Question About Carpal Tunnel - and Neurologist Referral

Updated on August 22, 2008
J.X. asks from Phoenix, AZ
39 answers

Hi moms! I was recently diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome by my family doctor. He basically said that I have probably had it a while and that it is more inflamed and noticeable since I had a baby recently. He said since I still have a little retained water that is adding pressure to the nerves in my wrist. He told me to take advil and wear a brace at night but it's not helping and has actually gotten worse. So, if you have carpal tunnel or know someone who does, can you suggest alternative therapy? Should I go see a neurologist to get tested? (my doctor did no neurological exam) If anyone can give advice or refer a doctor I would really appreciate it. I really just want to confirm that I have it and do something so that I don't have any permanent nerve damage. My hand and fingertips go to sleep/feel numb after doing any sort of task - like blowing dry my hair, shaking a bottle to mix formula, etc. THANKS!!

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D.H.

answers from Albuquerque on

I would suggest massage therapy, and or physical therapy. There are stretches you can learn that are very effective to alleviate this condition.

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M.M.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi J.,
Well sorry to hear you have carpal tunnel. I also have it and it is tough, but what helps me are the heating pads and a good massage from my husband. I also take advil ( not all the time) and that seems to help me. I've had it for a few years and I will not get operated on. Most of the poeple that I know have say they are the same or worst. Well good luck and hope you get well. :} M.

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R.A.

answers from Phoenix on

I have carpal tunnel and I wear a copper magnet braclet and it works. Without it I would be unable to use my right hand

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S.P.

answers from Albuquerque on

My mom went around in circles in a similar situation. they even did surgery on her and it just got worse. then she started seeing an acupuncturist. she went from being unable to hold my baby to being our main caregiver. i also had an injured tendon from holding my baby and was in excruciating pain. My DOM was amazing and helped me very quickly.i have used acupuncture for so many things over the years and have always been amazed at it's effects. it's greatest power is in injuries and pain management for sure. you'd be surprised how quickly it works as well. good luck and feel free to contact me if you want any recommendations on practitioners.

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A.P.

answers from Flagstaff on

OH HERE IT IS! I wish all the ladies that left you responses would look at this as well. After getting carpal tunnel so bad from when i worked in a factory, from all the repetitious work, i was at a loss for what to do. My mom had before as well, she types for a living (which doesn't help if you don't fix the problem:). And she gave me this sponge that she used that relieved the pressure. I was also having numbness and terrible pain in my hands as well, they would turn white because it would get so inflamed and cut off the blood flow. After the first night of using this sponge it was the most relieving feeling. I ended up buying my own at http://thehelpinghand.com, it's called the HELPING HAND STRETCHASSAGER it only cost about 10 or 15 dollars and i have now been pain free for years. However if i ever do anything that kicks it in again i just pull out my sponge for a night or 2 and bam I'm good as new. If you go to the website it will explain how this tool works. I hope you give it a try. I know how painful and frustrating this is and would hate to have you suffer any more from it. I don't know if you live in the area, but i would even be willing to let you try out mine while you are waiting for yours (if you decide to buy one).

Just a side note on this, when i was working at the factory about 5 years ago i had used the sponge for about a week and was pretty much back to normal, however at the same time one of my coworkers was suffering from the same problem, and she was wearing a brace and getting therapy for it on a regular basis. She still works there and is still having to wear that brace to help out with the problem and still has to have therapy.
I guess i am impatient and couldn't wait that long to nip it in the bud:)
In the last 5 years i might of had to pull out my sponge and use it for a day or so maybe a handful of times. The nice thing is it does give you immediate relief that lasts.

Sorry if i am carrying on to long, i just want you to know you don't have to suffer for ever to get rid of this problem. best of luck to you. if you have more questions about this please let me know. I'd be happy to help out.

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G.D.

answers from Flagstaff on

i agree to get a second opinion...i see that you are a professional, does that mean you type a lot? apparently typing is a common practice among those who are diagnosed with carpal tunnel...
there are many yoga poses that help folks with carpal tunnel and there are wrist braces that you can wear while typing, etc. found at giaim.com.

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J.H.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi Jenn. I have exactly the same thing but I have not been diagnosed yet because I am too lazy to get my butt in the doctor. Ever since having my first baby my hands (especially the right) goes numb when I blow dry my hair etc... Since having my second baby it has gotten even worse. Usually it is my two middle fingers that go numb the most. I wake up with it every morning, but they will go numb during the day as well. I am pretty sure it is carpal tunnel and sometimes wearing the braces at night help and other times they don't. I do a alot of sewing for my business so I think that is aggravating it also.

