Dr. M. Zannakis | The CarpalRx

To find the best doctor for carpal tunnel syndrome, choose a hand specialist or orthopedic surgeon with proven experience treating nerve compression disorders. Always ask clear questions about your diagnosis, non-surgical options, and the type of surgery recommended. A good doctor will welcome your questions, explain every step, and make you feel confident before surgery.



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Choosing the right carpal tunnel doctor is one of the most important steps in getting your hand back to normal. You should feel comfortable and confident with your surgeon—it’s not just about skill, but about trust. That comfort helps calm the anxiety that often comes before hand surgery.

Above all, make sure your doctor is a hand or nerve specialist, not just a general practitioner. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a highly specific condition that many non-specialists still misdiagnose or treat incorrectly.

Before your procedure, take time to ask questions, understand your diagnosis, and discuss every option. A transparent, caring doctor will make sure you’re fully informed and never rushed into surgery.

Carpal tunnel surgery is a major decision—usually the last resort after non-surgical treatments have failed. To feel confident about your care, use the following guide when meeting with your doctor.



The National Institutes of Health reports that over 50% of patients who undergo carpal tunnel surgery were misdiagnosed—they didn’t have carpal tunnel at all. Because the symptoms of tendonitis, arthritis, and carpal tunnel can overlap, only a trained hand specialist can accurately tell them apart.

If a doctor immediately suggests surgery without proper testing or evaluation, be cautious. True experts will first confirm the diagnosis and explore non-surgical remedies such as massage therapy, night bracing, or stretching before ever recommending surgery.

Experts at the NIH and American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons agree: surgery should only be considered when symptoms are severe and all other treatments—like bracing, stretching, massage, or steroid injections—have failed after at least six months.

In fact, over 90% of patients find relief from these conservative therapies. Be sure you’ve given them a fair try before scheduling an operation.

Studies show that carpal tunnel is misdiagnosed in nearly 50% of cases. Other conditions like wrist tendonitis, thoracic outlet syndrome,  arthritis, and fibromyalgia often mimic its symptoms. Ask your doctor what tests they used to confirm your diagnosis and whether alternative causes were ruled out.

The most reliable diagnostic tools are physical exams, not just EMG tests. The doctor should perform the classic Tinel, Phalen, and Durkan tests and explain what your results mean.

If a physician insists that EMG testing alone is the “gold standard,” that’s a red flag—they may not be following current guidelines of the AAOS.

When considering surgery, choose a doctor with a long track record of successful outcomes and advanced training in hand disorders. A highly rated hand surgeon or neurologist may cost more, but your hands are worth it.

There are two main types of carpal tunnel surgery and they differ greatly in how they're done.

• Open carpal tunnel release surgery: This traditional method involves a 2–3-inch incision in the wrist and palm. It usually causes more tissue trauma, pain, and a longer recovery time. 

• Endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery: This minimally invasive option uses a small camera and one or two tiny incisions. Recovery is typically faster and scarring is smaller, but fewer surgeons are trained for it.

Ask which method your surgeon uses most often and how many successful procedures they’ve performed. Experience matters more than the technique itself.

Every surgery carries risks, from infection and nerve injury to permanent weakness, excessive scarring or stiffness. Ask your doctor:

• Which type of anesthesia will be used (local or general)?
  
• How long recovery will take and what activities will be restricted?
  
• Whether therapy or job adjustments will be needed afterward.

Knowing these details helps you prepare both physically and mentally for recovery.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is largely an occupational disorder. That means your job probably caused it. Therefore, it will more likely return if you continue to do the same activities that caused the problem to begin with. Therefore, you will probably need to reduce or discontinue your job activities. This is something you must discuss with your doctor. For carpal tunnel surgery patients, approximately 90% of them must find a different job afterward.

If a doctor seems impatient, vague, or dismissive, trust your instincts. A good surgeon takes time to answer every question and ensures you understand what’s ahead. Remember—there are no dumb questions when it comes to your health.

Having open, honest communication with your doctor is the best way to approach carpal tunnel surgery. Understanding the diagnosis, treatment plan, and recovery process removes fear and uncertainty.

If something doesn’t feel right—or if a doctor can’t answer your questions clearly—seek another opinion. The right doctor will educate you, guide you, and help protect your hand’s long-term health.

1. What type of doctor should I see for carpal tunnel syndrome?

A board-certified hand specialist, orthopedic surgeon, or neurologist with experience in nerve compression disorders is best qualified to diagnose and treat carpal tunnel.

2. How can I tell if my doctor is the right one?

Look for a doctor who listens carefully, explains your options clearly, and answers every question without rushing you. The best surgeons combine technical skill with compassion and clear communication.