Question
WAS TOLD TODAY THAT I HAVE IT AND WAS WONDERING ABOUT THE SPLINTS. DO THEY HELP OR IS SURGERY JUST A MATTER OF TIME?
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The Joker
Answer
I used a brace for a couple of years but ended up with surgery last year(1999). If you can avoid the surgery, do so, you could be out of work for a couple of months.
My Thermos has more miles than most driversExtruckdweller
Answer
People with carpal tunnel syndrome tend not to seek treatment until it becomes so uncomfortable that they can't perform their job and some of the activities of daily living.
A carpal tunnel is something that all of us have in both hands. It is essentially a tunnel through bone that tendons and ligimints slide back and forth through as you move your hand and wrist.
Now here is where the rub comes in (pun intended).
Persons who have jobs that require repetitive movements involving these areas, or movements that require sustained tension on the area tend to develop chronic pain and limited movement.
What happens is that the tendons and ligiments become inflamed, swollen, rigid and sometimes atrophy. At that point, surgery is almost the only option.
Splints can help releive discomfort if used when the symptoms first begin. This treatment is usually accompanied by the use of anti-inflammatories and instructions to refrain from certain activities. Many times the symptoms will disappear only to return when the splints come off and the person begins doing the same activities for long periods of time.
People who type, operate jack hammers, drive trucks, etc. are among the highest percentages of carpal tunnel sufferers.
Understand that sitting at home with your splints on and typing on the computer are not conducive to your recovery. The area needs a chance to rest and heal.
At some point your physician should offer you some physical therapy. Talk to the therapist. Tell them what you do for a living. They should be able to offer some suggestions for exercising the area several times a day to reduce the chance of reoccurence and to reduce damage whle performing your job.
I have heard many persons say that they have found gloves to be helpful. Good driving gloves or some of the better sports gloves available can reduce tension and vibrations in your hands.
Hope you heal quickly. Good luck to you.
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Answer
I have had surgery in both wrists worked out well for me, the doc gave me splints but I am to only use them while sleeping. You could damage your wrists more if you use the splints during normal activity. Usually a nerve conduction test will decide where you stand on the severity of your condition. I did'nt realize I had a problem until I was painting overhead and with in five minutes I could not grasp the paint brush. I know other people who have had the surgery and one of them unfortunatley lost all function of her hand, the doctor severed a nerve causing permanet damage. If you choose to have surgery check out your surgeon very carefully. I recovered in one month, had surgery on one hand then two weeks later on the other hand. I heard some do both hands at the same time... DONT DO THIS! You would regret it! I have had no probs for five years now, the exercising of your hands is very important and sometimes can help prevent the surgery! Sorry for the double post!
Answer
And I took care of the double post for ya.
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Answer
Had the same problem. Wore a brace for a month or so. Seems to be ok, now. Funny thing was, the company made me report it as a job related injury. I didn't think it was that big of deal.
Answer
Most companies will do everything they can to deny a repetitive motion injury. They will try to blame it on congenital defects, arthritis, your hobbies, previous work duties, etc.
Good for your company John!
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