In regards to treatment, have you considered going to a Chiropractor? I met a pediatric chiropractor back in May and told her about my symptoms. She took my my hand and did this strength test with my fingers. Then she made a quick adjustment to my wrist and re-demonstrated the strength test. I couldn't believe the difference. My mom has the same issues that we do and since going to the chiropractor regularly she no longer is getting the numb hands. I believe the woman I met was Dr. Dawn Tames with Sacred Touch Chiropractic in Scottsdale, AZ ###-###-#### www.sacredtouchchriopractic.com
She specializes in prenatal, pediatric, and family care.

Good luck- you just motivated me to finally get my butt into the chiropractor to have my issues treated too.

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G.P.

answers from Albany on

Hi J.,
If I were you I would go see a neurologist.. I was also diagnosed with carpal tunnel while I was pregnant with my first child and then after everything calmed down.. Water tension, horomones, the carpal tunnel calmed down. I also took Flinstone Vitamins and extra vitamin E at the time and that calmed it down. I would go get it all checked out to see how severe it is first..
Hope this helps

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C.R.

answers from Phoenix on

Massage therapy and acupuncture are VERY effective in treating carpal tunnel. Usually not covered by insurance though, it can be costly. You can ask for 15 minute treatments, which will save some money. Being a massage therapist, I have seen MANY people get better permanently without surgery.

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S.C.

answers from Albuquerque on

I had that with one of my pregnancies...I couldn't play the piano or even hold a crayon to color with my kids.

I have a friend who had carpal tunnel so bad she was unable to paint and lay tile (her livelihood). She used Therapeutic Oil by Southwest Lifestyle. She massaged it into her wrists consistently (several times a day). Within a few days she had tremendous relief. Within a month she had no pain and had full mobility. The ingredients help relieve pain as well as reducing swelling.

I am on the computer all day every day. Occasionally I have the same problem. I use the Therapeutic Oil and I'm fine. One thing that helps as well is a very deep massage (especially using the oil) into the inner part of the forearm...this gets teh ingredients into all the tissue leading to the wrist. The deep massage encourages the MSM and DMSO to go deeper into the tissues, increasing positive results.
If you have questions, call me at ###-###-#### or ###-###-####. You can go to the website at www.southwestlifestyle.com.

I know other people that have had tremendous relief from this product for carpal tunnel as well as tennis elbow.

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T.L.

answers from Las Cruces on

Hi Jenn! I have done Occupational Therapy for eight years now and am also currently an Occupational Therapy Master's student. We treat carpal tunnel all the time, with excellent results. If you have insurance, I would highly recommend getting a prescription from your primary MD for OT treatment. Even better, would be to find an OT who is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). Honestly, I do not know if there are any here in town at this time, but I do know one of the best CHTs in El Paso. Let me know if you are interested and I can give you his name and where he is practicing. I did my preceptorship with him and he is awesome-he has absolutely the best reputation in El Paso!! OT can give you treatments to decrease the inflammation and pain, increase your funcion, as well as give you braces that are more effective and probably more comfortable (the CHT in El Paso custom makes them to fit your hand). You won't find the same treatments from any other therapy, except MAYBE physical therapy. If El Paso is not an option, let me know and we can work on another option.

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B.G.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi Jenn,
I am a Himamlayan GoChi juice representitive and since I have been drinking the juice 2 1/2 years now my carpal tunnel has gone away along with all my other joint issues and migraines. I have several other succsess stories with great results also. We have a 90 day money back guarentee so it may be something you want to give a try. It works by reducing the swelling and helping to rebuild the nerves which helps the body heal naturally. It is a all natural product so it replenishes the body with good in order to aid it as a whole. If it is somnething you are interested in please feel free to contact me. I will also be hosting a taste testing party on August 26th if you are interested in that and more information?

B. Garcia
Himalayan GoChi Juice Representitive
barbgarcia.com
###-###-####

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C.P.

answers from Tucson on

Hi,
Well I agree with several of the responses on using not surgical methods first and trying to fing out what works for you. Everyone's body is different and we all respond to different treatments. What works well for one may not work for the other. If all else fails, surgery is not a bad option. You should go to a hand specialist and make sure that they do the operation with the small incisions. A large incision and cast is an unnecessary for this type of surgery. It can all be done in an outpatient surgery center. Southwest Hand Specialists are a really great group of hand specialist.
Good Luck!

