Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center doctors are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of carpal…
Everyone has heard of cardiologists, orthopedic surgeons, and dermatologists, who specialize in the heart, bones/joints, and the skin. But many patients are not aware that there is also a specialist for hands. This specialty developed in the United States after World War II, when there was a tremendous need for surgeons to reconstruct the badly damaged hands of combat veterans. Since then, the hand specialty field has grown worldwide and hand surgery innovation has developed rapidly.
Today’s hand specialists 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 specialists 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 specialists usually work together with hand therapists in order to maximize patient rehabilitation after an injury or surgery.
In addition to performing surgery, hand specialists are also trained to treat patients without surgery. Hand specialists routinely provide nonsurgical fracture care, and nonsurgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, tendonitis, ganglion cysts, and Dupuytren’s contractures. In fact, most patients who find a hand specialist do not require surgery. To improve many disorders of the hand, what is often necessary is an accurate diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment which includes patient education, hand therapy, braces, injections, and/or medications.
Additionally, hand specialists 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 their patient’s livelihood and quality of life are often related to their 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 specialist who understands their concerns.
If you have a problem with your hand, find a hand specialist in your area to seek specialty care. To ensure that your doctor meets the highest standards, find a hand specialist who is board certified and a member of a hand surgery professional society, such as the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Finding a hand specialist in Raleigh has never been easier, just call our office to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors!