(919) 872-3171(919) 872-3171
Book an AppointmentBook an Appointment
3701 Wake Forest Rd
Raleigh, NC 27609
In need of orthopedic services in the Raleigh area? Get started today by filling out the form on the right-hand side of this page. You can also give us a call directly using the phone call button and schedule an appointment button, both located at the top of this page.
Dr. Terry Messer of Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center discussed finger fracture dislocations on 11-13-2023 at WakeMed orthopedic hand conference.
Treatment options for patients were discussed including nonsurgical treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation.
Curious about finger fracture dislocations? Stay updated on the latest in hand injury treatment by exploring Dr. Messer’s insights from the conference.
Get started today by filling out the form on the right-hand side of this page. You can also give us a call directly using the phone call button and schedule an appointment button, both located at the top of this page.
The Triangle area is fortunate to have great medical care. In Raleigh, orthopedic hand surgeons have offices in many locations around the city. How do you choose the right orthopedic hand surgeon who is best for you in Raleigh? Many patients are routinely referred to a surgeon or clinic after visiting the emergency room. However, patients are allowed to follow-up with the practice and surgeon who they prefer, no matter which emergency room or urgent care they visit initially.
Many patients choose the doctors at Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center for their hand and upper extremity care. The Raleigh orthopedic hand surgeons are well respected in the medical community. Patients seek their practice for many reasons including: specialization in hand and arm conditions, personalized patient visits, and high-value healthcare.
After orthopedic residency, all the doctors in the practice completed an additional year-long fellowship to specialize in hand and upper extremity care. This additional year of training helped the doctors learn the important details about hand anatomy, pathology, and treatment. Every Raleigh Hand doctor is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. Among the six physicians, the practice has over 100 years of combined experience treating patients.
The Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center is a small private practice, independent of the hospital systems and larger orthopedic practices in Wake county. During every visit at the clinic in Raleigh, orthopedic specialists evaluate each patient personally. Hand and upper extremity occupational and physical therapy is also available on-site, which improves communication and coordination between the practitioners.
Additionally, the Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center practice has been recognized for high-value healthcare. This designation shows that the doctors and therapists provide high-quality care at an appropriate cost. The doctors begin with non-surgical, conservative care for most patients. In many cases, patients can be treated without surgery using splints, medications, injections, and therapy.
If surgery is necessary, the doctors perform most of their surgeries at Capital City Surgery Center, at a much lower cost than hospitals. Their surgery center has been recognized as the #1 Ambulatory Surgery Center in North Carolina for several years in a row. The doctors also perform in-office procedures for some conditions which provides a significant cost-savings to patients.
If you or your loved one has a problem with their hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder, and live in the Raleigh area, please seek the best care possible and consider making an appointment with our orthopedic surgeons in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center physicians have treated patients with hand and upper extremity problems for over three decades. From a minor cut to a severe hand injury, we have been specialty-trained to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate patients with a variety of hand and arm problems.
The hand is one of the most intricate and delicate areas of the human body, comprised of nineteen bones in addition to joints, tendons, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. As you know, our hands are critical for independent function and livelihood. An alteration in the normal function of the hand can significantly impact a person’s life.
The orthopedic hand surgeons in Raleigh strive to improve a patient’s quality of life through effective non-surgical and surgical treatments. All doctors are members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and are board-certified by the ABOS.
Get started today by filling out the form on the right-hand side of this page. You can also give us a call directly using the phone call button and schedule an appointment button, both located at the top of this page.
Dr. Post moved to Raleigh in 1998 and has been practicing at Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center for 25 years.
He believes that being part of a medical practice that has grown along with the city has been one of the most fulfilling parts of his career. “Our practice is unique in that we have grown but remain completely independent of hospital systems and larger orthopedic practices. This allows us to have a centrally located office dedicated to our goal of provided quality and cost effective care for our patients.”
Outside of work, Dr. Post is active in the Midtown Kiwanis and has been past president of the club. He has been involved in Medical Mission work traveling to Nicaragua to educate residents and perform surgeries. He states “The physicians in the practice are like minded in that mission trips and giving back to the community are important to us.”
Dr. Post is married to Angie and has two children, Ryan and Shannon, and two grandchildren, Parker and Jack. His greatest joy in his personal life is spending time with family, and he travels frequently to visit his grandchildren. His hobbies include golfing and fishing.
Contact Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center and schedule an appointment with Dr. Post today.
Get started today by filling out the form on the right-hand side of this page. You can also give us a call directly using the phone call button and schedule an appointment button, both located at the top of this page.
Dr. James Post of Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center discussed basial thumb arthritis (thumb CMC joint) at WakeMed Raleigh hand conference on Monday June 12, 2023.
Treatment options including non-surgical treatment, hand therapy, injections, splints, and surgical options were discussed.
If you need to discuss treatment options with an orthopedic surgeon such as Dr. Post who specializes in basal thumb arthritis, contact our Raleigh orthopedic surgery center now.
