If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you have probably wondered which type of doctor is best for treating your condition. Some people would tell you to see your primary care physician, while others may say an orthopedic physician would be preferred.
Ideally, an orthopedic hand specialist would be your best choice in getting a correct diagnosis and precise treatment without further delay. The sooner carpal tunnel syndrome is treated, the less of a chance it has to cause permanent damage to the median nerve.
Primary Care Physician vs. Orthopedic Hand Specialist
The reason you should visit an orthopedic hand specialist for carpal tunnel is because they have the expertise and knowledge necessary to adequately examine, diagnose, and treat hand and wrist conditions.
A primary care physician (PCP) treats many different common health conditions, such as the common cold or flu. However, a PCP may not be as adept at fully, properly addressing serious conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
An orthopedic physician has expertise in treating musculoskeletal conditions throughout the body, including issues involving the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. An orthopedic hand specialist has specific expertise in orthopedics as it relates to injuries and debilitating issues in the hand – which is what makes this type of medical specialist the proper health care professional to diagnose and treat your carpal tunnel syndrome.
What Can a Hand Specialist Do for My Carpal Tunnel?
An orthopedic hand specialist will examine your hand and wrist to diagnose the cause of the unwanted symptoms you have been experiencing. The hand specialist will not only do a physical examination, but they will also review your medical history and ask for details on your daily activities involving your hands.
For example, the specialist may ask for details about your office job, any hobbies you participate in, and your lifestyle. The hand physician will also examine the severity of the condition in order to determine what kind of treatment is necessary. This will give the physician an understanding of what could be causing the carpal tunnel syndrome.
Depending on the cause of your carpal tunnel syndrome, the hand specialist may make different recommendations for treatment. For example, if the cause is overuse or improper positioning of your hands and wrists while you work at your desk job, the physician may recommend that you start using ergonomic office equipment. The doctor may also suggest using splints to help prevent pressure on the median nerve.
For serious cases, more invasive treatments may be recommended for adequate improvements to your symptoms. This may include surgery.
Maryland Hand Doctors
If you are experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms that are disrupting the quality of your life or causing pain, contact us today at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder to make an appointment. You’ll be able to discuss your symptoms with one of our highly qualified orthopedic physicians who have expertise in conditions like carpal tunnel.
Call today to schedule a consultation at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder at (410) 296-6232 or request an appointment online at one of our locations in the Greater Chesapeake area. We look forward to helping you regain the use of your hand and be pain-free again
