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Carpal Tunnel?
kleinfehn
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Hey Penny Arcade, I am looking for your help/advice. I am worried that I may be starting to develop signs of Carpal Tunnel. About a month ago I had this pain about 3-4 inches from my wrist on the underside of my arm, and today I have had it again.
During that time I can't remember it hurting at all or accidentally hurting myself. I am taking measures to avoid doing any farther damage if it is Carpal Tunnel, and I do intend on buying a wrist brace at night, but I was wondering if anyone knows if this seems like Carpal Tunnel or has had experience with it in the past.
If this is Carpal Tunnel, will I always have this randomly? Is it bound to get worse, or if I treat my body better can I reverse it? Because the thought of being in wrist braces all day by 25 scares me.
During that time I can't remember it hurting at all or accidentally hurting myself. I am taking measures to avoid doing any farther damage if it is Carpal Tunnel, and I do intend on buying a wrist brace at night, but I was wondering if anyone knows if this seems like Carpal Tunnel or has had experience with it in the past.
If this is Carpal Tunnel, will I always have this randomly? Is it bound to get worse, or if I treat my body better can I reverse it? Because the thought of being in wrist braces all day by 25 scares me.
kleinfehn on
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FWIW i had the symptoms, got a ergo keyboard, and after a few months it went away. Haven't used that keyboard in years and still pain free. Then again I'm not typing all day anymore either.
Splints don't /fix/ anything, they help prevent or lessen adverse motions, so you'll really want to wear it when you are typing. Also be very careful not to make it tight, as many people decide it needs to be super snug to work. Not the case at all and in fact it makes things worse by cutting off circulation. If/when you do get a splint try fitting it on a few times and taking it off to make sure there are visible marks or discoloration that would indicate the splint was too tight.
All things aside your wrist is a very serious and delicate part of your body. Your best bet is to get yourself to a doctor as soon as you able, in conjunction with the aforementioned splint usage. While their are surgeries for Carpal Tunnel they should be a last resort and you mention that you are quite young.
If you work for a company of some sort, you should be able to get at Human Resources and demand they evaluate the ergonomics of your desk, computer and chair to address this issue. Many very large companies have someone on staff who should be all over ergonomics and cubicle health.
I am sure there things I am forgetting, but if you have further questions send me a PM. My Mom has devoted much of her life to treating hand and wrist injuries as an Occupational Therapist, so I can truffle shuffle your questions to her.
Now.
I've had to have surgery twice for CTS in my right wrist, can't have any more cos it will just make it worse.
I nearly crashed my car as I couldn't grip the steering wheel (going slowly, cos I'm mostly sensible).
Your choices once diagnosed will range from splints, steroid injections in the affected wrist, through to surgery.
Stop typing lots, and get a padded wrist support. Think about voice activated software - Dragon Naturally Speaking is good.
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