The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) recently updated their practice guidelines for clinicians who treat patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). These guidelines were first introduced about 20 years ago. They have been revised to account for new information from up-to-date studies. Medicine is constantly evolving, with the goals of deepening our understanding of […]
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 […]
Are cortisone shots safe? First of all, what is a cortisone shot? A “cortisone shot” is an injection of a corticosteroid medication that is typically mixed with a local anesthetic numbing medicine. The injections are used to reduce pain and inflammation in the musculoskeletal system. Cortisone shots are common treatments for conditions including tendinitis, arthritis, […]
Dupuytren Contracture Patient in Raleigh NC “I can’t say enough about my experience with Dr. Erickson at Raleigh Hand to Shoulder. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by a friendly and helpful staff that made me feel comfortable right away. Dr. Erickson has an amazing bedside manner—he took the time to explain […]
What is a Trigger Finger? Many patients are under the impression that the pointer finger is the “trigger finger.” However, in a hand surgery clinic, a trigger finger has nothing to do with guns or firearms. A trigger finger is a common hand condition in which a finger catches, locks, or “triggers,” during range of […]
Dr. John Erickson of Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center discussed treatment options for patients with Dupuytrens Contracture at WakeMed Raleigh hand conference on July 22, 2024. Orthopedic residents, hand therapists, and hand surgeons from the area were in attendance. Learn more about Dupuytrens here. Dr. Erickson is board certified in orthopedic surgery and has the […]
Many people have a cyst in their finger. The most common type of cyst in the finger is called a “mucous cyst.” This type of cyst is filled with clear, sticky, thick fluid. Many years ago someone thought it looked like mucus, and then began calling it this. There are many terms to describe this […]
Almost everyone knows at least one person who has had carpal tunnel surgery. This is because carpal tunnel syndrome is very common and affects about 5% of the adult population. When I meet new patients, they sometimes tell me “horror stories” they have heard from their family (or the internet) about carpal tunnel surgery. “Back […]
Dupuytren Contracture is characterized by abnormal fibrous tissue formation in the palms of the hands and fingers. This fibrous tissue is very similar to the scar tissue of healing wounds in the body. Some patients also develop fibrous tissue in other parts of the body including the feet (Ledderhose disease), penis (Peyronie disease), and shoulder […]
Dr. John Erickson was raised in El Paso, Texas. His father was an officer in the US Army, and the Erickson family settled in El Paso after his father retired from the military. As a youth, Dr. Erickson developed a love of the outdoors, was active in Boy Scouts, and earned the Eagle Scout Award. […]
