| Author |
Message |
    
marinab
Citizen
Username: Marinab
Post Number: 311
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 10:26 am: | 
|
I've recently begun to experience pain and twinges in my wrist/hand/arm and it could be the beginning of something like carpal tunnel. I could see my regular doctor, an internist, but I'm assuming I need to go to more of a specialist. Any suggestions or names? I want to nip this in the bud, as I need to be able to use my computer, as I'm a writer. Thanks. |
jasper
Citizen
Username: Jasper
Post Number: 389
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 11:14 am: |
|
Marinab,
There are stretching exercises you can do to alleviate the stress in your wrist/forearm. You should also take breaks, ice your wrists to reduce any swelling, and make sure your chair/desk/keyboard are at the right height/position for minimal stress. Massage is also indicated. PL me if you want more information. |
darrensager
Citizen
Username: Darrensager
Post Number: 242
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 12:02 pm: |
|
see below |
darrensager
Citizen
Username: Darrensager
Post Number: 243
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 12:03 pm: |
|
I've had this issue of carpal tunnel a few times in my life. The last thing you really want to do is have surgery. The best thing you can do is rest your wrists. My research into this said that you should not try to do this during the day, but at night only. The reason for this is that if you put your hand/wrist into a soft cast (for sprains) during the day your body will still try to move your hands and you'll do more damage than good. The best thing I found was to only wear the soft casts at night, when you're sleeping. It takes awhile getting used to sleeping with them on, however you wind up imobilizing your hands and wrists in the proper position for the time needed. After doing this for several weeks the pain goes away. You can pick up the soft casts at CVS for under $30 each. Another solution is to go out and pick up a set of wrist guards for Rollerblading. They do the same exact thing as the soft casts, and cost less.
Good luck. |
marinab
Citizen
Username: Marinab
Post Number: 312
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 12:46 pm: |
|
Did any of you consult with a doctor before doing this, however? |
ril
Citizen
Username: Ril
Post Number: 462
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 12:56 pm: |
|
I recommend a book called Complete Guide to Repetitive Strain Injury by Dr. Emil Pascarelli. (I can loan you my copy if you can't find it in stores).
You should consult a doctor--there are many sorts of repetitive strain injuries (carpal tunnel is just one of them) and specific treatment differs, though you can't go wrong with ice and advil until you get to the doctor. He or she may well recommend splints or soft casts, as suggested above, or physical therapy.
And should you need it, after all other options are explored, the surgery is not difficult at all--I've had it, and made a complete recovery.
Sorry I can't recommend a doctor locally--my carpal tunnel treatment was before I moved here. Your GP should be able to suggest an orthopedist. |
Mergele
Citizen
Username: Mergele
Post Number: 361
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 1:01 pm: |
|
Second darrensager's advice above about sleeping with braces or soft casts - it saved me from surgery on both wrists - and was done as per a very good ortho's instructions. |
C Bataille
Citizen
Username: Nakaille
Post Number: 2416
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 1:05 pm: |
|
Marina, I had the surgery last summer, done by Carl Quillen, M.D. who is a hand specialist in Maplewood. My outcome has been fantastic. PL me if you want additional information.
Cathy |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 2745
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 1:40 pm: |
|
I went the brace/soft cast route on the advice of my regular doctor and it resolved itself nicely. And as darren said, you can easily pick them up OTC. Might be something you could try before seeking help from a specialist. Can't imagine there would be anything about it that could cause you harm. |
BGS
Citizen
Username: Bgs
Post Number: 556
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 4:29 pm: |
|
So- 15 years ago I had severe carpal tunnel in both wrists...did the splints, exercises, preventative stuff, electric shocks etc for a long time. Finally, had surgery on both hands on the same day and three weeks later it was like a miracle!!! I have never had one day of pain since. I was diagnosed by a neurologist and had the surgery done by a plastic surgeon who specilizes in hands and am here to tell you that it was one of the best things that I have ever done for myself. If you want to speak with me about it, PL me and I will give you my contact information.
|
darrensager
Citizen
Username: Darrensager
Post Number: 248
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 5:42 pm: |
|
My recommendations were based upon consultation with my doc. |
marinab
Citizen
Username: Marinab
Post Number: 313
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 7:31 pm: |
|
Okay, I think I'm going to try the icing and advil and the soft brace for a few days. Then consult with the doctor recommended. I can't say this is carpal tunnel, I was just concerned that if you don't treat soon enough, it only gets worse. |
marinab
Citizen
Username: Marinab
Post Number: 314
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 7:32 pm: |
|
And thanks everyone. |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3854
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 8:24 pm: |
|
I had it too (graphic designer) and went through a few months of OT about 11 years ago. The best tips, take frequent breaks, rest, and a good trick to try is a combo of ice and heat...during OT I'd go from a basin of scalding water to a basin of ice water for 20 minutes. That, plus a little massage, and strengethening exercises (get the putty, it's easy) helped. Really watch how you sleep too. Sometimes even now my husband reminds me to not bend my wrist so much when I sleep.
I found my regular dr. at the time was unhelpful. All they wanted to do was medicate. I saw a specialist through workmen's comp (an orthopedist maybe) and he hurt me even more the way he manipulated my wrist. I insisted I see an OT and it helped immensely. |
darrensager
Citizen
Username: Darrensager
Post Number: 250
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 8:32 pm: |
|
Again only wear the brace at night, not during the day. Also, it may take weeks like it did for me. Still, much better than an operation any day of the week. |
Aok
Citizen
Username: Aok
Post Number: 180
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 8:36 pm: |
|
Also, consider it could be something else -- turned out my problem was a herniated disc in my neck which radiated "symptoms" into my arm -- no neck pain ever. So if the carpal tunnel treatment doesn't work -- check out neck issues. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 3720
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 9:41 pm: |
|
C-
When did Dr Quillen become a hand specialist? I thought he was a plastic surgeon? Then again I saw him about 8 or so years ago. |
BGS
Citizen
Username: Bgs
Post Number: 559
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 6:07 am: |
|
JTA-he might be a plastic surgeon that has a "hand" niche... |
C Bataille
Citizen
Username: Nakaille
Post Number: 2418
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - 8:59 am: |
|
Yes, he is board certified in both specialties, which makes a lot of sense, IMO, as hand work often involves much "plastic" work. |
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page