What kind of doctor do I need to see for numbness in my hand/wrist?!
Question: From what I've read, I have all the classic symptoms of Guyon's Canal Syndrome (sort of like carpal tunnel, only a different nerve is affected, and a different part of the hand and wrist). Would I need to see an orthopod or some other type of specialist?
Answers: From what I've read, I have all the classic symptoms of Guyon's Canal Syndrome (sort of like carpal tunnel, only a different nerve is affected, and a different part of the hand and wrist). Would I need to see an orthopod or some other type of specialist?
orthopedic hand specialist
i would see a hand specialist
There are plenty of hand surgeons out there. Ask around. Your orthopedic doctor will have a recommendation for you. Hands are tough to operate on, so they have their own sub-specialists.
Most specialists don't see someone unless you are referred to them. This means you're better off discussing this with your GP and let them decide what's wrong with you and which specialist you need to see.
Rheumatologist
stay away from hand surgeons until a Chiropractor has evaluated it. There are many bones and ligaments in the wrist capable of being irritated or misaligned. A Chiropractor can manipulate the hand, apply bracing and then if necessary refer you to a neurologist for testing.
Personally, I would start with an Osteopath. They will fully assess your history and any contributing factors, before beginning any treatment. What they do is quite gentle but powerful. If they cannot treat you and think a referral is warranted, then that's what they will do. Its also non-invasive - so a good place to start.
Good luck.
There are doctors who are hand specialists, but it might be worth a trip to your GP first to see if he/she thinks you should go to a hand specialist or an ortho doctor.
But if it were me, the first thing I'd do is find a very experienced massage therapist (i.e. many years of experience, not someone fresh out of massage school). The reason I say that is because many problems which are localized in extremities (hands, arms, legs, feet) actually have their origins in head/neck issues, carpal tunnel syndrome among them (speaking from my own experience here). Case in point: sciatica manifests as leg pain, but the sciatic nerve actually begins in your lower back and runs down the length of your legs. See what I mean?
Anyway, just my two cents. Hope you get relief soon. Nerve pain is a bear, I know. :-(
Change your primary care and then see the new one, he will refer you to the specialist he feels can help you. It may be a nerologist, not an ortho-hes bones-this is nerve damage, dont let it go-it can cause you more grief later on.