Hand & Wrist Specialist in Singapore

Dr Seng Chusheng

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orth), FRCS (Edinburgh)

A doctor in a white lab coat pointing with a pen to an X-ray of a human hand and wrist, next to a skeletal hand model.

Dr Seng Chusheng is a fellowship-trained senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon with experience performing more than 1,000 procedures. He has a special interest in hand and wrist conditions, sports injuries and reconstructive procedures, with experience in managing conditions ranging from nerve compression and tendon disorders to arthritis, deformities and traumatic injuries affecting hand function.

Hand and Wrist Specialist for Nerve, Tendon and Joint Conditions
Hand Function, Dexterity & Grip Strength Restoration
Carpal Tunnel Release, Wrist Reconstruction & Corrective Procedures

Meet Our Hand and Wrist Specialist in Singapore

Dr Seng Chusheng

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon (Sports & Exercise Medicine)

MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orth), FRCS (Edinburgh)

Dr Seng Chusheng's practice includes the management of both common and complex hand and wrist conditions, ranging from repetitive strain injuries and degenerative disorders to fractures, ligament injuries and deformities.

Treatment is tailored to the functional demands of each patient. Whether the goal is returning to office work, manual labour, sports participation or everyday independence, Dr Seng focuses on restoring the level of hand function required for the individual's lifestyle.

With experience performing more than 1,000 orthopaedic procedures, Dr Seng combines extensive surgical expertise with a patient-centred approach to care. Patients have access to a range of treatment options, from conservative management through to advanced reconstructive and corrective procedures where appropriate.

How Hand and Wrist Conditions Affect Daily Activities

Many hand and wrist conditions first become noticeable during everyday activities. Typing at a computer, using a mobile phone, carrying groceries, opening jars or preparing meals may gradually become more difficult due to pain, weakness, numbness or stiffness.

Repetitive movements, manual work, sports participation and age-related wear can contribute to conditions affecting the joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves of the hand and wrist. As symptoms progress, grip strength, dexterity and overall hand function may become increasingly limited.

What Are the Common Causes of Hand and Wrist Injuries?

Hand and wrist conditions may develop as a result of repetitive strain, injury, nerve compression, inflammatory conditions or age-related degeneration. Common causes include:

Repetitive Hand and Wrist Movements
Frequent typing, gripping, lifting, writing or repetitive occupational tasks may place excessive stress on tendons, joints and nerves.
Sports and Recreational Activities
Activities involving repetitive wrist movements, impact or forceful gripping can increase strain on the hand and wrist structures.
Falls and Trauma
Falls onto an outstretched hand, sporting injuries and direct impacts can result in fractures, ligament injuries and joint damage.
Nerve Compression
Pressure affecting nerves within the wrist or hand can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness and loss of function.
Inflammatory Conditions
Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis may cause chronic inflammation affecting the joints and soft tissues.
Age-Related Wear and Tear
Degenerative changes within the joints, tendons and ligaments can contribute to pain, stiffness and reduced hand function.

A tennis player in a white shirt holding his painful wrist while gripping a tennis racket on a court.

Who Is More Likely to Develop Hand and Wrist Conditions?

Hand and wrist problems can affect people of all ages. However, certain activities, occupations and medical conditions may increase the likelihood of developing these issues.

You may be more likely to experience hand and wrist conditions if you:

Spend long hours typing, using a computer or performing repetitive desk-based work
Frequently use tools, machinery or equipment that require repetitive hand movements
Perform manual labour involving gripping, lifting or forceful hand use
Participate in sports that place repeated stress on the hands and wrists
Have previously injured your hand, wrist or fingers
Have arthritis or other inflammatory joint conditions
Have diabetes or conditions that affect the nerves
Are experiencing age-related changes affecting the joints, tendons or ligaments

Understanding these risk factors can help identify potential causes of symptoms and support earlier assessment when problems arise.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Hand and Wrist Problems

Hand and wrist conditions can affect strength, sensation and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Common symptoms include:

Hand or Wrist Pain

Pain may occur during movement, gripping, lifting objects or performing repetitive tasks.

