Wrist Pain

[Sim]

I've had some fairly serious pain in my wrist and back of my hand for the last couple of months. The pain is mostly in my wrist, extending to the base of my thumb and along the back of my hand. There is no tingling or numbness, just pain and stiffness. The pain and stiffness are not constant. I usually wake up without it and I can work (painting) for hours without any problem. It seems to come only after I've been applying pressure with my hand/wrist as I do when I use crutches (BTW, I'm a T12, inc.).

My GP told me she didn't think it was Carpal Tunnel, and had me see an orthopedist. The orthopedist I saw wasn't one recommended to me, but one that was on my insurance. He saw me for (quite literally) less than 2 minutes and diagnosed me with carpal tunnel and suggested surgery :banghead: I'm getting a second opinion from the orthopedist my GP recommended, but can't get in until next month.

Does anybody have any idea what this may be?

Sim

[bob clark]

Hi Sim,

If the orthopedist only saw you for 2 minutes and then recommended surgery for carpal tunnel I wouldn't walk, I'd run from his office. Or briskly wheel away! :)

I had a severe pain in the back of my right hand and wrist too. Mainly my index and middle finger and the underside of my wrist. I thought it was from the Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar joystick that I use because it has 14 or 18 pound springs in it. But what really seemed to have brought the pain on was using my mouse. For about 6 months I had sharp, severe, down to the bone type pain there and really thought that it was here to stay forever. Like you, I thought it was carpal tunnel and the pain would come and go like you describe. One day the pain got so bad into my lower arm/wrist that I was writhing in pain. I mean like screaming out cursing up a storm begging for some relief. It just wouldn't go away. I even started using my left hand for the mouse... but that didn't last very long. I write left-handed too but I can't control my mouse with it! Then one day it started going away and I haven't had it since. I've been HEALED... it's a miracle!

You probably don't have carpal tunnel per se but just a repetitive motion (http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/repetitive_motion/repetitive_motion.htm) type of disorder. Try to use your other hand for doing things and take breaks often when you're doing repetitive things like painting and such.

I wish you well. I was astonished at how much deep pain could be focused in such a small area.

[Sim]

If the orthopedist only saw you for 2 minutes and then recommended surgery for carpal tunnel I wouldn't walk, I'd run from his office. Or briskly wheel away! :)

That was pretty much my reaction. Nothing about him particularly inspired much faith for me. To be fair though, he did say I could try a wrist splint for a month or two and see if there is any improvement, but didn't sound all that optimistic that there would be. He said that in his experience surgery was usually the only way to relieve carpal tunnel problems.

I had a severe pain in the back of my right hand and wrist too. Mainly my index and middle finger and the underside of my wrist. I thought it was from the Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar joystick that I use because it has 14 or 18 pound springs in it. But what really seemed to have brought the pain on was using my mouse. For about 6 months I had sharp, severe, down to the bone type pain there and really thought that it was here to stay forever. Like you, I thought it was carpal tunnel and the pain would come and go like you describe. One day the pain got so bad into my lower arm/wrist that I was writhing in pain. I mean like screaming out cursing up a storm begging for some relief. It just wouldn't go away. I even started using my left hand for the mouse... but that didn't last very long. I write left-handed too but I can't control my mouse with it! Then one day it started going away and I haven't had it since. I've been HEALED... it's a miracle!

Amen! I'm glad the problems you were having have disappeared. I can only hope I'll be as lucky.

You probably don't have carpal tunnel per se but just a repetitive motion (http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/repetitive_motion/repetitive_motion.htm) type of disorder. Try to use your other hand for doing things and take breaks often when you're doing repetitive things like painting and such.

Thanks for the link. I've been trying to give my hand/wrist as much of a rest as I can. I really think my crutches are the culprit, whether from bad position or overuse, so I've been trying to stay off my feet as much as I can. I guess the fear here is that this (whatever it is) is going to result in me not being able to use crutches anymore and possibly not even a manual chair either. :(

I wish you well. I was astonished at how much deep pain could be focused in such a small area.

Thanks, Bob, I appreciate your good wishes and your response to my post.

Sim

[Lindox]

sim,
Do you have those spongy hand thingies on your crutches where your hands go?

I found these little boogers cause wrist pain..and about the same type of thing you are describing.

They are too bulky and you use the inner hand instead of the palm..is what happened to me.

I threw them away and the wrist pain subsided.

A young doctor told me to try them. I have only used crutches without them forever.

I think we all have to find our strong points when using crutches..and build them up..and that takes practice and usage. Of course you will develope some gnarly calluses..but they are padding really.

I've walked so far on mine that I have gotten blisters under my calluses..but no major wrist pain..you will always have some tinges in the hands..but if you find your strengths and use them you can minimize the pain factor in that one area. Unless of course your hands and wrists are affected and you don't have the connections to build them up.

Good luck.

[painlessjoe]

Hi Sim,

You might want to see an Osteopath for your wrist as he / she will be able to help you with your pain and / or relief. You may have some dislocated and / or pinched nerves in your hand and thumb.

I know as I am a Special Massage Therapist, a Reflexologist, an Acupressurist and a dislocated and / or pinched nerve Specialist. If you were closer to my practice, I would help you.

Good Luck

Joe
" http://ca.geocities.com/painlessjoe/ "