What Is Carpal Tunnel?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is fairly common, but it is often misunderstood. Carpal tunnel doesn’t refer to a nerve — rather, it refers to the “tunnel” that runs through the wrist and into the hand. The nerve inside the carpal tunnel is called the median nerve. It provides sensation and function to parts of your hand. For a variety of reasons, from occupational hazards to hobbies to other health conditions, the carpal tunnel can become compressed. This compression and pressure reduces the space around the nerve, causing the symptoms that are commonly associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include tingling, numbness and pain. It can eventually cause trouble gripping. Often, symptoms appear at night and can wake you up. Other times, they can appear when you’re doing your daily activities, such as driving or typing. You may also experience trouble gripping things.

If your carpal tunnel syndrome has progressed severely enough, you will need to seek treatment in order to alleviate existing symptoms and possibly to prevent further progression. Luckily, you can find a carpal tunnel surgeon in NJ to save you the hassle of heading into NY for appointments and treatments.

Finding a Carpal Tunnel Surgeon

It’s important to find a surgeon that you can trust and have a partnership with, as well as one who is qualified and known for their outstanding care and results. The best ways to find a carpal tunnel surgeon in NJ include reading reviews, seeking referrals, searching online and using your insurance company.

Read Reviews

Sifting through online reviews is a good place to start your search for carpal tunnel treatment. Do a Google search to find websites that specialize in providing medical reviews. These are often more relevant to your needs than websites that also provide reviews on attractions and fast food.

By looking at other people’s experiences with your condition, you will be able to get a better feel for finding a carpal tunnel surgeon that is right for you. Look for reviews that provide a complete a picture of carpal tunnel surgery. Understand how the office works, the responsiveness and personalities of the staff that you will be interacting with and the head doctor. Look to see how well the doctor explains the surgery as well as the recovery. Often, you can sort the reviews according to the doctor’s location to find one close to you.

Seek Referrals

Referrals can be a good way to find a New Jersey carpal tunnel doctor and save you a trip across the river. Start with your team of healthcare professionals, such as the doctor that you gave you your diagnosis. If you are undergoing physical therapy, ask your physical therapist. Physical therapists often have unbiased opinions about doctors because they work with patients before and after procedures, so they tend to know which surgeons get the best results and which offices are the most accommodating. Outside of the healthcare profession, ask friends, family members, co-workers and others that have undergone carpal tunnel surgery. If they were happy with their results, consider a consultation with their recommendations.

Use the Internet

The Internet is another way to find carpal tunnel treatment in New Jersey. You can search in a variety of ways, including using a map to find a doctor near you. The Internet also offers background information, such as patient reviews and how experienced the doctor is, so that you know whether or not they specialize in carpal tunnel surgery. Look for positive reviews as well as information about their training and certification.

Check with Your Insurance Company

Your insurance company is another important resource for finding a carpal tunnel doctor as they often have a list of doctors that can help you start your search, knowing ahead of time that your insurance company works with them.

However you find your doctor, check with your insurance company to make sure that your carpal tunnel treatment is covered by your insurance. The insurance company can walk you through what you can expect to owe for appointments, surgery, recovery and more.

Qualities to Look for in a Surgeon

As you search for a carpal tunnel surgeon, look for a doctor that not only has a good reputation but also fulfills other important criteria. Your top carpal tunnel surgeon should be board certified (to ensure they know the latest techniques and developments in hand surgery), accept your insurance and should have experience performing the treatment you need on a regular basis. Once you have booked a consultation, also ensure that you like your doctor and staff, and that you feel secure in their hands.

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Dr. Yueh

About Dr. Yueh

Dr. Janet H. Yueh specializes in hand surgery including Trigger Finger, Basal Joint Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel and Tendonitis. Dr. Yueh did her undergraduate work at Harvard University in Cambridge where she graduated magna cum laude. She continued her education at Harvard Medical School where she earned her M.D.