Find a hand doctor
When new patients meet me, they often say, “I didn’t know there are hand doctors!” Of course everyone has heard of cardiologists, orthopedic surgeons, and dermatologists. But many patients are not aware of the hand doctor specialty. This specialty developed in the United States after World War II, when there was a tremendous need for doctors to reconstruct the badly damaged hands of war veterans. Since then, the hand doctor specialty has grown worldwide and innovation has rapidly developed.
Today’s hand doctors have undergone additional training in orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, arthroscopy, microsurgery, and neurosurgery in order to reconstruct the various elements of the hand, wrist, and arm. Hand doctors are known for their creativity, innovation, and use of advanced techniques to benefit patient recovery. There is currently a growing emphasis on less-invasive surgery to minimize complications and accelerate the return to function. Hand doctors usually work together with hand therapists in order to maximize patient rehabilitation after an injury or surgery.
In addition to performing surgery, hand doctors are also trained to treat patients without surgery. Hand doctors routinely provide nonsurgical fracture care, and nonsurgical treatment of arthritis, tendonitis, ganglion cysts, and Dupuytren’s contractures. In fact, most patients who find a hand doctor do not require surgery. To improve many disorders of the hand, what is often necessary is an accurate diagnosis, patient education, hand therapy, braces, and/or medications.
Moreover, hand doctors are also known for their compassion. They understand the importance of hand function in everyday life and can empathize with patients experiencing difficulties with their hands. Because hand doctors realize that livelihood and quality of life are often related to hand function, they strive to get their patients better as soon as possible. After searching for solutions to their problem, many patients are often relieved when they finally find a hand doctor who understands their concerns.
Find a Hand Doctor
If you have a problem with your hand, find a hand doctor in your area to seek specialty care. To ensure that your doctor meets the highest standards, find a hand doctor who is board certified and a member of a hand surgery professional society, such as the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Dr. Erickson is an orthopedic surgeon and hand doctor in Raleigh, NC.