Get started today by filling out the form on the right-hand side of this page. You can also give us a call directly using the phone call button and schedule an appointment button, both located at the top of this page.
The Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center now offers in-office ultrasound to aid in the treatment of various hand and arm conditions. This cutting-edge device has allowed us to deliver point of care diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that were previously not possible.
In-office ultrasound has benefits for both expediting care and lowering healthcare costs to the patient. In some instances, we are able to perform diagnostic evaluation of a joint or other body part without the need for an expensive MRI or other advanced imaging study. Likewise, in office ultrasound has been shown to be as effective as nerve conduction studies for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Some patients can not have MRI scans or CT scans performed due to previous implants in the body. The in office ultrasound machine allows us to provide diagnostic capabilities to those patients in a safe, timely, and cost-effective manner.
Some therapeutic steroid injections require advanced imaging to accurately place the needle. For instance, shoulder joint injections are sometimes performed with X-ray needle localization, which is typically done at a radiologist’s office. In many cases, we can avoid this referral by providing the injection under ultrasound guidance on the day of the office visit.
The fees associated with ultrasound techniques performed in the office are significantly lower than other options. At the Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center, we are proud to offer high quality, low cost care to our patients. The addition of in-office ultrasound allows us to further enhance our ability to achieve this goal.
Ready to make an appointment for our in-office ultrasound for reliable diagnosis in hand and shoulder treatments in Raleigh?
Get started today by filling out the form on the right-hand side of this page. You can also give us a call directly using the phone call button and schedule an appointment button, both located at the top of this page.
A paronychia infection is an infection in the tissue around the fingernail.
It may be due to bacteria invading a cut/crack in the skin or to trauma such as from pulling a hangnail, biting around one’s nail, or having frequent manicures. Sometimes, there is no identifiable cause. The symptoms of a paronychia infection include redness of the tissues surrounding the nail (most commonly near the base of the nail), pain, warmth, swelling, and possible drainage. A white-yellow-green material may build up under the nail or nail fold indicating the formation of pus.
Treatment of paronychia fingernail infections consists of warm water soaks, with or without soap or Epsom salt. This can help soften the tissues and facilitate drainage if a collection of pus is developing. Warm soaks can also decrease pain and increase blood flow to the area, helping the body fight infection. An over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen can also help relieve pain and inflammation.
When these measures fail to result in improvement in the paronychia fingernail infection, a visit to a qualified medical provider for possible oral antibiotics and possible drainage of the infection is recommended. If not properly treated, paronychia infections can result in chronic finger pain, inflammation, and nail problems. When symptoms of paronychia inflammation exist for more than several weeks, it may indicate the development of a fungal infection. In this situation, it would also be beneficial to be evaluated by an appropriate healthcare provider.
Frequent hand washing, clipping a hangnail with a clean scissors or nail clipper (rather than pulling it), avoiding chronic moisture of the fingertips, and moisturizing dry skin with a hypoallergenic hand lotion may help prevent paronychia infections.
Get started today by filling out the form on the right-hand side of this page. You can also give us a call directly using the phone call button and schedule an appointment button, both located at the top of this page.
Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center doctors are board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Looking for a Raleigh Hand Surgeon? Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center doctors are hand surgeons and orthopedic specialists. They are all board-certified in orthopedic surgery and have additional fellowship training in hand and upper extremity care. They take care of patients of all ages who have problems with their hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. They work closely with certified hand therapists (CHT) and physical therapy (PT) in the office to get the best results for their patients. The doctors use the best treatments available to help patients achieve their goals. Whether patients want to relieve pain, recover from an injury, or return to the physical activities they love, the doctors and therapists are here to improve quality of life.
Raleigh Hand to Shoulder doctors are well respected in the Wake County medical community and are among the best hand surgeons and top doctors in the area. The practice has been recognized for its high value to patients: high-quality care at a lower cost. The doctors organize a weekly teaching conference for UNC orthopedic doctors in training at WakeMed Hospital. In addition, they attend regional and national conferences to keep informed of the latest and best treatment options in hand and upper extremity care. Patients can trust they are getting the best treatment possible at Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center.
Raleigh Hand Surgeon doctors do more than just surgery. Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center doctors treat patients with hand and wrist fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve and tendon injuries, as well as shoulder and elbow problems. They treat patients without surgery, perform injections, and prescribe therapy — in addition to surgery when needed. They are members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. The doctors are all board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons. The physicians are Raleigh Hand Orthopedic doctors.
The Raleigh Hand Surgeon group has treated patients with hand and upper extremity problems for three decades. From a minor cut to a severe hand injury, we have been specialty-trained to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate patients with a variety of hand and arm problems. The hand is one of the most intricate and delicate areas of the human body, comprised of nineteen bones in addition to joints, tendons, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. As you know, our hands are critical for independent function and livelihood. An alteration in the normal function of the hand can significantly impact a person’s life.
