Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Fast Facts
There are 2 classes of wrist pain. First pain occurs immediately such as with a traumatic event in which a bone is broken. The second class occurs over a period of time. Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) are examples. CTS is the most common cause of chronic pain. Frequently it's considered synonymous with wrist pain but it's a distinct entity.
The carpal tunnel is a closed space or "tunnel" located in the middle of the mid palm side of the wrist. A thick ligamentous band covers the space in front and in the back the space is confined by the wrist bones, the radius and ulna. Coursing through the tunnel or space are the flexor tendons and median nerve. "Too much stuff crammed into a small space".
It is thought that pressure builds up within the small space affecting the median nerve - pressure on the median nerve at the wrist manifests as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It has never been proven that it is actually the pressure within the carpal tunnel or even how much pressure it takes. Further repetitive movement, exercising and certain activities are associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, but again no specific time frame or repetitive movement has been documented to cause the problem. We do know by experience and anecdotal evidence that activities such as typing or working on a production line doing repetitive movements are associated with CTS.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) one of the buzz phrases of the 90's and 21st century.
Typical complaints of those with CTS involve numbness, tingling on the palm side of the thumb , index, middle and thumb side of the ring fingers as well as weakness of grip. People affected by median nerve pressure at the wrist will also describe painful or electric shock-like sensation radiating into the hand or back up the forearm. Not everyone has all the classic symptoms but will have some variation or combination. For instance, only one or two fingers may be numb.
Tapping on the carpal tunnel at the wrist may set off unpleasant shock like sensations into the hand. It indicates the median nerve is irritated or compressed at the wrist. Acutely flexing the wrist and holding it in that position increases the pressure on the nerve , again causing the unpleasant sensations radiating into the hand and forearm.
One factor I consider very important is the thick lining around the median nerve and flexor tendons called synovium. People with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome invariably have a thickened swollen synovium. This again increases the content of the carpal tunnel and also presumably the pressure effects.
Individuals with arthritis, hypothyroidism and pregnancy have a greater incidence of CTS. In these conditions and illnesses the common factor is the swollen linings.
The standard confirmatory test for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is an electric diagnostic study or (EMG). It is a measure of the electrical activity of the median nerve and the muscles enervated by median nerve. Routine x-rays are not much help. MRI may suggest median nerve compression if the contour of the median nerve is altered which is seen on the MRI.
Related Topics: Carpal Tunnel May Predict Diabetes, Repetitive Strain Injury
Technorati Tags: carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis
98 Comments:
Hi,
I was wondering if you can get similar carpal tunnel symptoms in your chest, back or ribs. I sit at a computer all day and although I haven't really felt discomfort in my wrists or hands, I feel weird uncomfortable sensations in those areas. Do you have any ideas about that or who I should see to check it out? I'm trying not to worry about it, but it's nagging me. Also I was wondering if truck drivers ever expereince the same "repetitve strain" symptoms.
what kind of specialist do i need to go to for treatment of cts.i've had this for 5 to 6 yrs and its gotton really bad my hand stays numb all the time its in all my fingers, and up on part of my arm. i can't write like i used to. its very hard to sign my name anymore.
i need some advice.
I was told that I may have Carpal Tunnel stemming from the neck. What can you tell me about it?
i had surgery 2 years ago for carpal tunnel on both hands, all the symptoms are back again, my doctor wont do surgery again because of scar tissue, any thing else that can be done for it, i have already tried the cortisone shots
I'm 9 months pregnant and a couple weeks ago my hand and sometimes are go numb and/or tingling at night. Is this somehow related? I read somewhere that carpal tunnel could be caused by pregnancy. If so, is it something that will go away after the baby is born? Can you help me?
Hi,
I am going for an EMG test on my right hand for Carpal Tunnel next week and was wondering if I need to take a pain medication before the procedure? I also wanted to know how painful it really is?
I have had carpal Tunnel for at least 10 years now and my recent pregnancy made it a lot worse. I sleep with a brace on every night. It helps through the night but, I have to take it off during the day to hold my children (twins) and it really hurts by the end of the day.
I am even getting sharp it feels like electrical pains through my hand and up my arm. I keep hoping it won't cause me to drop my child.
Could you please give me some information on this?
Thank You,
Tina
Many cases of carpqal tunnel are connected to the neck. Think of a garden hose. When you kink the hose, the water is trapped. Same thing with you body if you have shoulder and neck problems.
I was originally in PT for CT but when I changed PTs, I was correctly diagnosed with Thorasic (not sure of the spelling) Outlet Syndrome. After some ultrasound, stretches to loosen the chest muscles, exercises for the back and shoulders as well as deep tissue massage my CT symptoms cleared up.
