Have you been waking up in the middle of the night because of your carpal tunnel? Maybe you’ve tried splinting, or physical therapy. But you may still need further relief for your pain. For many people, surgery is the most effective treatment to alleviate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome once it has progressed past the stages of reversal. It is important that you find a carpal tunnel surgeon that is qualified to perform the procedure and makes you feel comfortable as you explore carpal tunnel surgery.
What is Carpal Tunnel?
The carpal tunnel is a narrow tunnel, made up of bone and ligaments, that runs through the forearm to the hands. Running through the tunnel are tendons and a median nerve. Together, this system provides sensation and movement to the thumb, fingers and palm in varying degrees.
Carpal tunnel syndrome refers to problems in the nerve that runs through the tunnel. Specifically, lubricating tissues that surround the nerve become inflamed, which crowds the nerve’s surrounding tissues and puts unwanted pressure on the nerve. This pressure causes the symptoms typically associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, such as pain, tingling and numbness.
Considering Your Treatment Options
In its early stages, carpal tunnel may be reversible through specific exercises, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections and splinting of the wrist. As the disorder progresses, surgery is often the best solution to provide long-term relief. In some cases, it may be recommended to keep the disorder from progressing and is successful for the majority of patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.
Depending on the individual, carpal tunnel surgery may be performed under various anesthetic conditions, such as local, regional or light sedative. The procedure is performed with either an endoscope (an instrument used to view inside the body) or a small incision in the palm, which divides the ligament and alleviates pressure.
How to Find a Carpal Tunnel Surgeon in NJ
Look first for a surgeon that is a hand, orthopedic or plastic surgeon. A neurosurgeon with experience in treating carpal tunnel syndrome is also an option. You can find a carpal tunnel surgeon in NJ by looking through surgeon reviews, collecting referrals from family, friends and your health care providers, general online searches, as well as through resources from your insurance company.
It’s important that you find a carpal tunnel surgeon that is comfortable with the procedure and that makes you feel comfortable about the surgery. Once you have collected a list of potential doctors, you can schedule appointments to meet with those that will give you the best possible outcome.
Search Through Reviews
A simple Google search can connect you to the best ways to find a carpal tunnel surgeon in NJ through reviews. Choose websites that specialize in ranking medical professionals, rather than websites that rank everything from dry cleaners to restaurants.
On these websites, you will find the best details to choose your carpal tunnel surgeon, including whether or not current patients are satisfied with the surgeon and his or her medical practice. It will also evaluate the results of their procedures, and whether or not patients are happy enough to refer them to their own friends and family.
Ask for Referrals
To find a surgeon through referrals, you can ask your current team of healthcare professionals. Oftentimes the physician that initially recognized and diagnosed your symptoms will also know of a qualified carpal tunnel surgeon. You should also consider your physical therapist, who often treats patients both before and after surgeries, and may know a carpal tunnel surgeon that can help you. Friends and family members that have undergone carpal tunnel surgery are another resource to consider.
Conduct an Online Search
By using a search engine such as Google, you can find a carpal tunnel surgeon in NJ that can perform your surgery. Narrow the field by looking at online reviews, and be sure to call their offices to confirm your research and ensure that the surgeon is familiar with carpal tunnel surgery.
Ask Your Insurance Company
Your insurance company’s online website is another good resource since you will ensure that your carpal tunnel surgery will be performed by a carpal tunnel surgeon that takes your insurance plan. If you are unsure, call your insurance to find an in-network provider that specializes in carpal tunnel surgery.
Qualities to Look for in a Carpal Tunnel Surgeon
When seeking a carpal tunnel surgeon in NJ, check with your insurance company to make sure that:
- The procedure and surgeon are covered by your insurance plan.
- Your surgeon has hospital admitting privileges, the right for a doctor to admit patients into a certain hospital or surgical center.
- Your surgeon is board certified in hand surgery, orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery or neurosurgery.
- Your surgeon regularly performs carpal tunnel surgery.
After you have confirmed this information, you can book a consultation to make sure that you feel secure with your surgeon and his or her staff.
Finding a qualified carpal tunnel surgeon will ensure the best possible outcome for your procedure, as well as will help you understand all aspects of the treatment.
