Carpal Tunnel

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

I think I am starting to suffer from it. I'm 30. Jeezus. I am on a computer alot all day. I have a bench wrest thingy for my wrists when I type. But I don't have one for my mouse. And now my right wrist and hands are starting to feel like they have been worked like a mule. Tight, and stiff. I have to stop regularly to stretch them.

I've moved my rest over so my hand while on the mouse is elevated, and I can feel bloodflowing. It's almost cooling. I figure that has to be a good sign when that happens.

Is there anything I can do, other than elevate my hands at all times when typing/using mouse? Stretches, ideas, etc?

eeven73 · Posted: Mar 26, 2009 1:06 pm Post subject:

jerk it with your left hand.

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

eeven73, thanks, but I can do it no-handed now. Next.

eeven73 · Posted: Mar 26, 2009 1:07 pm Post subject:

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

eeven73, not my mouth.

Yo mammas!! Laughing

eeven73 · Posted: Mar 26, 2009 1:14 pm Post subject:

lets get off moms, i just got o......Nevermind.

ky1e · Wakeboarder.com Freak Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 2693

haugy, to test if it is indeed carpal tunnel, we do what is called the "prayer test" where you put your hands together as if you are praying while lifting your elbows so your arms are parallel to the floor. Hold this for 20 seconds and if you get pain/numbness/tingling in your thumb, middle and index finger than you most likely have some carpal tunnel going on. Unfortunately it is just an inflammation of the fascia surrounding the median nerve, but it becomes tighter and tighter and tighter to the point a lot of people get surgery to release or basically just make a little snip and loosen the fascia up. Type in in google "carpal tunnel home stretches" or "median nerve entrapment stretches" and there should be some "semi" helpful ones there.

The problem with carpal tunnel is there really isn't much for the docs to do except for maybe a steroid injection to relieve the inflammation, but its not like you are going to be able to stop what you are doing after the fact so its kind of a lose lose situation. If you goto the orthopedic surgeon, he will offer you some good hand braces that will keep your hand in the proper position to limit the inflammation. The way that I told you to test for it is also a way for you to stretch it out.

ky1e · Wakeboarder.com Freak Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 2693

You also want to make sure to use wide grip pens when you are writing, and while you are at your desk you want your arms to be at a 90 degree angle. Basically just have proper posture without slouching over and such. Carpal Tunnel is a bitch. I feel like I am definitely getting it from all of the writing and highlighting I have done over the past couple of years.

ontrider · Ladies Man Joined: 30 Jul 2003 Posts: 16491 City: Russia

I just tried that test and I'm fine, look how many posts I have too... Haugy must be a big Taco Bell Chalupa or something. Laughing

ontrider · Ladies Man Joined: 30 Jul 2003 Posts: 16491 City: Russia

oh crap wait... now it's starting to really hurt. Shocked

JeffreyCH · Posted: Mar 26, 2009 3:17 pm Post subject:

I was a structural steel welder some years ago, and was starting to get CT from holding the stinger for 10-12 hours a day. Stretching is the key, http://www.safecomputingtips.com/carpal-tunnel-exercise.html I just got into the habit of stretching my hands, fingers, and wrist every half hour or so.

ky1e · Wakeboarder.com Freak Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 2693

ontrider, it's supposed to hurt while you do it Laughing

not afterwards
You just must be some sort of genetic scientific anomaly...

edrex · Posted: Mar 26, 2009 4:56 pm Post subject:

Have you tried a trackball instead of a mouse? I have one of these and it keeps your hand in a nice position and you don't move your wrist around at all.

ontrider · Ladies Man Joined: 30 Jul 2003 Posts: 16491 City: Russia

Plus you get to handle balls all day... nice. Colorful

Sinkoumn · Posted: Mar 26, 2009 5:26 pm Post subject:

Wrist cast.

Alllllll day son! Laughing

ohsix · Posted: Mar 26, 2009 6:45 pm Post subject:

edrex, I have one of those at my office. I have no idea where it came from and I hate it. I never can remember to pick up a new mouse though.

kavlock99 · Posted: Mar 27, 2009 5:59 am Post subject:

haugy, Try this technique to. When your wrist starts to hurt take a few minutes to rub your forearm. Just below your elbow work the 'top face' of your forearm. Some times wrist pain from extended computer work is because of tendons fusing together. If you do that massaging everyonce in awhile you will break them up and relieve the pain. IE could possibly not be carpal. Good luck with the pain man.

tonality · Soul Rider Joined: 20 Aug 2004 Posts: 435 City: DFW

Good god, i haven't seen very many helping additions to this poor thread Smile

Here, haugy. I have this, and use it...it's very easy to silence the jerk-off-jokers when they see you using it...just have them try it out Smile

http://www.amazon.com/Dynaflex-Powerball-With-Speedometer/dp/B00065V0CG

Or google search for Dynaflex Powerball. No need to get the fancy ones, the $20 version works just fine. Pick up at your local sports authority/academy, use it as much as you're able. After a few minutes the first time, you won't be able to type for a bit, , so keep that in mind.

Dragonlady8 · Black Widow Joined: 27 Aug 2004 Posts: 9198

I remember that thingy....... it wasn't easy to get it started. It was great for building up forearm strength.