Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition that is a result of the median nerve being compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel. The pain and swelling in your hand and wrist can prevent you from performing simple functions such as grasping, writing, and typing. Carpal tunnel syndrome is often caused by repetitive motions, and treatment will depend on the severity of the condition.
Doctors can treat carpal tunnel syndrome using conservative, non-surgical, or surgical methods. Choosing the right orthopedic doctor for carpal tunnel syndrome treatment can make a big difference in treatment outcomes. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you choose an orthopedic doctor for treatment.
Check Your Insurance Coverage
Doctors that are within your insurance network provide the benefit of lower out-of-pocket costs for you. Although, sometimes the most qualified hand doctor may not participate in the patient’s plan, and for this, you have to decide whether you want to make a decision based solely on a doctor’s experience and expertise. Ask your primary care physician for recommendations on the best orthopedic doctors for carpal tunnel syndrome treatment.
Check For Credentials and Experience
You want to choose a doctor that is board-certified, which means they have ample knowledge and experience and have passed exams needed to certify. Even better, you want a board-certified orthopedic doctor who is fellowship-trained in hand surgery, which means they have additional training and experience treating all manner of hand conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome. A very common treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is carpal tunnel release surgery, and if you choose to get this procedure, choose a doctor who has a lot of experiencing performing it. The greater the experience, the more likely you are to get a great outcome.
Try Them Out
The right orthopedic doctor will also have professional and supportive staff as well as a professional, clean, and welcoming office. The best way to check out a doctor’s demeanor, communication style, and the way the practice is run is to make an appointment. It is common practice for patients to interview potential doctors about the treatment they would recommend, their experience, and to find out if they are comfortable with the doctor and are able to trust them.
Hand Surgeons in the Greater Chesapeake Area
The orthopedic surgeons at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder have fellowship training in hand surgery and are members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, which makes them experts in the operative and non-operative treatment of hand conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
We treat the full range of hand and finger problems. We perform hand surgery in Lutherville SurgiCenter, LLC, fully accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and conveniently located just across the street from our clinic. If you have questions or would like to make an appointment with a hand doctor, call (410) 296-6232 or use our online request form.