Numbness and Tingling

Pins and needles or altered sensation in the fingers or hand may indicate nerve compression or irritation.

Weak Grip Strength

Difficulty opening jars, turning doorknobs, carrying objects or maintaining a firm grip may suggest an underlying condition affecting the tendons, nerves or joints.

Stiffness and Reduced Movement

The fingers, hand or wrist may become difficult to move comfortably, particularly after periods of inactivity.

Locking or Catching of the Fingers

Some patients experience fingers becoming temporarily stuck in a bent position before suddenly releasing.

Swelling or Visible Lumps

Swelling around the joints, tendons or soft tissues may occur due to inflammation, injury or cyst formation.

When Should You See a Hand and Wrist Specialist?

While minor discomfort may improve with rest and activity modification, some symptoms may indicate an underlying condition requiring further assessment.

A muscular man wearing a blue sleeveless shirt and smartwatch holding his wrist in pain against a white background.

You should consider consulting a hand and wrist specialist if:

Symptoms have not improved after several weeks
Pain repeatedly returns during everyday activities
Numbness or tingling occurs regularly
Grip strength continues to decline
Symptoms interfere with work or daily tasks
Previous treatments have not provided lasting relief
You are concerned that your condition is becoming more severe
A recent injury continues to affect hand or wrist function

If hand or wrist symptoms are affecting your work, daily tasks or quality of life, an early assessment can help determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Seeking treatment early may help prevent symptoms from worsening and allow a wider range of options.

Hand and Wrist Conditions We Specialise in Treating

At Axis Orthopaedic Centre, we are able to provide treatment for a range of hand and wrist conditions that can affect grip strength, dexterity, sensation and everyday function. These include:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the wrist. This can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness and discomfort affecting the hand and fingers, particularly during repetitive activities or prolonged hand use.

De Quervain's Tendinopathy

De Quervain's tendinopathy affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Repetitive hand and thumb movements can cause irritation and swelling, leading to pain during gripping, lifting or twisting motions.

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger develops when inflammation affects the tendon responsible for finger movement. Patients may experience stiffness, pain or a locking sensation when attempting to straighten or bend the affected finger.

Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are non-cancerous fluid-filled lumps that commonly develop around the wrist or fingers. While some may cause little discomfort, others can lead to pain, weakness or restricted movement depending on their size and location.

Dupuytren's Contracture

Dupuytren's contracture is a condition affecting the connective tissue beneath the skin of the palm. Over time, thickened tissue can cause one or more fingers to gradually bend towards the palm, affecting hand function.

Hand and Wrist Arthritis

Arthritis affecting the hand or wrist can cause pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced mobility. Common forms include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, both of which may interfere with everyday tasks requiring grip strength and fine motor control.

Hand and Wrist Fractures

Hand and wrist fractures can occur following falls, sporting injuries or direct trauma. Depending on the location and severity of the fracture, symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising, deformity and difficulty moving the hand or wrist.

If pain, numbness, weakness or stiffness is making everyday tasks more difficult, a specialist assessment can help clarify your diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.

Speak to a Specialist

Hand and Wrist Treatments We Offer

Our specialist provides a range of treatment options tailored to the specific diagnosis, severity of symptoms and functional requirements of each patient. Depending on the nature of the condition, management may involve conservative non-surgical care or advanced surgical procedures such as:

Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
Repair of Wrist Sprains and Fractures
Hand Surgery
Deformity Correction
Wrist Ligament Reconstruction

What Happens During a Hand and Wrist Specialist Consultation?

A hand and wrist specialist consultation typically begins with a discussion of your symptoms, medical history and any previous injuries or treatments. At our clinic, Dr Seng will assess how your symptoms affect hand function, grip strength, finger movement and everyday activities.

A physical examination may be performed to evaluate joint movement, tendon function, grip strength, sensation and any signs of nerve compression. Depending on the findings, imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI scans may be recommended to assess the bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and other structures within the hand and wrist.

