The mind and the hand

Abstract

Symptoms are determined in large part by mindsets. Feelings of distress and unhelpful thoughts (misinterpretations) of symptoms account for much of the variability in comfort and capability with the severity of the underlying pathophysiology making a more limited contribution. Incorporating this experimental evidence into the daily practice of hand surgery will help us find ways to develop healthy mindsets, to prioritize the alleviation of distress and the gentle redirection of unhelpful thoughts, to avoid unnecessary surgery, and to provide better psychological and social support for people recovering from injury and surgery.

Experience of living with chronic pain in conjunction with surgery for ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow—A qualitative study

“…In contrast, our participants described being confirmed by healthcare professionals as an important aspect that brought alleviation. Validating the experience, making patients feel understood and heard is therefore something that a hand surgeon should incorporate into daily practice [ 41 ]. Shared decision making can improve patients’ knowledge about treatment options and satisfaction, especially when they feel involved [ 42 , 43 ].…”