"Do you have carpal tunnel syndrome?" Topic

Well, I got diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists. Worse in my left, though I am right handed. Also have some other unrelated neuro problems in both my arms. Explains all the pain I've been having and lack of hand control! I hate sleeping with braces all over me, though!

I have to be careful on the computer. My neurologist really got on me about modeling and how I use my arms/hands. I have to change my lifestyle. The usual drill. ;-)

CTS seems common. Just wondering how many modelers/gamers here have it, how it affected their hobby, and how they dealt with it. I'm trying/hoping to avoid surgeries!

Yes, I've got it. Found I couldn't really use a computer mouse of any sort at all without pain but I've switched to using a pen and tablet for everything and on the whole that seems to have made using the computer largely pain free (unless I really overdo it).

As I do a quite a lot of drawing on the computer I'd be lost without the drawing tablet.

Cheers,

David
nba-sywtemplates.blogspot.com

Dang it. Now I'm aware of my hands.

I've always assumed it was incipient arthritis. Now you got me worried.

Don't have it. I do the same self-care--stretching, massage, breaks--that I counseled clients to do as a massage therapist. Always use good body mechanics, etc., etc.

For heaven's sake, don't have surgery. If anyone tries to talk you into it (and for several thousand dollars for a 30-minute operation, be sure that they will!), do some research on the failure rates.

Allen

"…wondering how many modelers…dealt with it."

Keep a beer on the side…take a sip everytime you accomplish something.

Like it says on the Glewwe-Castle-Brewery lable: Drink this and you'll die. Don't drink this and you'll die anyway…"

I had it for years. It got to the point where my hands would be numb no matter what position I had them in OR it was too painful to pick up a coffee cup. I had the surgery; minimally invasive, very short downtime, quick and long lasting relief.

That being said, I understand and support Allen's reservations regarding surgery. I think the overwhelming majority of sufferers can be helped with better ergonomics, self-care, and massage.

The only flare-up I've had in the past nine years was this Spring, when I had to tear down several hundred yards of wire panel fence and replace it. The constant gripping and squeezing (pulling fencing staples, cutting wire, wiring fence panels, etc) was hell on me. Took me a few weeks to recover.

Apparently I have it too. Never had a problem with pain but I do go numb across my thumb and first two fingers on each hand. In the UK the surgery won't cost me a thing but I can't afford any down time at all with a 20 month old daughter.

Yes I had it, both wrists, when it reached the point that I couldn't grip a pen or a paint brush without the pins and needles starting, and then numbness, and when I couldn't safely hold a mug of tea in one hand I let them operate.

The hands do not have the strength in the grip they did have before the op, but otherwise they are fine.

As a side note, I had good ergonomics, and kept them supple and exercised long before the problem hit.

Downtime was a couple of weeks with it bandaged to protect the stitches, was able to use it carefully after about a week though, once the swelling had gone down, as long as I was careful. Then its exercise it and lots of handcream over the scar tissue and hand to keep it supple.

do politicians ever get Cranal Tunnel?
I heard that is a symptom of Cranal-Anal-itis.
The Army also uses the term "his head is in Retal Defilade"

Had it- chiropractor cleared it up.

I get bouts of something like it. Also, walking with a stick because of arthritis in my hips puts extra strain on my (dominant) left arm. Combined with a mild dose of cerebral palsy that I've had all my life, there are days when I can hardly pick things up where I'm shaking so much. Just got to make the most of the good days!

Probably. However I have not done any 8 hours continuous CAD work in a long time, so I am not bothered by it.

no but I have tennis elbow in both arms.

Nah.

For some reason, all these things that seem to afflict all the young, fit, exercising type people if they don't sit in a $1,000 USD chair don't seem to happen to me at all.

OTOH, my lower back often hurts, because I'm too fat.
-Kle.

I used to have it terribly. I agree with Allen, you can avoid it by using proper posture and muscular therapy. I sit in an office all day typing (and much of my evenings as well) so mouse and keyboard rests are necessary.

Steve
cavalcadewargames.com
nycjadie.wordpress.com

I draw caricatures at parties for a living and over the 23 years I have done it the #2 question I am asked by my subjects (right after "How long have you been doing this?") is "So, do you have carpal tunnel?" Thankfully the answer is still no.

Nope.

I have the same problem, although nothing compared to what Martin has had to endure (well done, mate).

I agree with the above in that I believe it can be alleviated through a re-adjustment of the furniture – mine has certainly lessened over the past twelve months.

I'd just love to know what caused it – was it my fifteen years of social tennis, or the last seven years of visiting and lifting pints in England?

I've had issues with it and I will tell you that wearing the wrist braces at night, as annoying as they are a GODSEND!. When I start to notice any numbness or pain in my hands I start wearing them and in a few days I find relief. As Allen said avoid surgery at all costs unless ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY! If it becomes the only option, make damn sure to get the best hand specialist you can. This is critical, he has to be a hand specialist. There are guys that are really good with other parts of the frame but hand guys are true specialists who know one of the most complex systems in the human body.

All that said, Allen has some good suggestions. Talk with your doctor about physical therapy and exercises that can assist you. Also, as much as you hate the idea, look into getting some wrist braces for when you sleep. They're a bit tricky to get used to but they really do help a lot.

Tenosynovitis (actually tore the tendon) turned into arthritis and my left wrist is pretty much trash at this point. The bones are disintegrating and I have minimal movement in the wrist, though the fingers all work fine. Surgery will not help.

