Looking for a real "finger doctor"

[mark]

I've had a pain in my pointer finger (in the big first knuckle right next to the hand) since mid may that has kept me from doing any hard rock climbing. After almost 3 months of rest, it's not getting better and I'd like to go see a doctor.

My question is:

Do any of you have experience with a doctor that you can recommend for this kind of injury? Somebody who will actually work the problem and not just tell me to ice and rest it. Not a GP, but someone that has some experience with hand and finger problems. Are there any Docs in the Seattle area that specialize in these climbing related finger injuries?

Thanks

[hakioawa]

I've got to put a plug in here for thw UW Bone and Joint center. I had a major shoulder reconstruction (my second) last August. They did a wonderful job and I'm litterally stronger than ever. Dr. Matsen ddid my shoulder (his specialty), but I'm sure they have finger specialists as well. Not that anything would go wrong w/ a finger surgery, but its nice to know you have a full teaching hospital at you disposal should there be a problem during the procedure.

[terrible_ted]

Hi Mark:

You might want to consider a pain clinic. They often are more oriented to deal with this sort of malady. Sorry I can't provide any local contacts, although a family member of mine had good luck with a clinic in Portland.

-t

[hollyclimber]

Or maybe even an orthopaedist? Your primary care doc should probably be able to recommend you to the type of doctor, then all of us injured can tell you if we like ours! I really like my orthopaedist, Dr Charles Peterson II at Seattle Orthopaedic and Fracture Clinic. He is really smart, which is what I like in a doctor.

hgb

[Peter_Puget]

I can second hollyclimber's Seattle Ortho & Fracture Clinic. When I finally decided to seek help for my own shoulder injury I asked for many recomendations and consistantly the SOFC came up as highly rated and specifically Dr. Peterson. I ended up seeing Dr. Wilson there and am mor ethna happy with the results of my surgery. Seems like 3 months isn't a very long time however.

[mark]

3 months seems like forever, when you can't rock climb. In the void left by my inability to climb rock, I'm becoming a lowlife peakbagger, shamelessly summiting peaks via 3rd class routes and talus fields. I need help and I need it bad.

Sounds like Seattle Ortho & Fracture Clinic may be worth checking out.

Thanks for the input everybody.

[KEP]

Mark, there is a guy in Seattle that is a hand specialist and is excellent. Dr Bill Wagner. He is a climber as well. Hope this helps.