Try reading "It's not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome", "Dr. Pascarelli's Complete Guide to Repetitive Strain Injury" and "Conquering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome : And Other Repetitive Strain Injuries"
I have also been diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome as well as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. I initially went to the doctor for upper back, neck, and shoulder pain with occasional numbness/tingling in my arms while writing or blow drying my hair. After several months I am now experiencing pain going up my forearm most of the day. I am unable to quit my job which is essentially making my symptoms worse my sitting at the computer all day. Any ideas on what I can do next. I have started physical therapy with little to no help and do not see the point in taking pain medication if it doesn't completely help my pain! I was recommended by my doctor to have surgery on my wrists and cortizone shots in my neck and back but they make me nervous since I want more children, will they affect my fertility?
Hi,
I was researching carpal tunnel for school.I am a second year student of massage therapy in Canada. We are learning about this, surgery is usually a last ditch attempt. Medical doctors don't realize the benefits of massage in these cases. Try massage with myofascial techniques. The area becomes compressed with tight fascia and scar tissue, resulting in nerve impingement. This causes the symptoms of carpal tunnel. There has been success with massage. Surgery usually causes more fibrosis and scar tissue, which perpetuates the condition. A massage therapist with John Barnes myofascial instruction may be best and seek chiropractic as well. Hope this gives you alternatives.
I too have carpel tunnel and believe me it hurts. Surgery has been an option but there are no guarentees. My doctor opted for ibuprophen treatment....2000mg a day..it helps because it takes the inflamation down...
i have severe corpal tunnel and its not only in my wrist and hands but in my elbows. i am currently 28 weeks pregnant. i wear braces day and night and it doesnt help. is it safe to have cortizone shots while pregnant?
Wow,
Thank you.I have been to my Dr. 6 times in the last 4 months because of a lump on m y wrist/thumb area. He says it's either tendonitos or Arthritis...but I am in a lot of pain and some to the symtoms that you described are syptoms that I have. Thank you...now...do I go to an Orthapedic Sergon?
To the two anonymous people referring to thoracic outlet syndrome. I have been diagnosed with this also and have been through PT. The symptoms did improve but I still have problems once in a while. I have been looking for message boards or other places where I can get information from people who are or have experienced this. How long did it take before the diagnoses & do you experience selling in the forearm?
I too had carpal tunnel surgery last year on my left wrist, now the pain is back just after 3 months of relief, my pain is constant radiating all the way from my wrist to my elbow, the swelling is constant, are there others out there with the same problem, and are there any suggestions for relief or advice.
Hello,
I had surgey for tennis elbow and
both wrists for CCT. Know, my thumbs are in constant pain. Trigger Finger. I cannt use
my thumbs without feeling pain?
What can relieve this pain>
i am a beginner cake decorator and am very worried i may get carpal tunnel syndrome. Everyone who I work with already hhas it and has gotten surgery. What are my chances, does it happen aver time, such as years after cake decorating? Help me, i'm very scareed.
I had CTS surgery on both wrists in 1995. Everything worked out well. But the last couple of days, my left pinky, ring finger, and the right side of my left hand's palm are experiencing tingling,numbness,making it very difficult to hold or pick up anything. Also, I was told CTS does not effect the pinky fingers. What could this be?
Also, since the surgeries in 1995, I am growing "hard lumps on both elbows, sometimes they are very sore and red. What could that be? Help!
I don't think I have carpal tunnel cause it seems that is in your thumbs and first two fingers. I have numbness in the left side of my hand, my pinky and one side of my ring finger. Its very annoying. Any ideas??
Hi-
I too have the tingling sensation in my right hand and a lot of numbness and more tingling when I'm sleeping. I often have to roll over and hang my arm over the bed to cause the tingling to stop. I always seem to get this after the birth of each baby (we have 4). I think its from lugging them around and feeding them in the crook of my arm with a bottle. I started visiting a chiropractor and it seems to be lessening the symptoms. Any other suggestions?
To anyone with questions about their specific situation or pain, please visit our Joint Pain message board.
It's strangr how you mentioned hanging your over the side of the bed for relief. I just realized doing that last night helped. I tried to find a way to sleep like that. Didn't work so great.
I recently was helping children with an art project. For three days at two hours a day I was gripping a hot glue gun. After the first day I had tingling/numbness in my index finger and after the third day my whole hand is suffering with tingling/numbness. I'm not sure how to handle this. Should I relax my hand or work it out? How long should I give it to recieve feeling back? (so far it has been four days.) Thank you for your time.
I was wondering if any one knows about surgery for trigger finger. I have had the injections and they have not seemed to stop the problem from coming back. my doctor said no more injections.
