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Hand & Wrist Treatment for Strength, Precision, and Function

Your hands and wrists play a vital role in daily life. Our specialists focus on restoring motion, strength, and dexterity through advanced, patient-centered care.

Get back to what moves you - Regain comfort, strength and motion.

Our hands and wrists are some of the most complex, hard-working parts of the body. From buttoning a shirt to typing on a keyboard to enjoying your favorite sport, almost everything you do depends on them. When pain, stiffness, or injury strikes, it can quickly affect daily life and independence.

At Bluegrass Orthopaedics, our fellowship-trained hand and wrist specialists are here to evaluate, diagnose, and guide you toward lasting relief and restored function.

Hand and Wrist Care

When to see a hand and wrist specialist

Mild soreness may improve with rest, bracing, or over-the-counter remedies. But if pain lingers, interferes with your daily routine, or returns frequently, it may be time to get checked out. Our goal is to help you catch small problems before they become bigger ones, so it is important for you to pay close attention to your symptoms. This will help you give your doctor or orthopedic surgeon a more detailed description of the pain you are experiencing.

You may benefit from seeing a specialist if you are experiencing any of these common hand and wrist symptoms:

  • Pain, swelling, or stiffness in the hand or wrist
  • Tingling or numbness in the fingers or palm
  • Weakness or difficulty gripping objects
  • A clicking or popping sound when you move your finger, hand or wrist
  • Pain that radiates from the wrist to the hand or elbow
  • Pain that worsens with repetitive tasks
  • Sharp, shooting, or throbbing pain in your thumb
  • Difficulty straightening the hand or fingers
  • Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest or medication
  • Bone-on-bone sensation

The hand and wrist are made up of many small bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves, all working together. Because of this complexity, different conditions can cause similar symptoms — making expert evaluation key.

Having any of the listed symptoms may indicate one of the following common hand or wrist injuries:

What to expect at your appointment with a hand and wrist specialist

What to Expect at Your Appointment with a Hand & Wrist Specialist

We understand that hand and wrist pain can make even simple tasks frustrating. At your first visit, our goal is to provide clear answers and a plan tailored to your needs. Your provider will take the time to explain each step and make sure you feel comfortable and informed.

Here’s what you may expect during your first visit:

  • A conversation about your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle goals.
  • A gentle exam to check movement, strength, and stability.
  • Imaging (like X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, or EMG) if needed to see inside the joint. *If you had imaging done previously, please bring this to your appointment.*
  • A personalized treatment plan designed to relieve pain and restore function.

Innovative Treatment Options

No two hands — or patients — are alike. That’s why we offer a wide range of treatment options, starting with the least invasive approach possible. In many cases, surgery isn’t necessary, and we can help you feel better with therapies designed to reduce pain and improve mobility. If surgery does become the best option, our specialists use advanced techniques that focus on faster recovery and better long-term outcomes.

Some of our treatment options include:

  • Non-surgical care such as splinting, therapy, bracing, and injections
  • Minimally invasive surgical techniques for carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, and tendon repair through ultrasound guidance.
  • Fracture care for hand and wrist breaks, including advanced fixation techniques
  • Arthroscopy and reconstructive procedures for complex injuries or arthritis
  • Comprehensive rehabilitation programs to restore strength and mobility after treatment
Innovative Treatment Options
Why choose Bluegrass Orthopaedics for hand and wrist care?

Why Choose Bluegrass Orthopaedics for Hand and Wrist Care?

At Bluegrass Orthopaedics, we combine advanced expertise with compassionate care to help you get back to the activities you love. Our fellowship-trained specialists understand the unique challenges of hand and wrist conditions and are dedicated to providing personalized treatment.

What truly sets us apart is the experience and leadership of our team. Our hand & wrist fellowship-trained specialists are recognized among the best in the region and the country — from being part of the first hand transplant to becoming the first orthopedic surgeon in Kentucky to perform minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery. They continue to pave the way as industry leaders, advancing techniques and educating other surgeons across the nation.