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W.H.

answers from Phoenix on

I had carpal tunnel *really bad* with my pregnancy. It was SO bad that I was SO glad to have the baby out - I couldnt stand, cut, write, cook, type, stir, anything! during the end but once the baby was out, I could cook and write and do things again. I needed help BEFORE, not after the baby was born.

A brace helped me in that I tended to sleep with my hands tucked under my chin - the brace kept reminding me not to do that, so I re-trained myself to put my hands together (as if praying) and tuck it under the pillow or my face, instead of bending the wrists to go under my chin. That alone has made a big difference. I do sign and type a lot and dont think I ever *not* use my hands (other than reading) so carpal tunnel is a big worry for me.
Another option is an elastic wrist band- not as irritating and cumbersome as the brace but just enough to remind myself (and it helps to remind others as well!) that I shouldnt be doing things that put stress on my wrists. I wrapped them around so the velcro strip was on the bottom so that when I bent my hand, my palm would feel that strip "poking" and reminding me. Haven't worn anything in a few years now, I've learned from having it on.

Yes, the added fluids in your wrist is aggravating it - ibuprofren (ie, advil) is good for reducing the swelling/inflammation of the lining where your nerves pass through to your hands. There are other things you can do, I forget just what. warm or cold compresses (hot wax feels SOOOO GOOD!), keeping your hands up, wrists straight (not bent), maybe eating more foods that help you not retain water (ie, swiss chard is great, cheese/salty foods not) etc.

An interpreter friend swears that washing her hands often (warm water) and putting lotion on afterwards (massage) helps keep CT at bay. Hey, washing hands and keeping it soft can't be bad, hm?

You've only just had a baby, I hesitate to get a surgery now when it might go away or become managable. Do try massage, chiro? (I didnt have a good experience with my last but not all are quacks. read up on them - dont let them pressure you into a long term treatment plan, whole family plan, etc. those are more likely quacks (or just trying to turn you into a cash cow). Basically try any of the other alternative treatments you can yourself.

Surgery does work on carpal tunnel, but only to a point. I've known interpreters who've had to get the surgery again as they continue to irritate and inflame their wrist nerves. Pay attention to what triggers pain (at this point, probably everything! but eventually you'll learn what your personal triggers are and make small changes that will help. For example, we have the curved ergonomic keyboard and the mouse with thumb track ball as clicking on the mouse really bothers both my husband and I. And not keeping my wrists straight, esp while sleeping, was a big one for me.)

Meanwhile, be kind to your wrists! Let others hold, chop, stir, lift, etc as much as possible. Never mind blow drying your hair (it's too hot anyway, why add hot air to your house?) And enjoy your little one. it goes by so fast. You know that quote .. housekeeping keeps but babies dont.

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C.D.

answers from Phoenix on

I started showing signs of carpal tunnel during pregnancy, too, but chalked it up to everything loosening up. However, it's been getting progressively worse, 7 years and a second pregnancy later. But I developed other issues alongside it.

You didn't say where you live, but Dr. Fechtel at Foothills Neurology in Ahwatukee is great. Dr. Hetrick in the same office also has a great reputation.

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L.M.

answers from Albuquerque on

Being 3.5 months post-partum I would strongly recommend at least 2-4 massages to gets things back in line. Also, if it comes up, I strongly advise you to consider surgery only as a very last alternative. When I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel, that was their biggest recommendation so if they haven't said it yet, they might. I chose not to have surgery because my research revealed many people still in pain afterward.

Instead, consider Rolfing, acupuncture and chiropractic care along with some deep tissue massage that includes myofascial release and trigger point therapy. Plus, get your neck checked out by a chiropractic or osteopathic physician. The arm and hand are innervated from the spinal cord in the neck area. I frequently get hand, arm and shoulder pain because my neck is "out". Many of my clients experience the same thing.

BTW, I don't think you necessarily need the neurologist diagnosis but go if it makes you feel better to put a label on it. But know that professionals can treat the problem even without that specific name for it.

About ten years ago I went through the ten sessions of a typical rolfing series and haven't had trouble with my carpal tunnel since. It was worth every dime. As a matter of fact, I became a licensed massage therapist over 3 years ago and still don't have trouble with it! Acupuncture and chiropractic care and massage therapy were all a part of my healing process as well. I worked for 2 years on horrible back pain from a car wreck, carpal tunnel and serious emotional trauma stored in my body and manifesting as mysterious pains and problems. With the help of these four modalities (and a counselor), I came out a new woman. Really!

