Q&A

What is the best doctor to see for carpal tunnel?

What is the best doctor to see for carpal tunnel?

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.

Can you go to urgent care for carpal tunnel?

FastMed Urgent Care is open 365 days a year with extended hours to provide you with prompt and personal medical treatment. If the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome have you worried, don’t hesitate to stop by.

Should I go to the hospital for carpal tunnel?

You should see a doctor if you develop: Any carpal tunnel symptoms that affect your ability to work. Weakness in the thumb, fingers, or hand. Inability to bring the index finger and thumb together.

When is carpal tunnel bad enough for surgery?

Surgery is usually only considered if symptoms return regularly and problems associated with the painful sensations increase despite trying other treatments such as splints or corticosteroid injections. In those cases surgery can provide better relief than repeat injections or splint treatments.

How long does carpal tunnel usually last?

Your hand and wrist may feel worse than they used to feel. But the pain should start to go away. It usually takes 3 to 4 months to recover and up to 1 year before hand strength returns. How much strength returns will vary.

What happens if you wait too long to have carpal tunnel surgery?

A lot of people with carpal tunnel syndrome tend to wait until they’ve completely gone numb in the hand. This could lead to irreversible nerve damage.

Can I hurt my hand after carpal tunnel surgery?

Regardless of an endoscopic or open approach, some patients undergoing carpal tunnel surgery experience pillar pain. Pillar pain is postsurgical pain at the base of the hand on the palm side. It is considered normal for the first 2-6 weeks after surgery.

What happens if you don’t fix carpal tunnel?

Ignoring symptoms of this carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage. First, you may notice tingling or numbness in your fingers that comes and goes. Over time, the sensations may get worse, lasting longer or even waking you up at night.

Is heat or ice better for carpal tunnel?

Most doctors agree that using heat is the better way to “treat” carpal tunnel syndrome. Unlike ice, heat promotes healing and restoration of damaged tissues. The healing process is what will ultimately make the inflammation disappear for good. Therefore, a hot towel or heating pad will do just fine.

Where do I put my arms when sleeping on my side?

First, make sure that your arms are down by your side. Sleeping with your arms overhead, perhaps around your pillow, can pinch your lower shoulder. Instead, sleep with your arms down by your side. You can also try sleeping with a pillow between your legs.