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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffMake an appointment with your doctor if you have hand- or wrist-related pain and self-care measures — such as avoiding activities that trigger your pain — aren't helping. After an initial exam, your doctor may refer you to an orthopedist, rheumatologist, hand therapist or occupational therapist.
Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
- List any symptoms you've been having and for how long.
- Write down your key medical information, including other conditions with which you've been diagnosed and all medications and supplements you're taking.
- Note hobbies and activities that may strain your hand or wrist, such as knitting, gardening, playing an instrument, participating in racket sports or performing repetitive workplace activities.
- Note any recent injuries that may have damaged your hand or wrist.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor. Creating your list of questions in advance can help you make the most of your time with your doctor.
Below are some basic questions to ask a doctor who evaluates you for wrist- or hand-related symptoms. If any additional questions occur to you during your visit, don't hesitate to ask.
- What is the most likely cause of my signs and symptoms?
- Are there any other possible causes?
- Do I need any tests to confirm the diagnosis?
- What treatment approach do you recommend?
- What is the likelihood that I will need surgery?
- How long will I need to avoid the activities that caused my condition?
- What other self-care measures should I be taking?
- How often will you see me to monitor my progress?
- Should I see a specialist?
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to talk about in-depth. Your doctor may ask:
- What are your symptoms?
- When did you first notice these symptoms?
- Have your symptoms been getting worse?
- Do any particular activities seem to trigger your symptoms?
- Do you participate in any hobbies or sports that involve repetitive hand or wrist movements?
- What tasks do you perform at work?
- Have you recently had any injuries that may have caused hand or wrist damage?
- Does it help to avoid the activities that trigger your symptoms?
- Have you tried any at-home treatments, such as over-the-counter pain relievers? Has anything helped?
- What other medications are you currently taking, including vitamins and supplements?
- Have you been diagnosed with any other medical conditions?
What you can do in the meantime
In the time leading up to your appointment, avoid activities that cause or worsen your pain. To relieve your pain, try using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and applying ice to the affected area.
- De Quervain's tendinitis (De Quervain's tendinosis). American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00007. Accessed Feb. 18, 2010.
- Sheon RP, et al. de Quervain's tenosynovitis.http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 18, 2010.
- Brady M. de Quervain's tenosynovitis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/183172249-3/951902956/2088/183.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00013-7--sc0045_3682. Accessed Feb. 18, 2010.
- Ingari JV. Wrist and hand. In. DeLee JC, et al. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/183172249-3/951902956/2079/38.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..00020-8--s0350_2856. Accessed Feb. 18, 2010.
- Wright PE. Stenosing tenosynovitis. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/183172249-5/951919611/1584/566.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50076-3--cesec17_4013. Accessed Feb. 18, 2010.
- Anderson BC. Evaluation of the patient with thumb pain. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 18, 2010.
- Amadio PC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 23, 2010.
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