Central ray defects
• Cleft hand
• Radial ray
• Radial club hand
• Amniotic band syndrome
• Cerebral palsy hand issues

Plastic surgery hand treatments

• Microvascular hand surgery
• Hand and finger replants (reattachment)

Post-surgery support: hand therapy

How long does it take to recover from hand surgery?

Recovering from hand surgery varies depending on your procedure. Recovery can be a few days, if it is a simple procedure, or a few months for more complicated reconstructive surgery. An important part of recovery is physical or occupational rehabilitation. Our expert hand therapists are trained to provide effective therapy that is individualized to each patient.

Specialized treatments

Our trained hand specialists offer a unique procedure known as a toe-to-thumb transfer for patients requiring hand reconstruction. The surgery entails removing tissue from a person’s toe to serve as a functioning thumb, and has a high success rate of 95 to 100 percent.

Our team

Our board-certified orthopaedic surgeons provide excellence in the orthpaedic surgery including hand surgery and collaborating with hand therapy providers to ensure optimal outcomes. Their state-of-the-art facility is home to physical therapy and radiological services. Our hand specialists know accidents will happen, which is why walk-ins are always welcome during business hours.