If you have to choose just one of these, please choose rolfing and please complete the series. If you need practitioner recommendations for any of these modalities, I am happy to make the referrals. Good luck, Jenn, and be GOOD to YOU. Remember that you don't have to be in pain and your daily activities do not have to be so difficult to perform. Finally, don't forget: there is help without drugs and scalpals.

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K.V.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi Jenn,

I am a Physical Therapist... carpal tunnel is a very common condition and you should actually get a referral to see a therapist. There are alot of exercises and treatments they can provide for you.... a nuerologist is really not necessary. Good luck!

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T.S.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi Jenn!

Acupuncture can be very helpful in these types of situations and number of treatments varies. Also, don't forget to do wrist stretches to help stretch the tissue that is putting pressure on the nerve.

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K.R.

answers from Phoenix on

I too was diagnosed with carpal tunnel by my PCP, told to wear wrist braces and take advil(which can b e hard on the stomach). Like you I did not get much relief. My PCP told me that when it got bad enough, I would have to have surgery. My son recommended I try accupuncture after he had very positive results with it for another problem. I let the pain go until I could not stand it and decided I had nothing to loose by giving it a try. I have since had accupuncture ono three different occasions, including on a visit to Chine. I know that most Dr. do not recommend it, insurance does not cover, and in general, weern medicine does not approve, But, for me it has been a god send. I have had as few as three treatments in a series to as many as eight(usallu depends on my financial status and the cost of the treatments since insurance does not cover). Relief begins with the first treatment and I have experienced complete relief from pain and return to full use of my hands and wrists. And the relief last for as long a 24 - 36 momnths before I go back for another series. For me it was worth a try, it worked, and I have not had to have surgical intervention.
Good luck!

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C.H.

answers from Flagstaff on

I know that you have several suggestions that are very good advice, but I wanted to let you know what helped for me. I take a supplement for women called Herbal Balance from Biogreen systems and I lost some of my weight and this helped me a lot. The pain comes back sometimes, but for the most part it feels much better. Also, my massage therapist friend used to work on my arms and hands. HTH.

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M.E.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi Jenn,

I had similar problems right before and after the birth of my daughter. As a dentist, I was very concerned since my hands are my livelyhood. I was ready to see a hand surgeon for evaluation, when it finally cleared up. It took almost 5 months, but it did settle down. A former employee is the surgical assistant for Mitchel Lipton. All he does is hands and she has nothing but positive things to say about him. In fact, he fixes the surgeries gone wrong by other docs here in town. Give it some more time and stay well hydrated, but if you do need to go the surgery route, please do lots of research first.
M.

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J.L.

answers from Tucson on

Hi Jenn, I was diagnosed by a Neurologist this past year. To be honest, the test hurts. Buts it's the only real way to find out if that is what it is. I was told that CT was only treatable with surgery. I have been going to the Integrated Medicine Program at the UofA. I see Dr. Heather Tick. Infact, if you go to Heathertickmd.com you can see her web page. She has a book that she wrote that you can buy, and I strongly encourage it. It has good excercises to do to strech the CT area. Also, I bought a wrist wand. (wristwand.com). I bought mine on Ebay cuz it was cheaper!! It helps a lot especially during computer work. Dr. Tick uses acupuncture and lazor therapy. It is not an instant fix though. It can take months, but I am starting to get more relief. I also have trigger thumbs, which she is working on, and they are getting really a lot better. She suggested to eat more eggs for the sulfer content, but you can also get the same from MSM pills, sold in health food stores. Her office # is ###-###-#### and her address is 707 N. Alvernon Way. My insurance covers my visits. Also she is an MD, not a quack doctor or something.
Good luck. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

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L.Z.

answers from Tucson on

Hi,

I was having pain & numbness in my forearm & fingers & believed that it was possibly ulna nerve damage or carpal tunnel syndrome. I found that I was willing to do anything just to avoid the computer keyboard. I didn't go to the doctor but started researching alternative approaches. Vitamin B6 is often used as a therapy but can be toxic. I avoided that route & started taking bromelain (on empty stomach to act as an anti-nflammatory) & turmeric. It worked for me. Hope this helps. L.

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B.C.

answers from Phoenix on

I am a licensed massage therapist. Soon after learning how to treat carpel tunnel, I got pregnancy related carpel tunnel myself. So, I know how it feels. The brace helped me some and since my son is now 3 months old, my carpel tunnel has gone away. I hope yours goes away with your water retention, too.

