Do I need to see a doctor for suspected carpel tunnel syndrome?

[GizmoIsSoFluffy]

Don't want to waste the docs time, but I have been showing symptoms of carpel tunnel syndrome for about a month, and it's not getting better.

Don't really know what a doctor can do to help. I also have social anxiety, so am scared to go and see a doctor incase they shout at me.

Thanks for any advice.

They should be able to help, with a support, or a referral to physio, or if really bad, a referral to orthopaedic surgeon.

I went for cubital and carpal tunnel, I was referred to physio who declared it too far gone so was given a support and painkillers until I could be referred to orthopaedics for surgery.

Yes. And if it’s work related your employer needs to report it under the RIDDOR regs.

It depends what you’ve tried and how bad it is. They can test to grade the severity, that would then help decide if surgery is a viable option.

Thanks everyone. The pain is somewhere inside my arm, extending from the back of my hand to my elbow. I say pain, it's not pain, just uncomfortable. I've also lost alot of strength in my grip in that hand. Struggled to hold a shopping trolley with it at the weekend kind of grip loss.

Looks like I may have to find the courage to see a doctor.

Perhaps your GP's surgery has an in house physiotherapist on self referral? You can see them first and get some exercises to mitigate immediate pain and refer you to GP from inside the system. This would hopefully give you more confidence that you deserve their attention when you do meet a GP. I can't imagine you'll be shouted at! Sorry you have anxiety but please don't let that get in the way of physical needs. I've had carpal tunnel release surgeries over twenty years ago but still occasionally get issues that need short term physio or occupational therapists' intervention.

Dr Jo has several exercise videos about carpal tunnel syndrome. Here's one:

You can get wrist supports to help. But if you are losing grip etc then definitely speak to a GP. They will be able to get you on the waiting list for tests (which are longer than usual at the moment) and refer you for help in the meantime.

I've recently saw the GP about suspected carpal tunnel syndrome. I didn't think they'd shout at me but I was worried they might think I was a time waster. But they did tests and said I was a classic case and Ive now had surgery on both hands. I think it comes on so gradually you don't realise how bad it is. No one should be shouting at you though!
BTW if you need the op it's quick and you don't feel a thing.

My GP did steroid injections for me. He said the NHS trust we fall under doesn't offer the surgery anymore. Not sure if that's right though.

Thankyou everyone for your advice. I plucked up the courage to ring the docs this morning, stuttered, but ended up with being referred to the local hospital for carpel tunnel syndrome tests. Who knows when it'll come through, but the teleohone triage at the docs mentioned carpel; I kept quiet. Fingers crossed.