Trust Ohio State’s hand specialists for your hand, wrist and forearm repair and recovery

If you're injured or have pain or numbness in your hand, wrist, elbow or any part of your arm, trust your care and recovery to the hand experts at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. We’re central Ohio’s only academic Hand and Upper Extremity Clinic. Not only do we know the latest and most effective ways to diagnose and treat your hand condition or injury, but we’re constantly innovating and researching new and better hand treatments to get you feeling better faster.

We use our hands in almost every aspect of our lives. Early diagnosis and treatment of a hand injury is vital to help prevent more permanent underlying damage. Our experts have spent their careers ensuring top movement and mobility after a hand, wrist or arm injury. Our team will always customize a treatment plan to your situation and the severity of your injury.

We specialize in fracture care, microsurgery of the hand and upper extremity, comprehensive on-site hand therapy and in-office surgeries. Appointments at one of our clinics located conveniently around the Columbus area are available at 614-366-4263 (HAND). Contact us today and get started toward recovery.

Conditions we treat

The orthopedic hand specialists at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center treat a variety of hand conditions, from everyday, common conditions to more severe injuries.

Broken bones and fractures

Carpal tunnel syndrome

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis

Dislocated finger

Dupuytren’s contracture

Tennis elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Trigger finger

Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) injury

Treatments for hand and wrist pain

The type of treatment you might need to relieve your hand or wrist pain will depend on various factors, including the condition you have, the severity of that condition, your desired activity level or your career, and your overall health. Treatments range from the least invasive, such as occupational therapy and splinting, to more involved procedures and surgeries. Sometimes you receive a combination of treatments.

Our hand experts will work with you to develop a personalized care plan to meet your goals. That plan may include:

Limiting certain movements for a period
Assistive devices (splints, braces, pads)
Massage
Occupational hand therapy
Injections
Anti-inflammatory medication
Surgery

Hand Surgery

We will work with you to determine the best treatment for your hand or arm, including ways to manage pain and improve function.

Hand Therapy

Get back to where you want to be with the help of our occupational therapists using hand therapy.

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Ohio State saved my wrist, my career

Darrah experienced a significant fracture and a procedure at another medical center that left her unable to use three fingers on her right hand -- a vital function for a law-enforcement officer. Ohio State's orthopedic hand specialists were able to restore functionality to Metz's wrist, hands and fingers, ensuring that a bad fall didn't end her career. After only eight weeks of rehabilitation, she was able to get back to full duty with her canine therapy dog, Mattis.

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Highlights of Ohio State hand and upper extremity orthopedic care

Hand and upper extremity surgeon Ryan Schmucker, MD, explains the advantages of treatment at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, highlighting how its team approach leads to the best possible care.

Why choose Ohio State for hand and upper extremity care?

At Ohio State, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive and specialized care for hand, wrist and finger injuries that may or may not require surgery. There are many reasons to choose Ohio State:

Comprehensive care: Our unique, collaborative program brings together physicians, surgeons and clinicians from orthopedics, plastic and reconstructive surgery, occupational therapy, anesthesiology, and outpatient rehabilitation services. These professionals work as a team to quickly translate research into clinical applications, monitor patients’ progress and coordinate care.
Certified hand therapists: Our team includes numerous certified hand therapists who are specially trained in orthopedic rehabilitation, providing crucial care either after surgery or as an alternative nonsurgical treatment. We perform various surgeries and procedures at our various outpatient care facilities, helping you get in and back home the same day.
Getting you the care you need, quickly: If you become injured, start your care here. Starting your treatment with our hand experts can save you time and unnecessary costs, as we ensure that splints and other treatments are applied correctly based on your injury needs. Plus, we have excellent availability of appointments, often being able to see those with new injuries within a few days.
Surgical leadership: Ohio State’s fellowship-trained hand surgeons treat more than 1,500 patients monthly with procedures that include minimally invasive (endoscopic) carpal tunnel surgery, which uses smaller incisions and results in faster recovery. Further, through selection as a host for international traveling fellows in multiple years, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) recognizes Ohio State as being among the elite in hand surgery.
Trauma expertise: Designated a Level I Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons, Ohio State’s trauma services provide care for all levels of trauma, from the complex multiple-injury case to isolated limb injury and fracture.
Nation’s best: Ohio State’s rehabilitation program consistently ranks among the best in the nation. As an academic medical center, Ohio State offers comprehensive medical expertise, the most advanced technologies and treatment techniques, and innovative care backed by research knowledge.