Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the palm, is compressed or squeezed at the wrist. The median nerve controls the sensations and movements of the thumb and the first three fingers. It can affect either one or both hands and interfere with daily activities like typing, writing, and gripping. A variety of factors can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, including repetitive hand motions, wrist injuries, arthritis, diabetes, pregnancy, or thyroid disorders.
In direct primary care (DPC), patients have unlimited access to their primary care physician for a fixed monthly fee. Due to the fact that DPC physicians do not accept insurance or third-party payments, they can reduce administrative costs and offer patients with carpal tunnel syndrome a variety of benefits, including:
In addition to convenient and timely access, DPC patients can schedule same-day or next-day appointments without long waits or referrals. They are able to contact their physician anytime, by phone, email, text, or video chat. Carpal tunnel syndrome patients can take advantage of this to receive prompt evaluation, treatment, and follow-up care.
Comprehensive and coordinated care: DPC physicians can provide a wide range of services for carpal tunnel syndrome, such as diagnosis, medication management, splinting, injection therapy, physical therapy, and referrals. When necessary, they can coordinate care with specialists, such as orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, or occupational therapists. A DPC physician can also help patients with carpal tunnel syndrome navigate the complex and costly health care system and advocate for them.
Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome can be educated about carpal tunnel syndrome prevention strategies, such as avoiding excessive wrist bending or forceful gripping, taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks, using ergonomic tools or devices, and doing hand exercises, to prevent further worsening and complications. By providing counseling, support groups, referrals, and resources, they can also assist in the physical, emotional, and social aspects of carpal tunnel syndrome recovery.
Studies have shown that DPC patients have lower rates of hospitalizations, emergency department visits, specialist consultations, and diagnostic tests than traditional fee-for-service patients. Carpal tunnel syndrome patients may benefit from improved symptoms, reduced disability, enhanced function, and longer relief periods as a result.
A fixed monthly fee covers most of the primary care needs of DPC patients. Also, DPC physicians or their partners offer lower prices for medications, labs, imaging studies, and procedures. By doing so, patients with carpal tunnel syndrome can avoid surprise bills and hidden fees and save money on their healthcare expenses.
DPC patients report higher satisfaction with their primary care experience than fee-for-service patients. They appreciate the longer and more frequent visits with their physician, the enhanced communication and trust, the personalized and attentive care, and the reduced hassle and stress.
The management approach for carpal tunnel syndrome can be tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each patient at DPC. In addition to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, corticosteroids, gabapentin, and antidepressants, they can also offer different medication options. Based on the patient's condition and response, they can also adjust the dosage and duration of medication management. Splints, such as neutral wrist splints, cocked-up wrist splints, or custom-made splints, can be prescribed if necessary.
For patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, DPC physicians can also provide injection therapy. They can inject corticosteroids into the carpal tunnel to reduce inflammation and pressure on the median nerve. They can also inject local anesthetics to provide temporary pain relief.
Physical therapy can also be provided by DPC physicians to patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition to stretching and strengthening wrist and hand muscles, they can recommend complementary therapies to ease carpal tunnel syndrome, such as massage therapy, acupuncture, yoga, or biofeedback.
Patients with severe or persistent carpal tunnel syndrome can also be referred to DPC physicians for surgical treatment. As well as providing postoperative care and rehabilitation to patients after surgery, they can assist them in selecting the best surgical option, such as open or endoscopic carpal tunnel release.
As Helen Keller said,
“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.”
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated by DPC physicians to help patients overcome their pain and regain their function.
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