Talking to Your Doctor About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
You have your own health history. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and background with carpal tunnel syndrome. You can take an active role in your care by talking openly and often with your doctor.
General Tips for Gathering Information
Here are some tips that may help:
- Bring someone with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of things to ask.
- Write out your questions ahead of time. This way you will not forget them.
- Write down the answers you get. Make sure you understand what is said. Ask for more details if you need them.
- Do not be afraid to ask questions or ask where you can find more information. You have a right to know.
Specific Questions to Ask Your Doctor
About Symptoms
- What other things might cause these symptoms?
About Your Risk of Getting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Do my work and lifestyle habits put me at risk for this?
- How can I reduce my risk when I do repetitive tasks with my hands at work?
About Treatment Options
- Which treatment would help me the most?
About Lifestyle Changes
- Which lifestyle habits should I focus on first?
About Your Outlook
- Do I need to change jobs?
- Which jobs are best for people who have this?
- Can this cause long-term harm?
REFERENCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Clinical Practice Guideline on the Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. AAOS 2016 Feb PDF.
Carpal tunnel syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/carpal-tunnel-syndrome. Updated June 24, 2019. Accessed September 23, 2019.
Carpal tunnel syndrome fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet. Updated August 13, 2019. Accessed September 23, 2019.
Last reviewed September 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Teresa Briedwell, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS Last Updated: 12/11/2020