How to prepare for a video visit about Carpal Tunnel (Mild)

Audience: adult

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, often leading to mild symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand. Preparing for a video visit about mild CTS can help you get the most from your telemedicine appointment. During the visit, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, daily activities, and may guide you through simple hand and wrist movements to better understand your condition. Telemedicine can help with education, symptom management advice, and deciding if further tests or treatments are needed. However, it cannot replace in-person exams or procedures if your symptoms worsen. Being ready with information about your symptoms, any treatments you have tried, and questions you have will make your visit more effective and helpful.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden loss of hand strength or inability to move fingers — seek urgent in-person medical care.
• Severe, constant pain that does not improve with rest or medication — contact your healthcare provider promptly.
• Signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, or fever near the wrist — get immediate medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to mild carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Guiding through simple hand and wrist movements to assess function.
• Providing education on symptom management and wrist care.
• Advising on wrist splints, exercises, and activity modifications.
• Determining if further testing or in-person evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing nerve conduction or other diagnostic tests.
• Providing hands-on treatments like injections or physical therapy.
• Evaluating severe or rapidly worsening symptoms requiring urgent care.
• Diagnosing other conditions that may mimic carpal tunnel syndrome without physical examination.

What is Mild Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Mild Carpal Tunnel Syndrome happens when the median nerve in your wrist is slightly squeezed. This can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in your thumb, index, middle, and part of your ring finger. Symptoms often come and go and may be worse at night or with certain activities.

How Telemedicine Can Help

During your video visit, your healthcare provider can learn about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may ask you to show hand movements or perform simple tests on camera. They can offer advice on managing symptoms, such as wrist exercises, splinting, or activity changes. They can also decide if you need further tests or in-person care.

What Telemedicine Cannot Do

Telemedicine cannot perform physical tests like nerve conduction studies or provide treatments that require hands-on care, such as injections or surgery. If your symptoms are severe or worsening, an in-person visit may be necessary.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, write down your symptoms, when they started, and any activities that make them better or worse. Have a list of any treatments or medications you have tried. Find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection. Make sure your camera can clearly show your hands and wrists.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the advice and treatment plan your provider gives you. This may include wearing a wrist splint, doing exercises, or avoiding certain activities. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, schedule an in-person visit. Keep track of any changes to share with your healthcare provider.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your symptoms, including when they started and what makes them better or worse.
• List any treatments, medications, or home remedies you have tried.
• Find a quiet, well-lit area with a stable internet connection for the video visit.
• Ensure your device camera can clearly show your hands and wrists.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with your healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan and advice given during the visit.
• Use wrist splints or supports as recommended.
• Perform any prescribed exercises or activity modifications.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or worsening.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms do not improve or if red flags appear.

FAQs

What causes mild carpal tunnel syndrome?

Mild carpal tunnel syndrome is often caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. This can happen from repetitive hand movements, wrist position, or swelling in the wrist area.

Can I treat mild carpal tunnel syndrome at home?

Yes, mild symptoms can often be managed with wrist splints, avoiding activities that worsen symptoms, and doing gentle wrist exercises. Your healthcare provider can guide you on safe home care.

When should I see a doctor in person?

If you have severe pain, weakness, loss of hand function, or signs of infection, you should seek in-person medical care promptly. Also, if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, an in-person visit is important.

Will I need surgery for mild carpal tunnel syndrome?

Most people with mild carpal tunnel syndrome do not need surgery. Treatment often starts with non-surgical options. Surgery is usually considered only if symptoms are severe or do not improve with other treatments.

Can telemedicine replace all visits for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Telemedicine is helpful for initial assessment and follow-up advice, especially for mild symptoms. However, some tests and treatments require in-person visits.

Sources

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Overview — Mayo Clinic.
3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Fact Sheet — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or urgent concerns, seek immediate medical attention.