What's the difference between arthritis & carpal tunnel syndrome in your hands?

Question

I got pain in my hands, wrists, & arms from using the computer a lot.

Answer 1

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is very confusing to many people. And it does not help when it is over diagnosed.

This is what CTS actually is:

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers (although not the little finger), as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move. The carpal tunnel - a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand ¾ houses the median nerve and tendons. Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed. The result may be pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm. Although painful sensations may indicate other conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common and widely known of the entrapment neuropathies in which the body's peripheral nerves are compressed or traumatized.

This is what you would feel if you have it:

Symptoms usually start gradually, with frequent burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers. Some carpal tunnel sufferers say their fingers feel useless and swollen, even though little or no swelling is apparent. The symptoms often first appear in one or both hands during the night, since many people sleep with flexed wrists. A person with carpal tunnel syndrome may wake up feeling the need to "shake out" the hand or wrist. As symptoms worsen, people might feel tingling during the day. Decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks. In chronic and/or untreated cases, the muscles at the base of the thumb may waste away. Some people are unable to tell between hot and cold by touch.

It is three times more common in woman as in men, so you do have a better chance of having it than a man would.

There are a few tests a doctor can do to see if you have it, without putting you through a lot. The doctor can "tap" on the median nerve to see if that brings on tingling. If it does there is a good change you have CTS. Another test is when the doctor has you hold your forearms upright by pointing the fingers down and pressing the backs of the hands together. If this brings on tingling or numbness there is a good chance you have CTS. There is another test that is called an EMG and usually a neurologist would do that test.

You may just need to hold your hands a little differently to see if it helps you.

You are so young for arthritis. There is rheumatoid arthritis which you can get at any age but I am sure you would have other symptoms with that besides your hands, wrists and arms.

Answer 2

Arthritis Vs Carpal Tunnel

Answer 3

Carpal Tunnel Vs Arthritis

Answer 4

Sounds like that's carpal tunnel. I got an ergonomic mouse pad that has a cushion so my wrist doesn't hurt.

Also arthritis is an aching in your hands and is different.

When I was in college my last three fingers went numb from repetitive movement. I thought it was carpal tunnel but it was actually a COMPRESSED NERVE!! They had to cut my arm open at the elbow and move the nerve (surgery).

Maybe go to the doc for tests if it feels really bad. Or stop doing repetitive movements or get a cushiony mouse :) :)

Answer 5

Carpal tunnel is one of the most overly mis-diagnosed conditions I have seen in over 9 years!
Typically the issue is known as Pronator Teres Syndrome which involves the forearm muscle responsible for turning your arm over.
You will usually have moderate to severe pain in the middle of the forearm muscle that may feel like little knots.
The nerve for the first 3 fingers goes through this muscle and irritates the region.

You can use a sports pain gel to moderately massage the muscle upwards, towards your upper arm twice a day up to 5 minutes without bruising the muscle. It should resolve in about 2 weeks.

Then adjust your computer work station to have your wrist have a slight bend having the keyboard above the wrist joint.

Arthritis is an autoimmune condition characterized by inflamed joints when in the acute stage and bone degeneration.

You would be wise to add some supplements that address the immune system and inflammation. Please feel free to e-mail me for more information.

Blessings,

Dr. Tom

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What's the difference between arthritis & carpal tunnel syndrome in your hands?
I got pain in my hands, wrists, & arms from using the computer a lot.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

Esto es un tema que me toca de cerca porque casi tuve que cerrar el taller (soy mecánico) porque no podía usar las manos. Empezó como un hormigueo y solo fue a peor por cabezota, no quise darle importancia hasta que no podía ni sujetar una herramienta.
En mi caso me recetaron ejercicio para bajar de peso y practicar con giros de muñeca más suaves, parece una tonteria pero me ayudaron una barbaridad.
Ánimo, aquí tienes más ayuda.
http://tunelcarpiano.youtips.info