Yup, I got it in both wrists. When I went to get diagnosed, they used an electro-thingamajig to test my nerves etc in my wrists. I have CTS. My hands more than occasionally go numb, I have trouble manipulating a screwdriver or small model pieces. I've almost had to give up painting, but I've learned to relax my hand while painting or taping the brush to my finger. My problem is I work in computers for a living.

When I lift weights or do heavy work around the house, my arms and both wrists feel bloated and I have trouble sleeping, usually lasts for a week or so. Curls are harder now because I dont have the strength or grip I once had. My wife has suggested massage or chiropractic care, which because of this thread Im more apt to look after. I dont want the surgery due to all the stories Ive heard of it as well.

What kind of wrist braces do you recommend?

I have mild/moderate carpal tunnel in both writs but I have severe tendinitis in both wrists and arms. The pain used to be extreme (I couldn't pick up a glass or turn a doorknob without pain).

I did the usual rounds of physical therapy and tried at least 5 anti-inflammatories but the only thing that really helped was acupuncture. I now do acupuncture once a week (down from 3 times a week because of the cost). The acupuncture keeps me "steady". I still have occasional pain but it's managable. But if I stop the acupuncture then I start deteriorating after about two weeks.

I still hate needles but it's amazing what you can get used to when the only other alternative is constant pain.

I have had problems from time to time but it depends on what I do. Lots of figure preparation seems to make it worse-especially if the figures have lots of flash. You may also need to be screened for hypothyroidism and diabetes. Pyridoxine 50 mgm 3 times a day for 1-2 months may help but don't use it any longer since continuous use can damage nerves.

I divorced a now ex-wife who had Carnal-Tunnel Syndrome & shared it with many of my now ex-friends.

Seriously – I had severe Carpal-tunnel & was facing surgery instead. My general practitioner MD at the time recommended that I give acupuncture & herbs a try first. The needles & herbs worked really well for me & I continued to work another 8 years at the job (before retiring) with only the occasional tuneup needed & no surgery.

Skal,
Sven

Early stages. Occasionally my right wrist locks in place and I have sharp needling pain when I can finally move it. I hate getting older.

yes of course.

Have it, job related. It hasnt bothered me in a long time though since I changed how I scan patients. It only really flairs up when I am on the computer too much. When that happens I just stay away from the computer and paint more.

What really got to me was the Ulnar nerve damage I had. Had to have two surgeries on the nerve to get that fixed. Fixing that really helped with carpal tunnel problems also.

Yep. Work related, left wrist only, though like you I am right handed.

When it gets bad, I use wrist guard from the days when I rollerbladed.

Regards, the Gorb

Nope. Lots of other problems, not that one.

NBATemplate:

>>>I've switched to using a pen and tablet for everything and on the whole that seems to have made using the computer largely pain free<<<

Yes I've had CTS, and a portion of the litany of post-op problems. Wish I'd run into Allen for therapy advice back then (early 90s). Weakness now, etc., but the numbness never recurred, small victory perhaps(?); has cut my figure painting rate in about half.

But, NBATemplate, I'd like to know where you found the "pen & tablet" you mention. These are a "pointing device" substitute for the mouse, correct?

I knew I'd seen that sort of thing somewhere years ago but when I started asking dealers last year they mostly looked at me like I was nuts. I'd liked to try them out, I do a lot of graphics in Photo Shop…

TIA, Michael

I had some discomfort in my finger joints, reduced gripping strength, numbness. Fixed my posture, adjusted workstation ergonomics, and wore wrist braces at night for a couple weeks. Day to day pain is gone. Reduced clutching strength still appears, but usually only briefly painful and caused by an episode of clutching (pliers, etc). Have never seen a doctor -- my symptoms responded so well to ergonomics and posture adjustments that it didn't seem warranted.

When I was in the pre-resolution discomfort period, I switched out all my Citadel paints. These were the pre-flip-top bolter style bottles where shaking would get paint on the threads that cemented the lids shut. It hurt too much to clutch those lids and try to crack the seal to get them open. (I went to Coat D'Arms, FWTW, and now when those wear out I am replacing them with Liquitex when there is an opaque color match). I also will never shake paints again to mix them -- I started stirring to keep the lid threads paint-free, and find it far more thorough for mixing paint.

Been working so couldn't reply until now.

Looks like I'm in good company! :-) I got a pair of really nice braces for at night. They cost me $50 USD each but insurance paid 100%, so I didn't care. I had to try on different brands and styles before I found one that was comfortable to wear. Vist the medical supply stores, not the local CVS or Walmart.

Two days ago, I had to go to the local Target. Put a large bag of cat litter and two flats of bottled water in my cart. Pushed it for several minutes and learned that was the wrong thing to do! I am still suffering from that, but the numbness and pain are subsiding. Dang. I gotta get used to this new lifestyle.

Thanks for all the help, guys. You all are really helping me!

The test said no.

Turn's out it's a trapped nerve in the neck.

Hi Michael – (aka Cheriton),

Sorry to be so slow replying – life has been busy.

The tablet I use is just a cheap Wacom Volito 2 for Windows from Amazon UK, which I bought in April 2007. It was around £30.00 GBP ($45?). It took quite some getting used to but now I find it very easy to use and would be totally lost without it. Yes, I do everything on the computer with it; it is a complete replacement for any mouse.

That model doesn't seem to be available now but any similar tablet will probably do.

HTH

Regards,

David.