Regard questions on numbness in pinky and ring finger (it is not Carpal), but could be Cubital Tunnel.
http://www.eatonhand.com/hw/hw007.htm
Note:
It is always best and highly recommended to consult a physician with these types of symptoms.
My husband has had carpul tunnel for over 5 years. He had surgery on both hands back in March. He still complains with severe pain. It has caused us quite a few problems, because I felt his "NEED" for pain medication was the driving force behind this like this was Pschosomatic. After reading some of the articles here, I'm not so sure that he's not still in bad pain. Does anyone have any suggestions for him?? He says that no creams, no pain patches, Ibuprofen, or anything other than prescription medication works to relieve the pain, and even then it just takes the "edge" off of it. I have thought for so long that this was simply an addiction to pain meds, but now I'm confused and not sure. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!
Hello-
I have had tingling-numbness in both hands, BUT also pinched nerve in neck- shown via x-ray.
Problem: When I tilt head slightly I feel a small lightning bolt all the way to my toes. Doc #1 said that was impossible. Doc #2 said, could be sign of MS- & only 2500 dollar test can tell. I use keyboard ALOT.
Would you pursue this as carpal tunnel? or is MS something to spend money on?
I dont really have alot of other MS symptoms (paralysis, loss of balance). Just looking for informal advice.
Hello,I was diagnost as having cubital tunnel syndrome.I had the recommended surgery and the symptons worsened.I have a uncontollable twitching of the little finger with a claw type bending.Also a burning numbness of the side of my palm with muscle deteriation.The burning is significantly increased with cold weather.I am currently being trated by a pain management doctor who has precribed lyrica.Not working---help!!!!!
There is also the Double Crush Syndrome. You can have a primary crush site (where the nerves originate that innervate the hand) in the neck which can predispose the wrist to injury. The symptoms develop in the hand and appear to be CTS. This is why it is SO important to check from the neck to the fingertips, on both sides (one side could also be compensating for the other side which was injured first).
hello,
I have been diagnosed with mild carpal tunnel in both hands. I am not a candidate for surgery.I have had the cortisone shot in the tunnel of both hands and it worked well for 2 weeks but slowly wore off. Alot of my pain is actually on the top of my right hand (the bones or tendons from the forefinger and middle finger. I haven't read anything on this & the Doctor doesn't seem to offer an opinion on this. Any help?
I hurt my wrist yesterday in Yoga. I was doing a pose where all the body weight goes on the two hands (like a frog like handstand). I felt what I thought was a sharp cramp in my thumb. I didn't think too much of it. About two hours later my entire hand, fingers and thumb hurt so much I couldn't do anything with that hand. I got a splint and took two ibuprfen and it helped. I'm wondering if I hurt myself because my wrist is already weakened from being on the computer so much...
I've had two surgeries on my ulnar nerve. The first was a release at the elbow which resulted in severe sensitivity. The second was a transposition that has left me with stabbing pain that shoots up into my armpit. I also now experience pain under the collarbone and the side of my neck. These latter symptoms appeared after the second surgery, and seem to be getting worse. My doctor is stumped as to what to do next. Does anyone know what is causing this, or what can be done to alleviate the symptoms?
Hi,
Has anyone been diagnosed? My left hand pinky and ring finger are numb. It is difficult to type. I have not been to the doctor yet for this problem. Just wondering what testing I am in for?
Kathy
Hi, I've also been told I have CTS but after PT, the symptoms have subsided. The problem I'm having now is that I can't pronate my hand -like when typing, my hand won't turn all the way parallel to the desk. My PT guy and PCP feel the muscle has atrophied enough that I need surgery. I haven't seen other posts mentioning this symptom. Has anyone else experienced this?
Hello everyone,
I have two herniated discs on my cervical and two bulged discs on my lumbar. I have pain everywhere. Lately for about 1 week I have been experiencing signs of carpal tunnel. I wake up in the morning and my right hand is numb and these two fingers hurt, it's very painful. I keep shaking and trying to crack my fingers, so I can feel better. I also have sciatica because I get really bad pain once in awhile shooting down my right leg. I recently saw a spine specialist and he recommended two cortizone shots on each shoulder. Is cortizone such a good idea? I am only 25 years old and I feel that I am still young to be depending on drugs since now.
hello i like all of you have cts in both hands with lots of pain and numbness and i am starting to feel like a test project of the medical community emgs tests 3 times mri and custom wrist splints still no relief someone must have the answers are we just being medicated and not finding the real sources of our problems?
my left pinky finger is going slightly numb through parts of the day, mainly when i wake for about 30 minutes and a short time before i goto sleep. I spend a lot of my time at the computer after school typing a bit but this has not happened ever before. This started just a few days ago when i started a new school and now my left arm is feeling strange at times. I don't feel any pain if i tap my wrist or anything or lift thing. Also a while ago i injured the same wrist twice in about 5 or 6 days.
