Pains in Arms & wrists

leeegglestone

For a while Ive been getting uncomfortable pains in my Wrists and also in my Arms.

Its mostly the For arm,mostly the right one, im getting a tight burning sensation at times and across my knuckles n wrist.

I do alot of typing, obviously on here but also at work.I have a Wrist Rest at work

Ive been the docs she gave me some stronger tablets to see if that will help, the next option she said would be to try splinting.

Anyone else had a similar problems?

Its annoying when I do so much on the PC. I think to myself to somehow give myself A Weeks rest off Computers at home & work, but i couldnt do it, not in an addiction kinda way.

Ive got another 14days worth of tablets, should I just go back now.

kit

My partner has the same sort of symptoms. He has been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. He is on the waiting list for a consultant and possible operation but he uses splinted bandages especially for carpal tunnel.

Try them?? Or speak to your doctor about it.

HTH

leeegglestone

Whats the Treatment for carpal tunnel, a colleague has mentioned that to me.

What do the splinted bandages do? are they any good?

kit

He got most of his info online as doctor didnt tell him much. Here are the links he used:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpal_tunnel_syndrome
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Carpal_tunnel_splint.jpg
http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/carpal_tunnel.html
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm
http://www.arc.org.uk/newsviews/arctdy/115/carpal.htm

This is where is got his splint from:
http://www.firstaid4sport.co.uk/ProductDetail.asp?ProductID=3033

The splints have helped him a lot but the velcro wore out quickly on them. He has it in both wrist but worse in one so he has a splint for one hand and just a bandage on the other. He started just wearing them at night but they annoyed him so he changed to just wearing them in the day.

HTH

leeegglestone

Is the splint just for Wrists?

would they give u these free at the docs?

Wirenth

My mother had to have an operation to sort out her carpal tunnel. Basically, they slit your wrists open, cut the 'sheath' round the affected tendons and sew it back up again. Its best to get one wrist done at a time.

Carpal tunnel tends to be caused by this 'sheath' overtightening around the tendons. People who overuse their wrists tend to suffer from it.

leeegglestone

Hmm, so is the problem the Wrist or the Arm? because i get a tightness in my Arm and almost like burning. sometimes this is worse than the actual wrist pain. like now

kit

My OH gets pain in his arms too. He says its like a really bad ache that you cant stop. Obviously his wrists hurt too!

Wirenth

leeegglestone wrote:

Hmm, so is the problem the Wrist or the Arm? because i get a tightness in my Arm and almost like burning. sometimes this is worse than the actual wrist pain. like now

Have you been referred to see a Neuro consultant?

I'm asking because Mum also suffered nerve damage - her cervical vertibrae in her neck started to collapse on her nerves - through the nerve running from her neck down her shoulder and to her ring and little finger. It was also brought about by overwork - lifting patients far too heavy for her.

Wirenth

Leeegglestone, you need to go back and see your doctor. Same for kit's partner. Explain that medication isn't sorting out the pain long-term and that you'd like to go for some tests.

Ted_Hutchinson

Computer professionals and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Efficacy of splinting and oral steroids in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: A prospective randomized clinical and electrophysiological study

Symptom relief and neurophysiological improvement after night-only splint wear therapy lasted up to the six-month follow-up visit.

Oral steroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs.
Those who have been following my posts will be aware that Omega 3 (found in fish oil/sardines/oily fish) and Vitamin d3 (cholecalciferol from sunlight) also act as anti inflammatory agents. So people considering the splint option may want to consider also taking an EFFECTIVE amount of both omega 3 and vitamin d3 but be aware with both these that if you are currently in deficit there is generally a period of 6 to 12 weeks between commencing antiinflammatory doses of fish oil and symptomatic improvement.

Prevention tips from Jama

• stretch and flex your arms and fingers before begining work and take frequent breaks to flex and stretch
• alternate tasks if possible to reduce the amount of repetitive movements.
• modify or change your daily activities (work and hobbies) that put pressure on wrists.
• Modify your work enviroment if possible. A healthy PC workstation includes an adjustable keyboard table and chair and a wrist rest.