What dr to see for hand pain?

[karinothing]

My middle finger really hurts in the bottom joint. It is really stiff and sore in the morning. I can not make a fist. I have a more limited ability to use that hand (it is sometimes hard to pick things up). What kind of doctor would I see first? Ortho? Rheumatologist ? Someone else? I don't need a referral, but just want to make sure I am seeing the right person since in person appointments are still a pain here. Thanks.

[wanderingback]

Can you do a telehealth visit with your pcp? I’d wanna ask several more questions about what you’re describing and the history and symptoms and then give a recommendation for a specialist. It’s kinda hard to tell with your description.

[joy]

Oct 21, 2020 11:18:12 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Can you do a telehealth visit with your pcp? I’d wanna ask several more questions about what you’re describing and the history and symptoms and then give a recommendation for a specialist. It’s kinda hard to tell with your description.

Yes, go see your PCP. They will ask more questions and point you to the correct specialist. This is their job.

[karinothing]

Alright I can do that! Was just trying to minimize visits since I have zero time during the day. But thanks!

[joy]

Oct 21, 2020 11:28:08 GMT -5 karinothing said:

Alright I can do that! Was just trying to minimize visits since I have zero time during the day. But thanks!

I totally get that. But, what if you see an ortho and they’re like “Yeah, you need a rheumatologist.” Then you’ve wasted time there, too. The only way it works is if you guess right the first time. Ha.

I know it’s more appts, but in the end, it’ll be more efficient.

Can you PCP do telehealth? That saves you a lot time, too!

Good luck! I’m sorry about your hand.

[definitelyO]

agreed - I'd start with my PCP and then see how they can help direct you. I'm having carpal tunnel type symptoms and some joint pain in the knuckles of 2 fingers (family history of arthritis as well). But have an appt with my PCP on Monday to help me figure it out and next steps.

[karinothing]

Oct 21, 2020 11:41:55 GMT -5 definitelyO said:

agreed - I'd start with my PCP and then see how they can help direct you. I'm having carpal tunnel type symptoms and some joint pain in the knuckles of 2 fingers (family history of arthritis as well). But have an appt with my PCP on Monday to help me figure it out and next steps.

Hopefully you get relief soon!

[thelurkylulu]

Obviously see a doctor, but I had this type of joint pain in my fingers as well. I started taking apple cider vinegar gummies daily and adding flax seed to my morning protein shake and the pain is now gone. Honestly, I am typically not a crunchy person who believes things like EOs or vinegar are miracle cures for everything. But these two things definitely worked for me.

[thebreakfastclub]

I've had wrist surgery twice, due to an old injury, and I don't have a PCP.

I called a large orthopedics practice directly and they set me up with a hand/wrist specialist for my initial visit, and then he did my repair surgery.

[Whitecaps]

Oct 21, 2020 11:58:55 GMT -5 thelurkylulu said:

Obviously see a doctor, but I had this type of joint pain in my fingers as well. I started taking apple cider vinegar gummies daily and adding flax seed to my morning protein shake and the pain is now gone. Honestly, I am typically not a crunchy person who believes things like EOs or vinegar are miracle cures for everything. But these two things definitely worked for me.

Tell me more about these apple cider vinegar gummies? What are they supposed to do? I'm intrigued because one of my docs has offhandedly mentioned vinegar as a home remedy for...things. I wasn't really listening, I guess, because drinking vinegar sounded gross.  

[thelurkylulu]

Oct 21, 2020 12:11:38 GMT -5 Whitecaps said:

Oct 21, 2020 11:58:55 GMT -5 thelurkylulu said:

Obviously see a doctor, but I had this type of joint pain in my fingers as well. I started taking apple cider vinegar gummies daily and adding flax seed to my morning protein shake and the pain is now gone. Honestly, I am typically not a crunchy person who believes things like EOs or vinegar are miracle cures for everything. But these two things definitely worked for me.

Tell me more about these apple cider vinegar gummies? What are they supposed to do? I'm intrigued because one of my docs has offhandedly mentioned vinegar as a home remedy for...things. I wasn't really listening, I guess, because drinking vinegar sounded gross.  

Apple cider vinegar supposedly has a ton of benefits: aids with digestion, immune system support, decreases acid reflux, balances blood sugar, clears sinuses, etc.

These are the ones I buy and they’re delicious. They don’t taste vinegary to me at all. I have been able to go off my allergy medicine for like 75% of the year and have more energy. It hasn’t helped my blood pressure. I’ve also given up dairy, so it could be the ACV gummies or it could be giving up dairy. Idk lol

www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q58RTJB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_r0gKFbKTG810H?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[Whitecaps]

Oct 21, 2020 12:22:29 GMT -5 thelurkylulu said:

Oct 21, 2020 12:11:38 GMT -5 Whitecaps said:

Tell me more about these apple cider vinegar gummies? What are they supposed to do? I'm intrigued because one of my docs has offhandedly mentioned vinegar as a home remedy for...things. I wasn't really listening, I guess, because drinking vinegar sounded gross.  

Apple cider vinegar supposedly has a ton of benefits: aids with digestion, immune system support, decreases acid reflux, balances blood sugar, clears sinuses, etc.

These are the ones I buy and they’re delicious. They don’t taste vinegary to me at all. I have been able to go off my allergy medicine for like 75% of the year and have more energy. It hasn’t helped my blood pressure. I’ve also given up dairy, so it could be the ACV gummies or it could be giving up dairy. Idk lol

www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q58RTJB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_r0gKFbKTG810H?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Very helpful and interesting, thanks!

[sadlebred]

Honestly, I'd skip right to a hand specialist over a PCP or ortho if you don't need a referral. I'm sure they could do a tele-visit if you prefer. Hands are a specialty all on their own.

[Queen Dick, Hibernating Bear]

My middle finger is sore all the time.

[jane6672]

Oct 21, 2020 14:58:34 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

Honestly, I'd skip right to a hand specialist over a PCP or ortho if you don't need a referral. I'm sure they could do a tele-visit if you prefer. Hands are a specialty all on their own.

Yeah it depends on your PCP... I’m sure some are great.

But when I told mine about my knee pain (a year after an injury) and how I had daily pain, his response was “oh well that’s just knee injuries, get used to it and you’ll never run again.”

I was 25. So I ignored him and went to a specialist who diagnosed my issue and prescribed me ONE session with a PT. The PT gave me exercises to work on. I was back to running without pain after 6 weeks and have gone on to run multiple half marathons and a full marathon without injury.

SooOoooo if you have a good relationship and trust your PCP, sure make an appointment. Otherwise it’s a waste of a copay.

[karinothing]

I decided to just make an appointment with a hand specialist. I go next Wednesday!