I fractured my radius head bone in my arm about 2 weeks ago. Today due to necessity, I had to fix my horses fence. I am right handed and of course had to use this hand. There was some uncomfort, you would expect it on the ting finger and thumb of my right hand, yet it is the pinky and ring finger on the same hand that has a sleepy tingleing /waking feeling. Is this something to be concernered about . Have i witting ly damamged my hand?
their is this nerve in my left elbow that makes my ring and pinky finger numb what could that be?
To Bean23: I just left the doctors about an hour ago and I have all the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. You mentioned that you only feel the pain on the left side of your hand. That would mean that you had Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, this only affects your pinky and half of your ring finger. Talk to your doctor and they will most likely give you an EMG.
For the past month I have had soreness, burning senstation in my left arm. From my wrist to my elbow. I work in construction and I am left-handed. Any suggestions?
Curt. Curtis63@mail.com
Sometimes during the middle of the night i wake up and both of my hands are numb,, however, i do not experience any pain in my hands are wrist. Can you tell me if i can take an over the counter medicine for this numbness at night. I dont have medical insurance
Im 7 1/2 months pregnant and i have been getting many tingling feelings in my pinky and ring fingers. Also in my side of the hand and my elbow area. Can this be cts?
I was diagnosed with left ulnar nerve compression, the doctor gave me vicodin and motrin. They have not eased the pain at all, but the pain has traveled to my elbow. From the what i am understanding about these symptoms of everyone writing that surgery does no better in resolving the problem. I hate needles, so shots are out. My question is, is there anything stronger but non addictive in pill form the doctors can prescribe, or just stronger but to where I can function as a human being?
hello, i'm not sure if i have the symtoms of cts but can some help me identify whats going with my hand i'm a chef and i use my hands frequintly and from time to time i experience sharp lightening like pains shooting through my index and middle fingers would this be a form of cts. will someone please get back at me.
My chiropractor said that if it is the little finger & next one that tingles, it is probably Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Although I do find that I am sleeping with my hands in funny tight positions when I wake up with the tingling.
Hi,my name is Keri, I have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel and and cubital tunnel syndrome in both of my wrists. My symptoms started about 8 months ago when at work counting money, and adding on calculator at work I would have sharp,dull and stabbing pains running through my wrists and my thumbs. I have been off work over two months and my pain is excruciting. My left arm has no muscle control and it twitches on its own. I experience swelling,burning, curling of the fingers and weakness constantly. I have tried everything and nothing seems to help. My pain is so unbearable until I feel almost helpless as though there is nothing any one can do to help. All I do is pray for relief. My pain has now escalted to my neck and shoulders. I can't sleep at night and can't perform everyday tasks at home. I still try to keep going. I am wearing splints everyday but, they only offer little help. My doctor prescribed me Lyrica for my carpal tunnel. Is that gonna do any help? Because, the 800mg Motrin hasn't in two months or Percocet, I also have valium to relax. I think I'm going into a depression because, all I have been doing is eating and gaing weight. Can someone get back with me?
To all! These problems are all for real and your not going to find releif from any of them soon, IO have been through the ringer with most of what have been mention in the comments, I've had the nerve conduction studies 3 times have been lied to over & over again about my condition. I have been on anti flamitories drugs like lyrica,naproxen, ibuprophin, & others no relief in sight...over 3 years in pain!
Thoracic outlet syndrome-my 15 year old daughter, who is an avid sports player (volleyball and basketball) is dealing with TOS. She has been receiving therapy for the past three months. Which has helped to relieve and manage the pain somewhat. But not the numbness in her had. She was referred to a vascular surgeon in Dallas, Texas. She will be undergoing surgery on the 19th of Dec. She had two options quite playing sports and live with it or have surgery and be free from the symptoms. They will will remove the first rib which is causing the compression of her nerves and artery in her neck. We pray that this will resolve the problems that she has and she can continue with her sports.
I was just looking for info on ulnar nerve transposition surgery (which I'm having in 1 week), and after reading these comments, I'm scared to death to have the surgery! I've had 2 neck surgeries, due to degenerative disc disease, and generally just have an "old back." I'm 49 years old and work part-time at an office on a computer, which DOES irritate my condition. I also have carpel tunnel syndrome, but not to a degree where I need surgery. My pain is mostly in my neck and arm. My neurosurgeon, who did my previous surgeries, seems to think that this UNT surgery will work, but now I don't know. Has anyone out there actually had success with this surgery???