Once a diagnosis has been established, suitable treatment options will be discussed based on the nature of the condition, severity of symptoms and each patient’s unique requirements.

Why Choose Our Hand and Wrist Clinic?

At Axis Orthopaedic Centre, care is focused on identifying the source of symptoms and developing a treatment plan that supports both pain relief and long-term hand function. Our dedicated approach includes:

Experience Managing Conditions Affecting Hand Function

Dr Seng regularly manages patients experiencing hand and wrist pain, numbness, weakness and reduced dexterity caused by conditions affecting the nerves, tendons, joints and supporting structures of the hand and wrist.

Functional and Task-Oriented Recovery

Hand and wrist problems often interfere with specific activities such as typing, writing, driving and handling objects. Treatment plans focus on helping patients return to these everyday tasks as comfortably as possible.

Management of Both Common and Complex Hand Conditions

From carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger to wrist ligament injuries and hand deformities, patients have access to treatment options tailored to the nature and severity of their condition.

Support Throughout Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery often extends beyond the initial treatment. We provide ongoing guidance throughout rehabilitation to help patients restore confidence in using their hand and wrist.

Expertise in Assessment of Both Nerve and Mechanical Problems

Hand symptoms do not always originate from the same cause. Pain, numbness, weakness and loss of dexterity may arise from nerve compression, tendon disorders, joint problems or a combination of factors. Our clinic provides careful assessment to help identify the source of symptoms and guide appropriate treatment.

Dr Seng Chusheng explaining a knee condition and treatment options to a patient during an orthopaedic consultation in Singapore.

Protecting Hand and Wrist Function with Dr Seng Chusheng

Hand and wrist conditions often affect everyday activities before patients realise how much function they have lost. Tasks such as typing, writing, carrying objects, opening containers, using a mobile phone or performing fine motor movements may gradually become more difficult as symptoms progress.

At Axis Orthopaedic Centre, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Seng Chusheng provides comprehensive assessment and personalised treatment plans for a wide range of hand and wrist conditions. Whether symptoms are caused by nerve compression, tendon disorders, arthritis, repetitive strain or traumatic injuries, treatment is tailored to relieve pain, restore function and help patients return to their daily activities with confidence.

FAQs About Hand and Wrist Pain & Conditions

Do all hand and wrist conditions require surgery?

No. Many hand and wrist conditions can be managed with activity modification, splinting, physiotherapy, medication or injections. Surgery is typically considered when symptoms remain significant despite conservative treatment or when there is structural damage affecting function.

Why do some hand symptoms cause numbness while others cause pain?

Different structures within the hand and wrist produce different symptoms. Conditions affecting nerves may cause numbness or tingling, while problems involving tendons, joints or ligaments are more commonly associated with pain, stiffness or weakness.

Can loss of hand or grip strength be reversed?

This depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, treatment can help improve strength and function once the condition affecting the hand or wrist has been properly identified and managed.

Why is it important to identify the cause of hand and wrist symptoms?

Similar symptoms can arise from very different conditions affecting the nerves, tendons, joints or other structures. Identifying the underlying cause helps ensure that treatment is directed at the actual source of the problem rather than simply managing symptoms.

Our Orthopaedic Clinic Locations

With three conveniently located clinics across Singapore, Dr Seng provides accessible and comprehensive orthopaedic care closer to where you live and work. Each location is equipped to deliver accurate diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.

Mount Elizabeth Novena Medical Centre

38 Irrawaddy Road,
#06-33
Singapore 329563

Parkway East Medical Centre

319 Joo Chiat Place,
#04-08
Singapore 427989

Mount Alvernia Medical Centre A

820 Thomson Road,
#03-08
Singapore 574623

Teleconsult Available

For foreign patients, a tele-consult on Zoom or WhatsApp can be done if pre-arranged in advance. Please email or WhatsApp first to enquire.

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri

8:30am - 5:30pm

Sat