Any experience w carpal tunnel

Think I have it. Wrist hurts, hands and fingers tingle, hurts to type etc.

If you’ve had it, what were symptoms?
What doctor helped you? Did you have surgery?
Thanks!

Re: Any experience w carpal tunnel

Re: Any experience w carpal tunnel

I had surgery for it 2 years ago.

Unfortunately, anything I really like to do puts a tremendous strain on my hands (I play piano, I knit, etc.).

I had the usual tingling and pain in my wrist. There are some tests you can do at home (easy to google) that involve pressing on various parts of your hand and seeing if it tingles....


I went to an orthopedist who specializes in hands. The doctor sent me for a nerve test (basically they stick a bunch of needles in your hand/arm and hook it up to electrodes - not really pleasant but not awful) and an MRI.

We tried sleeping with a brace for a month or so (didn't work), tried a cortisone shot directly into the "tunnel" - didn't work.

I ended up doing the surgery. It was definitely painful. It was about 2 weeks before the stitches came out and I was out of the ace bandage and was allowed to drive. About a week after that I started PT. I was out of work for 5 or 6 weeks - I type a lot of work and had the time so my doctor said the best thing to do is take it.

I don't have the same strength I had in my hand (my grip is definitely weaker BUT it is better than it was BEFORE the surgery). My scar is barely noticeable (I loved my doctor).

Definitely get it checked before it gets worse. It is progressive and I waited a long time before doing anything about it.

If you need a doctor recommendation let me know.

Any experience w carpal tunnel

I have very mild carpal tunnel in my left hand. I went to a neurologist who did some tests and diagnosed me. He thought it could be positional and suggested sleeping with a brace...and my hand is sooo much better. Apparently I was crushing a nerve from the way I bent my wrist while sleeping.

Re: Any experience w carpal tunnel

yes - definitely try sleeping with the brace!

I have a mild case in my left hand which I decided that since it is my non-dominant hand to leave alone for the time being. When it's really bad, the brace does help.

I would never have done the two hands at the same time - it's painful (no matter what they say) and you don't realize how hindered you are without even one hand.