carpal tunnel syndrome

[Margie J]

I woke up this morning and my left hand was in terrible pain. I could hardly move my wrist or fingers. My wrist is wrapped up in an Ace bandage an I've taken some Tylenol Arthritis strength. Still in pain and I'm typing this with one hand.

If any of you have had carpal tunnel syndrome, does this sound familiar? I'm thinking about calling the Doctor tomorrow if the pain is still bad. I was hoping to get so much done this week I'm home and this just knocked me out of commission.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I don't think carpal tunnel comes on suddenly. It is usually thought of as a repetitive use injury. I would try Advil or Motrin or some anti-inflamatory rather than Tylenol. And, try putting icce on it.

 

[jrydberg]

Push your hand up with your other hand. You should be able to push to the point where your fingers are at a 90 degree angle from your arm (arm flat, fingers pointing straight up). With carpal tunnel syndrome, that range tends to be significantly diminished.

As for what you can do about it, the problem usually lies in the workspace and how you position yourself. Make sure you are not reaching up or down for the keyboard. Also make sure you step away from the computer at regular intervals. At work, I usually get away for a few minutes every hour. Hard to do since my work can only be done on the computer, but it does help considerably.

Edited to add: CTS is usually more a numbness and occasional ache. I finally went to the doctor for it when I couldn't hold a jug of milk in my right hand. Anyway, I wasn't in terrible pain (though it did hurt when I typed and for some time after)... but it was constantly going numb.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I had surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, it got so bad. A common way to tell if it's really carpal tunnel syndrome? How's your little finger feel? All my other fingers would feel numb, swollen, anyone could feel the cold in my hands, but my little finger was fine. It has to do with the biology that causes CTS. The sheath that swells and constricts the nerves, etc. doesn't include those for the little finger (or something like that-I forget exactly).

 

[mtblujeans]

I think different people have different levels of pain. With CTS, some have numbness quite badly while others might have more pain than numbness. It may depend upon the repeating motion you are doing and how you use your hands or arms to do it. Doctors have a test that would let you know for sure if you have it or not. If the pain does not go away over a period of a couple of days with anti-inflammatories, you may want to see your doctor to rule out CTS.

Edit: CTC will never be CTS ~ no matter how tired I am.

 

[mommytotwo]

I've had it several of times, especially when I was pregnant. I would use a wrist band if you have one till you see the doctor just for support. Hope you feel better.

 

[browneyes]

My pinkies go to sleep with my carpel tunnel. Sometimes pain radiates all the way to my elbow, but very rarely. I bought some wrist splints from Walmart and they help a lot. If you're having a lot of pain right now, you might want to call your doctor in the morning even if your pain goes away to help with any future pain, or to see if it's something else.

 

[Margie J]

Thanks for all the advice. My wrist is still wrapped up and I'm getting a splint today. Still some pain, especially in certain positions.

A few months ago I did have this hand go numb and get cold as ice. Since it was brief I didn't think twice about it, until now.

Time for the Doctor.

 

[skiwee1]

My 15 y/o son just got operated on his left hand yesterday for CTS. CTS can come on overnight or slowly develope. You can take anti inflammatories. If they don't seem to help you can purchase a CTS wrist brace from the pharmacy for about $10. You wear it at night and it can help considerably. Did you do anything with that hand the day before that could have done this? I know that my CTS really kicks in after doing a lot of painting the day before. The back and forth motion does me in. My son is way too young for it but he was beyond any kind of therapy help. He does a lot of golfing, computer, and paintball. I believe the latter did him in because of the repetive shooting he needs to do. Hope you feel better!