When It’s Hand and Arm Pain, AHN Has a Plan

Maybe it started with a sore wrist after a weekend of yard work. Or a shoulder that never quite recovered after a pickup basketball game. At first, you assumed it would get better on its own. You bought a brace, took over-the-counter pain medicine, and pushed through.

But weeks turned into months. Suddenly, opening jars is frustrating. Carrying your child or grandchild hurts. The everyday activities you enjoy aren’t so easy anymore. What you need isn’t another home remedy. You need answers.

And at AHN, that’s where expert orthopaedic care begins.

“One of the biggest sources of frustration for patients is not knowing what’s causing their pain,” says Dr. Peter Tang, orthopaedic surgeon at AHN. “A clear diagnosis gives us the foundation to create a personalized treatment plan.”

AHN’s nationally recognized hand and upper extremity team cares for everything from fingertips to shoulders, treating conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, rotator cuff tears, tendon injuries, fractures, tennis elbow, and more. But, as Chief of the Hand Division, Dr. Tang says expertise is only part of the story.

“We don’t just treat the pain — we treat the person,” Dr. Tang says. “Two people can have the same diagnosis but very different goals. One may need to get back to a physically demanding job, while another wants to return to their favorite sport or hobby. Those goals shape the care we provide.”

Many patients are surprised to learn that surgery isn’t the first option.

“People often wait because they’re worried they’ll be told they need surgery,” says Dr. Tang. “In reality, many conditions respond well to bracing, physical therapy, injections, activity modification, or other nonsurgical treatments.”

When surgery is the best solution, AHN offers advanced minimally invasive techniques designed to reduce pain and support a faster recovery. AHN’s surgical program is also one of the few in western Pennsylvania to provide advanced reconstructive surgery, microvascular surgery, nerve repair, and specialized hand therapy, making it a trusted choice for everyone from active families to professional athletes.

Just as important, patients leave with a clear understanding of what comes next.

“One of the first questions people ask is, ‘When can I get back to my life?’” Dr. Tang says. “We provide realistic timelines and a roadmap for recovery so patients know what to expect every step of the way.”

If pain has lasted more than a few weeks, keeps returning, or is interfering with work, sleep, or everyday activities, don’t assume it’s something you have to live with.

“The sooner we understand what’s causing the problem, the sooner we can begin helping you feel better,” Dr. Tang says. “Getting evaluated doesn’t mean you’re committing to surgery. It means getting expert answers and a plan that’s built around you.”

To learn more about AHN’s orthopaedic care for hand and upper extremity pain, or to schedule an evaluation, call (412) DOCTORS, or visit AHN.org/OrthoArmCare.