FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow FAQs
Orthopedic surgeons are devoted to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
Some orthopedists are generalists, while others specialize in certain areas of the body, such as:
- Hip and knee
- Foot and ankle
- Shoulder and elbow
- Hand
- Spine
Orthopedic surgeons explore nonsurgical options first, such as pain medication or rehabilitation. They also have the expertise to perform surgery to repair an injury or correct a condition, if necessary.
Musculoskeletal pain is the number one reason why people visit their doctors each year.
Many people know that orthopedic surgeons treat broken bones, and replace painful joints, but did you know that orthopedic surgeons also treat patients for these problems?
- Sports injuries
- Back pain, ruptured disks, and spinal stenosis
- Bone tumors
- Carpal tunnel syndrome, hand arthritis, and hand injuries
- Club foot, bow legs, and hip dysplasia
- Orthopedic trauma
- Limb lengthening
- Achilles tendon injuries, bunions, and foot and ankle injuries
- Osteoporosis
- Arthritis
To learn about the treatment and management of these and many other orthopedic conditions, visit The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ (AAOS) patient education website, orthoinfo.org.
An orthopedic surgeon is an expert with extensive training in the proper diagnosis and the treatment (both nonsurgical and surgical) of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
A qualified hand specialist is trained to diagnose and treat all problems related to the different structures in the hand, wrist, and forearm.
The hand is a unique area of the human body that is made up of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, skin, and blood vessels. These elements must all be in good working order for the hand to function well.
The relationship between all these structures is delicate and refined. An injury or disease can affect any or all of these structures and impair the use of the hand.
Hand specialists have received additional specialized training in the treatment of hand problems. Many also have expertise with problems of the elbow, arm, and shoulder. Some treat only children, some treat only adults, and some treat both. Common problems treated include:
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- tennis elbow
- wrist pain
- sports injuries of the hand and wrist
- fractures of the hand, wrist, and forearm
- trigger finger
Other problems treated can include arthritis, nerve and tendon injuries, and congenital limb differences (birth defects).
Not all problems treated by a hand specialist need surgery. They often recommend nonsurgical treatments, such as medication, splints, therapy, or injections.
If you have pain in your fingers, hand, wrist, or arm, or if you have other upper-extremity related concerns, you may want to consult a hand specialist.
The upper extremity consists of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. The upper limb is divided into three regions that consist of the arm, located between the shoulder and elbow joints; the forearm, which is between the elbow and wrist joints; and the hand, which is located distal to the wrist.
Dr. Besh is a fellowship-trained and a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in Hand, Wrist, and Elbow conditions. He is one of the few hand surgeons in Silicon Valley that has the Subspecialty Certificate in Surgery of the Hand and has over 15 years of experience focused on orthopedic hand conditions.
Dr. Besh is an expert in upper extremity and hand conditions. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your hands, fingers, wrist, or elbow, or have additional concerns, contact our office for an appointment.
At FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow, we understand the workers’ compensation process and we are set up to report as needed for workers’ compensation claims.
Our team of specialists will provide you with an immediate diagnosis of the injury, corrective treatment, and medication if needed. We’ll also discuss long-term options for recovery.
Dr. Besh is a fellowship-trained and a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in Hand, Wrist, and Elbow conditions. He is one of the few hand surgeons in Silicon Valley that has the Subspecialty Certificate in Surgery of the Hand and has over 15 years of experience focused on orthopedic hand conditions.
For the convenience of our patients, we also offer additional services on-site including:
- Hand Therapy
- Digital X-Ray
- Open MRI
- Precision SurgiCenter (outpatient surgery center)
Hand Therapy is defined as the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper extremity (hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder). It combines occupational and physical therapy theory with comprehensive knowledge of the upper extremity structure, function, and activity. Hand therapy uses various therapeutic interventions to prevent impairment, restore function, and/or reverse the progression of hand and upper extremity conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Since our hand therapists work closely with the physician and patient, often starting within days of the injury or surgery, patients experience the following benefits
- Reduction in overall treatment time due to accurate assessments, immediate care, and effective treatment.
- Decreased medical costs due to faster recovery.
- Reduced need for multiple medical providers in following a continuum of care protocol to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
- Maximized rehabilitation outcomes for patients ensuring a faster return-to-work and a productive lifestyle.
To become a patient at FORM Hand Therapy you can either do a self-referral or obtain a referral from a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner to start treatment. If you are not currently under the care of a physician for your hand, wrist, or elbow condition, you can schedule an appointment at FORM Hand, Wrist & Elbow Institute to be evaluated and treated by one of the top Orthopaedic Hand Surgeons in California, Basil R. Besh, M.D.