I had carpal tunnel surgery about a month ago. Now my ring finger and outside of my wrist hurt severly when i try to use them as in lifting or squeezing my fist.
Also the spot where the surgery was done. Now keep in mind I had the Brown procedure done in Houston. Is this normal or something I should be concerned about?
Hey,
Im 16 and i play the cello.
recently when i play, above my right thumb begins to cramp. It hurts so bad that i often drop drop my bow and it is hard to hold it back up.
the joints in my hand hurts.
i think i have more of a muscle problem then a tendon one.
Do you think i have CTS?
if i do what do i do to stop it?
besides surgery.
To everyone that posted a comment on here. I have read every single one of them and it all seems like we are never going to find the answers or help we are searching for. As for me I've been living with pain for 3 years now. It all started with pain in my neck shooting all the way down to my fingers and now sometimes I wake up and my toes are numb as well. I've been to so many different doctors and all the seem to do is say that I need to take this and that kind of medications. I'm getting exhausted with time, money and patience with no real diagnois. When will there be answer to our problems and needs that we so need? Also I've been to Chinese Medicine, accupuncture, accupressure, 2 neurologist, you name it I've tried it. Truly there should be someone out there to help people with their medical problems.
I am 23 and i have numbness in my arms all day and night. I went to a chiropractor to find a cure and in doing so cause my symtoms to get worse. While he was examining me he pressed on my sholders, ifelt an electric shock and everyday since then the pain continues. No medicine,streching or exesice help. Doctors do not always help but can make the pain and symptoms worse. Be carefull who you entrust you conditions with!
Hi I was wondering If I might have carpal tunnel. I'll have pain in my elbo then just two of my fingers will start to tingle and go numb and this feeling will last for days at a time.
Seeing all the discouraged people on here, I wanted to post to say that I have had success from an ulnar nerve transposition. This surgery moves the ulnar nerve out of the cubital tunnel in your elbow. (treats numbness in tingling in pinky and ring finger) The recovery took some time and quite a bit of physical therapy, but within about a year I felt almost 100%. I do have a little sensitivity on my inner elbow if I bang into something, or lay on it for a long while, but it's so much better than the pain and numbness I was dealing with every day before hand.
One other note I learned from all this is go to a specialist sooner rather than later (an orthopedic surgeon and a neurologist). Family doctors are not typically well enough equipped to handle these symptoms. Mine misdiagnosed me for months, but as soon as I saw the orthopedist, they knew what it was and what to do. Good luck to everyone.
I have a winged scupla, would this cause pain like carpal tunnel, if I used my arms to shovel snow. I have had this pain in my left arm and hand for over a week
please respond thanks
I see lots of discouragement in the above blogs. Likely everyone above is experiencing some type of nerve-related or muscular pain from what the article above describes as "repetitive strain injuries." No doubt most of you either use your hands for your workday or are in a position with your head stuck out or bent over (computer workers, desk workers, etc). The best advice that I can give to you is to get out of the positions that you are in that are causing your pain. That may sound trite, but if yours is an overuse injury, then doesn't doing the same stuff over and over again all day long only make you worse. I would think that surgery is a last resort for any of these types of pain, and all a chiropractor is going to do is pop your neck and tell you to come back to his office forever and ever on end (that will be another $50 please). I think all of you (except for those with traumatic injuries) need to be looking at what you are doing repetetively that is contributing to your pain. Is your computer monitor eye level or too low, how do you hold your hands while you type, do you have a phone headset or are you cramming it between you neck and shoulder, is your chair right height (knees below hips when sitting, lumbar support), do you stretch your neck and hands often, and I could go on and on. If you are not willing to make these type of changes, then you will never get better. 3 days a week of physical therapy for 1-2 weeks (for the appointments that you actually keep) is not going to fix you either unless you do the exercises you are told to do and make the lifestyle changes that you have been told to make. FYI, don't expect you problems to improve in a short time. There is no quick fix pill or surgery to take for repetitive strain injuries (unless you can quit work for 6 months, which none of us can, and that's not the answer anyway). Lifestyle change, apppropiate exercise, and patience is what it takes. Frustration is understandable as the results are not as quick with these measures as you may like. However, if you have not SERIOUSLY tried conservative treatment (stretching, gym membership for cycling/walking/swimming/water aerobics, avoiding fast food and sweets, looking up at the ceiling 10 times hourly to stretch you neck.....) for 6 months, then you are likely missing the true way to get better.
