think i have carpal tunnel syndrome. please help.?

Question

i have had these pains in both my hands for about 4 months from now. they became prominent when i started playing racquet ball. so i stopped it but i have to use the computer a lot and i think thats what is causing it. anyway the problem is that both the thumbs are always swollen and so weak that i cant even button up my shirt properly. recently my left index finger has also swollen and there is a sharp pain in my right wrist whenever i turn it(opening a door for ex). both the middle fingers in my hand hurt when i try to make a fist with my hand. they hurt where the connect to the palm. I started using a brace since 2 days on the right hand and the swelling on the right thumb has reduced considerably. the pain in the wrist isnt gone though. i have been delaying to see the doctor because I am out of job and almost broke. do you think i need to see a doctor? if so what kind should i see. please help me out. thanks.

Answer 1

The carpal tunnel is the passageway in the wrist and is made up of the arching carpal bones (eight bones in the wrist) and the ligament connecting the pillars of the arch (the transverse carpal ligament). The median nerve and the tendons that connect the fingers to the muscles of the forearm pass through the tightly spaced tunnel.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes pinched due to swelling of the nerve or tendons or both. The median nerve provides sensation to the palm side of the thumb, index, middle fingers, as well as the inside half of the ring finger and muscle power to the thumb. When this nerve becomes pinched, numbness, tingling and sometimes pain of the affected fingers and hand may occur and radiate into the forearm.

What Are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Usually, people with carpal tunnel syndrome first notice that their fingers "fall asleep" and become numb at night. They often wake up with numbness and tingling in their hands. The feeling of burning pain and numbness may generally run up the center of the person's forearm, sometimes as far as the shoulder. As carpal tunnel syndrome becomes more severe, symptoms are noticed during the day.

Lifestyle changes. Treatment first involves adjusting the way the person performs a repetitive motion: Changing the frequency with which the person performs the motion and increasing the amount of rest time between movements.
Immobilization. Treatment also includes immobilizing the wrist in a splint to minimize or prevent pressure on the nerves. Splints that support the wrist in a comfortable neutral position can be of great value if worn at night to relieve painful numbness or tingling. This can provide a restful sleep and allow the median nerve to endure daytime activities.
Medication. Patients may be given short courses of anti-inflammatory drugs or injections of cortisone (steroids) in their wrist to reduce swelling. Injections are most successful when people have mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of an acute (sharp or severe) flare-up.
Surgery. If carpal tunnel syndrome does not respond to conservative treatment, then surgery is the next treatment option. During surgery, your surgeon will open the carpal tunnel and cut the ligament, relieving the pressure. Carpal tunnel surgery is quite effective at relieving painful symptoms when the condition involves only nerve constriction.

What Can I Do To Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
To help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome:

Sleep with your wrists straight or use a splint.
Keep your wrists straight when using tools but try not to use splints.
Avoid flexing and extending your wrists repeatedly.
Perform conditioning and stretching exercises.

GO TO YOUR LOCAL FREE CLINIC AND HAVE THEM GIVE YOU SOME NAMES OF DOCTORS; THAT IS, IF YOU HAVE THE SYNDROME. BETTER TO BE SAFE THEN SORRY GO SEE SOMEONE SOON AS POSSIBLE

Answer 2

you need to see a orthopedic doctor or a hand specialist. although without insurance they would be very expensive for you.

I think it's good that you started using a wrist brace. Try soaking your hands in hot water with 1c. of dissolved epsom salts twice daily. Afterwards massage an analgesic cream into the areas of pain. Start taking Advil capsules, four times daily to help take down the inflammation And pain.

Answer 3

I had an EMG , when I complained of wrist pain . The neurologist , who did the test , told me I had a problem in my neck , that the pain in my wrists was secondary to cervical problems . He referred me to a neurosurgeon , and I had a procedure called Anterior Cervical Diskectomy Fusion . This was in March . My neck still hurts like hell , and I still am awaiting surgery on both my wrists . So , not to bore you any longer , but , you should ask your primary care provider to show you the EMG rsults , it may show a bigger problem . God bless , and good luck .