Who do I see?

[Anonymous]

Several weeks ago, I woke up with excruciating pain in my right hand (I'm right handed). I assumed I had slept weird on it or something, and it got better on its own. However, it has since recurred, one day I woke up with my entire hand swollen, but mostly, I see swelling on the top of my hand, above the wrist. Depending on the day, finger movements may or may not hurt, and touching the hand may or may not hurt. Advil helps with the pain, but it comes back when I'm off. It's almost always at its worst in the morning, and gets better by the end of the day, but never fully resolves.

Who do I see for this? Insurance allows me to see specialists without consulting a GP first, but is a GP the right place to start? Anyone have any idea what this could be?

[Anonymous]

Carpal tunnel?

[Anonymous]

Just start with the GP first. And do it right away, if I were you I'd be afraid I was throwing clots given the swelling.

[Anonymous]

I would start with an orthopedist. They can order X-rays if needed and may be able to narrow down whether it's bone, muscle, tendon, or something else. They can probably give you a brace and advise about treatment... physical therapy or otherwise. If it's arthritis, a rheumatologist might be a good next step.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just start with the GP first. And do it right away, if I were you I'd be afraid I was throwing clots given the swelling.

Hmm... I have a platelet disorder that makes me more prone to throwing clots. I'll see if either the hematologist or GP can see me right away. Thank you!