For those with numbness or tingling in the ring and pinky fingers: after my doctor just shrugged his shoulders when I visited him, I did some research and concluded that the symptoms stemmed from ulnar nerve compression when I bend my elbow--as in driving, ironing, drying my hair, sleeping with my hands tucked under my head.The simple, inexpensive fix? Straighten your elbow. Of course, not all the time--you can't do anything with a stiff arm--but with those motions that typically cause the problem, I do them for a short while, then extend my arm and rest it briefly.It's worked for me.
I have a spinal cord injury and have been pushing myself around in a wheelchair for 40 years. No wonder I have been diagnosed with cps. I also have a bulging disc in my neck. The doctor wants me to have cts surgery before a cervical fusion. He believes at least some of my pain is caused by cts as opposed to my cervical issues. My question is this- my numbness involves my whole arm and feels like a snake is is wrapping itself around my arm. The major pain is in my shoulder. Stabbing pain that is very intense. Has anyone else experienced pain from cts that goes that high up the arm? It is always worse at night.
Hi,
I was wondering what four bones and two tendons are affected by carpal tunnel syndrome?
So my husband has been complaining about the tip of his middle finger being numb every now and then , but lately it is for a longer period of time. He is afraid he may loose a finger, I think he is overexagerating but I don't know. He has a very physical job where he lifts heavy metals and welds etc. HELP
howdy,
i've had carpil tunnel surgery almost 2 yrs ago , both hands, middle fingers , knuckles of and sometimes the finger itself are swollen resently i've had acute pain in the knuckles and in the palm area where the surgery had been done and some lost of strength in my grip..i do the stretching exercises heat packs could you suggest anything else to do or go back to my surgeon?
Hello All
I had Corpal tunnel surgery back in 1997 on my left hand. The doctor that done the surgery was a quake or a want to be vet. His name is Dr. Green, In Tampa Florida. I know have corpal tunnel in both hands. I hope the surgery that i am haveing the 29 of April will help. Corpal is very painfull.
Good Luck everyone
C.L.S.
Wow...excellent blog post.
If it is your ring and pinky finger hurting it is NOT Carpal Tunnel Syndrome it is "Guyon's Syndrome" which just means that it is an impingement of ulnar nerve at the wrist as it passes through the Guyons Canal. Rather than Carpal Tunnel, an impingement of the ulnar nerve at the elbow as it passes through the Cubital Tunnel
I have had a sharp stabbing pain for 3 years now under my arm which goes down in to my ring and pinky finger.I put this down to my job as i am a massage therapist.Last month i went for an emg which ravealed i had a trapped ulnar nerve.I have stopped using my elbows now and the pain is there but not as bad.They said it is more common in people of a slim build as there is not as much protection there.
To Papa J: Scupla problem(winged scupla) Result of different nerve. Neurologist must be consulted- perhaps EMG to document nerves involved.
To Anonymous: Excellent advice about "repetitive strain injuries".
To Anonymous with numbness in the ring and pinky finger; You hava a good point. Simply changes and awareness helps if not better check with your doctor.
To Tracey: Need EMG test to document problem.
To Rae: Check with your doctor- may have ligament injury. Important to localize area that is tender- ususally splint helps.
To Anonymous whose husband has trouble with left arm and hand: Nerve compression is possible- important to know where numbness is- there are 3 nerves to hand. Check with doctor ultimately EMG test to document persistent problem.
Hi,
I am a wheelchair user of 20 years now and do a lot of pushing about and now have CTS. I would like to hear from anyone who has undergone this kind of surgery. How much pain should I expect and for how long, and how much will it effect myself to push about in my wheelchair?
I would like to know the results of anyone who has had ulnar nerve surgry. What was the outcome, how much physical therapy, and the pain. I am going to have the proceedure on May 15 2008. please answer soon!!!!
I will see my neuro about the results of my emg on may 16 2008 My primary care phys said it is urgent i have surgery my ulna nerve does not run along my ulna it runs along my thumb only 15 % of the pop have this.Should a neuro do this surgery or a hand specialist and this cts seems to return i have had the numbness at night in my arm where you wake up and cannot get a decent nights sleep. help this is scary
a few months ago i noticed a spot with a loss of sensation on my left big toe. doctor's thought it was nothing to worry about and so i let it go. a few weeks ago i noticed a similar spot on left pinky toe. around the same time i began noticing some numbness/weakness in the top of my pinky, ring, and middle finger of my left hand, with intermittent tingling in the area and up the arm. i went to my doctor, who thought the weakness/tingling in my hand could be carpal tunnel, gave me a splint, and referred me to podiatry for my toes. since seeing the doctor a few days ago, i have noticed intermittent tingling in my left toes, sometimes into my shin and the back of my thigh. the splint did not work and in fact increased the tingling and weakness in my hand. i have a 7-month-old infant who i primarily carry on the left side and i often sleep on my left side, with my elbow bent towards my face. i have tried changing both of those facts in the last few days. additionally, a few months ago i had chronic tension headaches for over a month, which have faded to approximately 2 a week. they are often focused in the back of my head, towards the neck, on my left side. has anyone experienced something similar and/or have any suggestions? i am planning to call the doctor to ask for a neurology referral, as i don't think the hand and foot problems are unrelated and shouldn't be treated separately. thanks.
