carpal tunnel

[LIBRA]

I am having major wrist to elbow problems, going numb, and just plain old pain. I am thinkin capral tunnel?? It hurts as soon as I start typing, anyone else had anything like that happen to them??
Sometimes the pain shoots up to my shoulder, the numbness stays below my elbow?


Just wondering,.

Thanks
Denise

[treehugger]

Do you flex your wrists a lot when you type? Do you have an ergonomic keyboard? You could probably request one if you use the computer a lot at your job. If you have a habit of flexing your wrists a lot (like if your chair is too high or something, try to find a height where your wrists stay as straight as possible.

You may want to try wearing wrist braces (the kind with the metal piece in them) to keep your wrists from flexing.

But, yes, it does sound like carpal tunnel to me. You might be able to reverse it if you change these things and soon. Not sure...

Kath

[nappydread]

hey libra,
i used to get wrist pains from using a mouse alot not so much from typing...but now i just switch up my mouse hand every so often and it never really hurts anymore. Some web pages seem to describe carpal tunnel as localized pains around the fingers to the wrist and not so much further up the arm...but i dunno. Maybe you should try one of those ergonomic keyboards or crush a squeeze ball when you're not typing:)
:bandit:

peace

[LIBRA]

Thanks I looked it up, but I just wanted to hear some of your thoughts.
I do use the mouse alot, and have my keyboard raised so I'll try your suggestions. Thanks guys!!

[toman]

That sounds like something you need to deal with right away, because it's not going to fix itself. You've caused an injury by doing omething the wrong way over and over agin for a long period of time; the pain is a warning that it's causing serious damage. If you don't eliminate the problem and allow your body to heal, you'll lose function in it.

[Sundown the Elf]

To Libra--I have the same problem as you, with the same symptoms.
My shaman tells me it's soft tissue damage caused by repetitive motion
stress.
I've doubled up on herbs, and pull my bowstring with my other arm now.
It seems to be working!

[ladywithafan]

Libra, what you are describing does sound like Carpal Tunnel. I think that I have it too. My wrist always hurts, and I have to flex it all the time :( I am contemplating on going to the dr. and see what they suggest I do. I am assuming that they would do surgery. I have seen some people's scars from it, and it doesnt seem that bad.

[peregrine]

i have the EXACT same thing. thats what i get for playing the bass clarinet in band for 8 years and marching the big mother for 5. i don't care, i still have better calve muscles than football players and body builders, and i have a pretty wicked thumb muscle too!!! :)