Elbow, wrist and hand doctor in San Francisco and Santa Barbara
Your hands, wrists and elbows are involved in almost everything you do. Dr. Christian Guier treats overuse problems, nerve symptoms and injuries from falls.
Common elbow, wrist and hand problems
Tennis elbow
Overuse of the forearm muscles that lift the wrist causes pain on the outside of the elbow. Most people who get it don't play tennis.
Golfer's elbow
Overuse of the muscles that bend the wrist causes pain on the inside of the elbow.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Pressure on the median nerve at the wrist causes numbness and tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers, often at night.
Wrist sprains and fractures
Falling on an outstretched hand, common in skiing, snowboarding and cycling, can sprain the wrist ligaments or break a bone such as the radius or scaphoid.
Trigger finger
A finger catches or locks when you bend it because the tendon or its sheath has thickened.
De Quervain's tendinitis
Irritation of tendons on the thumb side of the wrist causes pain when gripping, lifting or turning the wrist.
Finger tendon and ligament injuries
Jammed fingers, skier's thumb and injuries that keep a fingertip from straightening can need splinting or repair.
When to see an orthopedic surgeon
- Numbness or tingling in your fingers
- Weak grip or dropping things
- Wrist pain after a fall, especially at the base of the thumb
- A finger that catches, locks or won't straighten
- Elbow or wrist pain that lasts more than a few weeks
Get emergency care if
A bone is visibly out of place, the skin is broken over an injury, or your fingers are cold, pale or numb after an injury.
Christian A. Guier, MD CM, FAAOS, FACS
How Dr. Guier evaluates your elbow, wrist and hand
Dr. Guier checks the exact spot that hurts, your grip strength, motion and nerve function. X-rays are common after a fall, and nerve testing or other imaging may be recommended for numbness or tingling.
He'll review any X-rays or MRI with you and explain what they show before discussing options.
Non-surgical care
- Rest and activity changes
- Bracing or splinting
- Physical or hand therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate
- Injections when appropriate
When surgery may help
- Carpal tunnel release
- Trigger finger release
- Wrist and hand fracture repair
- Tendon repair
Surgery is usually considered when symptoms persist despite non-surgical care, or when a fracture or tendon injury needs repair.
Dr. Guier will walk you through every reasonable option and help you choose what fits your goals.
What patients say
Excellent visit. He, as always, was patient, helpful and very clear about my range of options and my current medical status.
His thought process, receptiveness and clarity earnt my respect. I would highly recommend him to others.
Dr. Guier is one of the best doctors I've seen in a long time. He is incredibly diligent, attentive, kind, personable, and proactive. Would highly recommend.
Elbow, wrist and hand questions
Get your grip back.
Request a consultation in San Francisco, Santa Barbara or by video.
This page is for general education and isn't medical advice. For advice about your situation, request a consultation. Last updated September 2026.