Hi, I was wondering how long does it normally take someone doing repetitive work to developed CTS??
My Husband just had surgery may 16th on his right elbow and hand for his ulnar nerve and CTS. He feels very little pain in his hand however he can barely take the elbow pain. He was taking pain meds and had to call the Doc. for advice on how to controll his pain better. Now he is piggy backing some really strong drugs and this concerns me. I have had five surgeries in the last four years and have never had to take crazy amounts of Pain meds. So I don't know how to help him with his pain. I too have had CTS surgery and it was okay for two years and now it's back. It now runs all the way up just above my elbows. The Doc. says that I no longer have it and they want to close my case, but I'm going to ask for a second opinion. Because my hands, arms, and elbows are killing me all the time and I have a five year old that is sad cause mommy won't play with him every day cause of my pain level. I hope that every one asking questions leaves surgery as a last resort if I had to do it all over again I would fight for my rights to physcal therapy, accupressure, accupucture, massage therapy or anythig else before a surgery that only gave me relief for a few years.
Hi, I have a shooting pain around the side of my right hand pinky area. Does anyone know if that is a sign of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Thanks
- iibebex@yahoo.com
My Daughter has complained about her elbo being numb for 4 days now. Her hand and fingers tingle at times but not near as much as her elbo being numb.... could this be CTS?
Hello all,
I am an Ergonomics Engineer and I am responsible for evaluating employees who have the symptoms that you are describing. Early symptoms can be nipped in the beginning. Don't wait! It will only get worst.Please request an ergonomics evaluation of your workstation in the office or factory or where ever you work.Pay attention to your personal life also. The goal is to work in your NEUTRAL POSTURE. This will protect the nerves from the hands all the way up to your neck and shoulders to your spine. Neutral posture looks like a "handshake" position. Shoulders relaxed, elbows close to the body. You must keep your work close to the body and around your waist area when sitting/standing. Any reaching out or upward can cause the nerve compression. Also, remember to keep your wrists straight at all times! No bending the wrists when using the mouse or keyboard. Try a split keyboard or different mouse. If your desk is too high, raise your chair and use a footrest. Don't rest your wrists on the desk while you type. And also keep your neck straight. No twisting to the side or looking up/down. Protect the entire nerve! You can get more information by searching for "office ergonomics" or "ergonomics." or even go to http://allexperts.com to ask more ergonomic questions. Hope that helps....
I just came back from an initial visit to an orthopaedic surgeon. He had them take x-rays of my neck, even though all my pain is wrist, hand and fingers (right side) and no neck pain or shoulder. How long does it take for CTS to manifest because I am puzzled after 35 years (of no pain in said hand doing anything) that in a short 2 year span of typing for my job (loads of typing on non-ergonomic desks, keyboards, etc) that it could be so painful and crippling? I am 37 now and worried my job is going to fire me after my 12 weeks of FMLA are up.
Hi,
Everyone says that you can't get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome at the age of 16, but i have read every word on here and i'm positive that it's what i have. Does age matter with Carpal Tunnel??
To Angus.brown2: Carpal tunnel surgery is not usually debilitating surgery- sore how about 1 week- by 2nd week most normal activity. 3 to 4th week post surgery, more forceful gripping and pushing.
To anonymous who will have ulnar nerve surgery: Ulnar nerve release usually effective- sore from wound - by 2nd week normal movement- rare to require therapy.
To teri: I am partial to hand specialists- they do what they do in the hand fulltime and should be familiar with the territory.
To anonymous who has tingling/weakness in multiple areas: Unless you have some systematic illness affecting multiple areas on the upper and lower. Extremities are separate. The nerve roots come off different areas of spinal cord. Check with a neurologist. Get an EMG test.
To anonymous who wants to know how long repetitive work can cause CTS: Never been any scientific documentation quantifying How long or How many repetitions cause CTS. Affects people differently- some more quickly than others.
To Anonymous whose husband had surgery: Can't answer why husband has severe pain-? complications check with his doctor. Recurrent CTS can occur after surgery. Factor in scar tissue . Do another EMG( not always a direct correlation but helpful in evaluating) to make sure not anything else.