Additional advantages of choosing us include:

  • Fellowship-trained specialists in hand, wrist, and microsurgery
  • Expertise in both surgical and non-surgical treatments
  • State-of-the-art imaging and minimally invasive techniques
  • Multidisciplinary team approach with physical and occupational therapy
  • Convenient clinic and therapy locations across Georgetown, Lexington, London, Morehead, Nicholasville, Richmond, and Somerset, Kentucky

Meet Our Hand & Wrist Surgeons

Charles "Ched" Crouse, M.D.

Charles "Ched" Crouse, MD

General Orthopedics, Joint Replacement, Sports Medicine, Hip & Knee

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J. Martin Favetto, M.D.

J. Martin Favetto, MD

Hand, Wrist & Elbow

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Dr. Victor Marwin, MD

Dr. Victor Marwin, MD, MBA

Hand & Wrist, Elbow, Shoulder & Joint Replacement

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Hear What Our Patients Have to Say

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Expert Reconstructive Hand Surgeon Recommended

Time and time again, Dr O’Neal proves to be a competent, and caring surgeon. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing reconstructive hand surgery or joint issues.

- Anonymous
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Skilled, Caring Hand And Wrist Surgeon

Great! Listens, explains, kind-everything you need when you’re suffering! He’s fixed several broken hands and both wrists for me-surgery and plate on one-couldn’t be happier! Highly recommend!

- Linda Stephenson
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Excellent Hand Surgery And Care

So glad I went to Dr O'Neill for my hand surgery. I could not be more pleased. No one wants to have surgery, but when you have to, it's so great to have all your questions answered and have great results!

- Anonymous

Hand & Wrist - Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions affect the hand and wrist?
Hand and wrist conditions may include carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, tendon injuries, fractures, nerve compression, ligament injuries, and overuse conditions. An orthopedic evaluation can help identify the cause of symptoms and guide appropriate treatment.
Do I need surgery right away for hand or wrist pain?
In most cases, surgery is not the first step for treating hand or wrist pain. Many conditions can be successfully managed with conservative treatments such as rest, splinting, physical or occupational therapy, activity modification, or injections. Your orthopedic specialist will evaluate your condition and recommend surgery only if non-surgical options are not effective or if your injury requires surgical care.
How long does it take to recover from hand or wrist surgery?
Recovery time depends on the specific condition, type of procedure, and your overall health. Some minimally invasive hand or wrist surgeries allow patients to resume light activities within a few weeks, while more complex procedures may require a longer rehabilitation period. Your care team will provide a personalized recovery plan focused on restoring strength, mobility, and function.
Can physical therapy really help hand and wrist pain?
Yes. Physical or occupational therapy is often an important part of hand and wrist treatment. Therapy can help reduce pain, improve range of motion, restore strength, and support proper healing. For many patients, therapy can significantly improve symptoms and may help prevent the need for surgery.
What is minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery?
Minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery is a procedure designed to relieve pressure on the median nerve using smaller incisions and advanced techniques. Compared to traditional open surgery, minimally invasive approaches may result in less tissue disruption, reduced postoperative discomfort, and a quicker return to daily activities. Your specialist will determine if this approach is appropriate based on your symptoms and diagnosis.
Do you offer same-day appointments?
Yes! We offer same-day appointments whenever possible to help you get care quickly. For urgent orthopedic injuries, our BGONow Orthopedic Urgent Care is available at select locations across Kentucky. This allows you to skip the ER and be seen directly by an orthopedic specialist — saving you time and money while ensuring expert care.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Hand and wrist pain doesn’t have to limit your life. Whether you’re struggling with a sports injury, nerve issue, or arthritis, our team is ready to help you regain comfort and function.

Schedule your appointment with our hand and wrist specialists today — and take the first step toward relief, strength, and restored motion.

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