Looking for a Raleigh Hand Surgeon? Look no further than Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center for expert care in the treatment of your hand and arm problem.
Golfers Elbow Pain, or medial epicondylitis, is caused by trauma to the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the inner side of the elbow. This can be related to an acute injury but most often is related to overuse and repetitive stress to the tendon attachment. Although it is often associated with golfers, medial epicondylitis is also prevalent in baseball, weight lifting and throwing sports. Activities involving forceful, repetitive use of the elbow and forearm such as carpentry, painting and landscaping can be associated with the condition in some cases.
Symptoms include pain on the inner side of the elbow often radiating down the forearm. There can be a mild ache at rest worsened with use of the arm. Wrist and elbow flexion with resistance such as lifting boxes, carrying groceries or moving furniture may cause increased pain. The elbow may have a feeling of stiffness and there may be a loss of strength in the arm. Occasionally, irritation of a nerve close by can present with pain radiating into the hand and numbness or tingling in the small and ring fingers.
Golfers elbow pain symptoms may be mild requiring no treatment or simply limiting your activities, rest and icing. If symptoms persist, splinting, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications orally or topically, and a home stretching program can be implemented. Supervised occupational therapy (OT) or physical therapy (PT) can be added in cases that do not respond to a home exercise program. Corticosteroid injections and rarely surgery are required in patients who are significantly symptomatic and fail to respond to less invasive treatments.
Treatment of golfers elbow pain and tennis elbow pain is available at Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center. Non-surgical options are available in our office. Surgery is offered at our surgery center, when needed. Our doctors are members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and our OTs are certified hand therapists.
If you have golfers elbow pain and cannot do the things you love, give our office a call to be evaluated by a hand and upper extremity specialist!
Do you have hand pain after punching a wall? It could be a boxers fracture. Boxers fractures are very common hand injuries. The typical cause is striking a hard surface with a clenched fist – such as punching a wall. These injuries can also occur in contact sports, automobile collisions, altercations, or falling to the ground on an outstretched hand.
A boxer’s fracture specifically is a fracture of the fifth metacarpal neck. The hand has five metacarpals, one for each finger and the thumb. The metacarpals make up the bony architecture of the hand between the wrist and the fingers. The fifth metacarpal is at the base of the small finger, or pinkie. The metacarpal neck is the part of the bone between the head and shaft of the metacarpal, closest to the MCP “knuckle” joint.
The most common signs of a boxer’s fracture are pain, bruising, swelling, limited finger range of motion, grip weakness, and deformity. The knuckle can look out of place or missing. The finger can also look deformed or crooked. If these symptoms do not go away within a brief period of observation, patients should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Early treatment for a boxer’s fracture includes resting the hand, immobilization, ice, elevation, and oral anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation. Most patients do not require expensive medical treatment or surgery in order to achieve a good functional result. Several studies have shown that most patients benefit from simple treatment and can expect good long-term hand function. However, patients should be advised that there may be a cosmetic difference between the injured and uninjured hands.
Patients with these injuries may benefit from specialized orthopedic care. This treatment includes x-ray evaluation, custom splinting, and hand therapy. Traditionally, many patients have been treated with closed reduction and casting of fifth metacarpal fractures. This involves the use of a local anesthesia injection and manipulation of the fracture site to improve the x-ray alignment. Recent studies have shown us that this procedure may not provide any long-term benefit to patients with mild-to-moderate severity fractures.
In most cases, treatment consists of activity modifications and using a removable splint for 3-6 weeks. As patients heal, they are guided to increase their hand activity within their pain tolerance and progress through a series of range of motion and hand strengthening exercises. Hand therapy is available to help patients regain their pre-injury hand function more quickly. Most patients typically regain normal hand function about 2-3 months following this injury.
Occasionally surgery is recommended for patients with a boxer’s fracture. If there is significant angulation at the fracture site or if the finger is malrotated, surgery can be helpful to realign and stabilize the fractured bone. Complications from surgery include infection, stiffness, scar tissue formation, and possibly the need for additional surgery such as the removal of implants or scar tissue.
A word of caution: not all fifth metacarpal fractures are boxer’s fractures. Inexperienced clinicians often mislabel a fifth metacarpal shaft fracture as a “boxer’s fracture.” Fractures involving the shaft of the metacarpal can result in significant hand impairment if not treated adequately. Consider consultation with an orthopedic hand specialist to guide your hand care appropriately.
The Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center physicians have treated patients with hand and upper extremity problems for three decades. From a minor cut to a severe hand injury, we have been specialty-trained to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate patients with a variety of hand and arm problems. The hand is one of the most intricate and delicate areas of the human body, comprised of nineteen bones in addition to joints, tendons, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. As you know, our hands are critical for independent function and livelihood. An alteration in the normal function of the hand can significantly impact a person’s life. T
Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center doctors are all members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and are board-certified by the ABOS.
Copyright © 2025 Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center - All Rights Reserved.
Physician Web Design + SEO by TheeDigital