To Nicole: Pinky side of hand supplied by ulnar nerve-not median nerve which is compressed at wrist causing problem on thumb side (aka carpal tunnel syndrome).
To Anonymous whose daughter has numb elbow: Yes possible. Wait at least 3 to 4 weeks to see your doctor to arrange EMG. Effects on EMG take 3 to 4 weeks to develop.
Hi,
I was reading all the post and I recently have started having trouble with my left hand my thumb stays numb it hurts in the palm of my hand and my wrist hurts like **** somethime it feels like my thumb is going to explode if that makes any since. I have trouble grasping things and the turnig just a simple door knob
hi, I had carpal tunnel sugery a month ago and I still have pain in surgery area. I also still can't put normal pressure on the hand. I have trouble counting on the hand. What can I do to help with my problems?
I'm 16 yrs old ... but I have all the symptoms. I can't go to the doctor because I have flagline and I'm not missing it. What can I do at home to make it better?
After a couple of years worth of suffering with what turned out to be acute CTS, I finally had bi lateral CTS Release. This was about 7 or 8 years ago. My symptoms were so severe that I could tell that I was better in the recovery room, and I was still under the effects of the anesthesia! I had been misdiagnosed at least twice, fist it was with Lupus, because I had a blood test and my ANA (a Lupus indicator) was extremely high. I was treated with Plaquanil (very serious meds with potentially severe side effects) Then I was diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet. Finally an EMG revealed the acute CTS. I was better immediately, no more waking up multiple times a night with severe pain/numbness and even swelling in my fingers. I never did regain all of the range of motion or flexibility in either of my thumbs, a small price to pay considering how debilitating my CTS was. I have a new symptom, however , and remember this is 8 years later. I have recently noticed an increasing weakness in my right thumb. No pain per se, but maybe some occasional tightness or soreness in my forearm, but nothing I can actually pinpoint. I had an Occupational Therapist tell me that the thumb weakness is the result of scar tissue that built up in the Thenar Eminence (the muscular pad in between the palm and the thumb) . I can barely reach my middle finger with my thumb when I put the fingers in a fist position. Could scar tissue build up be the cause of this, and if so, what can be done about it?
hello, i am 16 years old and in my lifetime i have fractured both of my wrists. Now i have recently begun lifting weights, which i belive puts strain on my wrists. And recently i have developed a tingly sensation in my left pinky and it continues down my hand and partially into my forearm, however i do not have pain in my wrists only the tingly sensation in my pinky/ hand. Do i have Carpal Tunnel syndrome?
To anonymous who have trouble with left hand: Check with your doctor. You have pain and numbness-nerve maybe compressed-also, arthritis of joints maybe the problem.
To anonymous who had cts surgery; Check with your doctor. swelling and reaction from surgery usually improve after 1st week- may be complication of surgery.
To anonymous who is 16 years old: All symptoms of what? Initially, best to restict use of hand. Use analgesic, advil or tylenol. if no improvement check with your doctor.
To Bill: Complex problem all could be a factor. Also, lupus can result in inflammation with arthritis- and may have been a factor with CTS( inflammation resulting in increase pressure in the carpal tunnel). Check with doctor.
To anonymous who have fractured wrists: Pinky sensation comes from ulnar nerve( not median which is involved- cts). Doctor should evaluate. EMG test may sort out problem.
Hi, I had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands about a month apart. It has been at least six weeks since my last surgery and I have severe pain in my thumbs in both hands. I also have no way nere my nomal strenth in my hands and can't open a soft drink top most of the time. I have pains in my forearm and new my elbow. Is this cts the cts coming back?
Hi, My husband has been a silk screen printer for 8yrs. After work he has had 3 episodes of tightness in the chest, and hands closing from thumb tip to finger tips and his hands are numb. This lasts for 5-10mins. After the tighness in the chest goes away the hands return to normal. Should we be worried?
I have no idea if this is something to do with corpal tunnel or something else. my entire right forearm through to my finger tips go extremely cold to the point it can be felt on the skin. there is no pain at all just a tingling. this has been going on for about a year now. Can you suggest a ailment or direct me in a direction to find out.
Thanks,
I had a C-4toC-6 fusion with a diskotomoty of C-5. Since that time I get a shooting pain from my neck, across my shoulder runs down my arm on the outside of my arm crosses over near the inside of my elbow and runs down inside of lower arm causing fingers to tingle and my entire hand to go numb. I believe it has to do with my surgery and not carpal tunnel, I don't do any repetivitve actions with my wrist. Has anyone had any similiar experience. Frustrated