I May Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, What Specialty Doctor Should I Consult With? - eviltoast

I May Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, What Specialty Doctor Should I Consult With?


I did the Phalen’s Test (you should try it as well, it’s just a 60 second test) and I think I have Carpal Tunnel.

I have to schedule an appointment to a specific doctor to avail my HMO (not US), I just don’t know which specialty? (e.g. occupational therapy, physical therapy, gynecologist, pediatrician, etc.)

  • bluu@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Note: my experience is limited to the US medical system, so things may be different where you are. However, I definitely agree with getting wrist braces first while waiting for your appointment. Schedule an appointment with a primary care provider who can evaluate you and recommend either medications or refer you to a specialist. Often times carpal tunnel can be managed with over the counter medications, wrist braces, and avoiding the repetitive movements that exacerbate it (usually typing in today’s world). If not, then the specialist of choice is often an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in wrist and hand surgery, though there are also plastic surgeons that specialize in hand surgery as well.

    Source: I am a US physician

    • ryathal@sh.itjust.works
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      1 year ago

      This is really good advice for anywhere and 99% of medical problems. Especially for carpal tunnel, where surgical options are last resort, because the success criteria is closer to “I can feed myself with a fork” than “I can do anything I want with my hands again.”