What might cause a burning sensation in my wrist?

Question

I broke my left middle finger about a month ago, so I have been using right hand a lot more. I have also increased my use of the computer keyboard.

Yesterday I noticed a burning sensation on my forearm just above my wrist. It is only intimitent but feels weird.

What might it be? and any immediate treatment to ease the burning?

I don't have numbness at all or pain in that hand.

Answer 1

it could be the beginning of tendonitis. If you can bear to be away from your keyboard for about 2-3 days and it gets better, you'll know that it's the typing that's doing it.

Answer 2

Beginning sings of RSI or CTS. Always immediatly stop using the hand altogether, if it's beginning to burn. Do not ignore it; then you can get the same suffering problems as mustluvdo.
Go to the doctor if it's persistent (say, longer than 15-30 minutes). Actuelly, using the keyboard is regarded as being safer then using the mouse. Because of that: do an ergonomical check on your workspace / office. But using the computer too long each day (or other repetetive arm/hand usage), probably is the main cause. Look out when using laptops: they have poor ergonomics. A desktop computer is much better.

Dutch ergonomists say (regulation): a laptop shouldn't be used more than two hours a day. A desktop computer shouldn't be used more than six hours a day. Combine the number of hours on a laptop and desktop: if using a laptop for 1 hour, you shouldn't use the desktop computer more then 3 hours that same day.
The top of the viewable screen should be at eye height.
The lower arms should be in a 90 degree position (lined up with the floor). Many computer desks are too high.
Set the mouse scroll button to double click. The wheel should be easy to click, and should not move up or down when clicking. If it does, you need another (better) mouse. Some (not all) people benifit from a trackball in stead of a mouse.
Take many breaks when using the computer, also take mini-breaks.
A bigger monitor is a pre. Smaller sizes causes extra scrolling with the mouse.
A lower profile mouse is better than a high profile mouse (the hand should be kept resting as much as possible, not held up in the air hovering above the mouse).
I use a very old (Chicony) keyboard (from the eighties): the keyboard 'clicks', in stead of 'thumps'. I think those thumping (in stead of clicking) is worse (needs more force to press). I need an adapter to use it on my PS2-port, but it works great. I don't have the special Windows-keys on it, but that's a matter of a short time of getting used to. Like, ctrl+esc=start, etc.

Someone talked about medicines. They should NOT be used to prolong the usage of the hand. Prevention is the key word, here. Not medicine.

Someone mentioned exercise. Be aware: many doctors think that's questionable / controversial, it might even do more harm. Again, prevention is the key word, not exercise.

Answer 3

It could be carpal tunnel syndrome (at least the start). Make sure that you take frequent breaks. Also, be aware of how you are sitting or resting your arm. You may need to get a wrist brace, or a bead or gel rest to help you move into a less strained position. You can also try to find an exercise that emphasizes a different motion. I knew a fisherman who found relief by pulling a bow string. Good luck

Answer 4

Tendonitis (inflamation of tendons). Or carpal tunnel----------most people say that they feel numbness but burning is sometimes described as a symptom. You should try just taking some advil or tylenol and see if it resolves.

Answer 5

Carpal tunnel my friend, I've had in both arms/wrists for years now and wear braces on both arms some nights because I can't sleep. See a physician.

Answer 6

You should ice it and stop typing for a few days.

Answer 7

lots of stuff could cause this. did you spill acid on your wrist.