Could I have carpal tunnel?

Question

I am 21 years old. I have used a computer since I was 5. In the last few months I have a slight tingling/asleep feeling in my right hand. I am right handed so I also use a mouse with that hand. I work in an office and go to school for a degree that requires ALOT of typing. I spend an average of 20 hours a week on a computer if not more due to my job. My wrist 'pops' around 10 times a day.Could this be carpal tunnel? I thought carpal tunnel was painful. Mine isnt, just uncomfortable.

What can I do about it other than surgery? Something low cost, but I cant give up my job or typing. Pain relievers do not work.

I dont want to file worker's comp. I didnt really do it at work, Im sure its all the years of using a computer. Besides, I have great insurance, just not the time to see a doctor.

I have to take ibuprofen daily for a back problem, so I have been on it for a few months.

Answer 1

You may have the beginning of a carpal tunnel but, from what you said, I would suggest a wrist brace like so many others have. I would also suggest seeing your doctor, he'll probably suggest the same, along with mild anti-inflammatory. You won't need surgery I'm sure, I seen this enough to know what these people go through and surgery is the last resort of this.

Workman's comp I think would be out of the question too, you don't seem that bad but, I'm not the judge here. If it gets worse maybe, if you can't work.

Let your doctor be your guide here, he'll give you some excises and some advice like ice packs. Good luck

Answer 2

You may have mild carpal tunnel syndrome. Wear a wrist splint at night to avoid compression while you are sleeping. Try and use a wrist support for your keyboard so your wrists stay in a neutral position when working on the computer.

You say pain relievers don't work. What have you used? Take an anti-inflammatory like aspirin or ibuprofen. They will not work over night it may take several days to weeks. Ice is also very helpful at reducing deep tendon swelling you may not really even be aware you have.

You are nowhere close to needing surgery. The measures I mentioned will help most people with mild carpal tunnel.

Answer 3

Check with your employer, that's what Workers Compensation is for. Your employer should pay for all expenses.

Until you can have a doctor check it out...
Get a wrist brace from any drug store or even Walmart. There are different types and they do make some that you can continue to type with. Don't try to type with the kind that have a metal bar/brace because your wrist will be fighting the brace and you'll end up in more pain by the end of the day. Take stronger pain relievers while you wear the brace. Also, take breaks to let your wrist rest.

I have had carpal tunnel in both wrists and as well as tendinitis in my right. Our company doctor wanted me out on disability, but I told him I couldn't afford it and to do whatever he had to do. I ended up having "hand therapy" and steroid shots. (Afain, check with your employer about Workers Compensation)

Here are a couple of websites that might help...

http://www.mycarpaltunnel.com/?OVRAW=carpal%20tunnel%20syndrome&OVKEY=carpal%20tunnel%20syndrome&OVMTC=standard&OVADID=2163617522&OVKWID=20559386522
http://www.carpaltunnel.com/?OVRAW=carpal%20tunnel%20syndrome&OVKEY=carpal%20tunnel%20syndrome&OVMTC=standard&OVADID=1949083521&OVKWID=18311830521
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/DS00326

GOOD LUCK! :-)

Answer 4

It sounds like carpel tunnel. And for most people it can be very painful, or just annoying. Other than surgery, one thing that you can do is try wearing a brace when you're not working. Try stretching your wrists and fingers every hour and get one of those ergonomic friendly key boards if you can.

Answer 5

carpal tunnel can start out as feeling like your hand is "asleep".. whiich is the same thing as blood flow obstruction. wrist splints can be purchased at drug stores.

Answer 6

if the pain shoots up to your elbow it could be you might need to go to your doc. and let them check to be on the safe side. good luck!!!!!