Before considering surgery, etc. you might like to try massage. The nerves that travel to the hands begin in the spine at the neck and travel down the arm to the hands. A massage therapist should warm up your back muscles and then proceed to your neck, shoulders, arms and finally hands to treat carpel tunnel. Sometimes massage clears it up and other times it just helps manage it.

I would love to help you with it if you live somewhat near my area. I am in N. Phx/Cave Creek area and I travel to your home with my table. If I cannot help you, look for a licensed massage therapist who has some experience with carpel tunnel. Good luck!

B.
____@____.com

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S.E.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi Jenn B.
I had carpal tunnel syndrom before I got pregnant with my twin boys. However, during my pregnancy my carpal tunnel got progressively worse, to the point that I absolutely had to do something once I delievered my twins. The boys were only 8 weeks old when my OBGYN sent me to a surgeon that specialized in hand surgery. The doctor told me that pregnancy WILL make carpal tunnel syndrom worse. At that time I had no other option, but surgery. Now days the surgery is done with only two little small cuts and there is no need for casts or anything. Unfortunatly, because of my pregnancy my hands were so bad that my surgery had to be preformed the old way. There are many things that you can try, braces, cortisone shots, etc., but if it's as bad as you say it is my recomendation would be just go with the surgery. You will still be able to pick up your little girl as long as they can do it the new way, but if you wait and they may have to do it the old way and I was in a cast for 8 weeks for my right and then another 8 weeks for my left. My twins were only 9 weeks old when I had my right hand done, so it sucked. However, I've not had any problems since my surgery. So now I advocate for the hand surgery, why put yourself through more pain, when you can have a VERY simple surgery and be pain free to play with your kids. Good luck!!!

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S.L.

answers from Tucson on

you might be interested in some all natural herbal formulas that could help with the inflammation - and thus the pain - and would also help you to recover and regenerate - let me know if you are interested in what I can recommend - good luck

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E.B.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi,
I had carpal tunnel after my first baby. I wore a brace all day and also tried hard not to use that hand at all. My family doc referred me to an orthopedic hand specialist. The one I used was Dr. Ralph Wilson in Mesa. I thought he was a good doc. I think he is still in practice. I ended up not needing surgery and haven't had any problems since.
Thanks,
E.

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K.M.

answers from Albuquerque on

Hello Jenn.
Take a referral to see an orthopod who specializes in hand surgeries.

Having a baby causes a fluid shift in your body. If you continue to breastfeed, as I did, it will continue the fluid shift. This fluid is increased around tendons, and causes an increase in the pain you have. Expect a doctor to offer first to try a prescription level anti-inflammatory (which is what Advil is), so that you can take it less often (better on your stomach). The next step may be to try corticosteriod injections into the tendon sheath (this is what is being stretched and causing pain in most tendon problems in the hands) to reduce the inflammation. The last option will be surgery to release the tendon sheath.

I did not have carpal tunnel. I had deGuervain's tendonitis, and in the ulner tendon (I can't remember the name) bilaterally. I did everything first, then finally had the surgery (which was laproscopic, very quick and compared to the pain of the tendonitis, quite painless), which is what corrected the problem. Ask your doctor his honest opinion and suggestion to handle the problem.

I hope I have helped. Unfortunately, I do not know any physicians to refer you to. I would recommend that you ask about credentials, and if possible, find someone who is Board Certified in orthopedics for hands.

Good luck.
K.

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J.C.

answers from Phoenix on

I suffered with it for years and finally saw a neurologist got tested and operated on last year. And one twoo three and it was all gone. I should have done it years ago no more pain or tingling every two minutes. Dr Haber who is on MIll and Broadway was outstanding and you cant even see the scars I have, I had it done last year. he did both hanmds at the same time in ad out patient, healed in a week. He was the absolute best. I live in Gilbert but would recommend him anytime, even if he s a little father away. He is behind the hospital right there on Mill in the doctor suites.

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M.M.

answers from Flagstaff on

Hi Jenn,
Have you tried going to a Chiroptactor? They can do a lot to relieve the pain, and numbness without ever needing surgery to fix the problem.
Good Luck, M.

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D.O.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi!
I am a nurse, and although I am certainly not giving medical advice, I did have a patient just recently with this problem. She took Shark Cartlidge from the vitamin store and it went away. So I went into one of those holistic stores and checked it out because I was amazed, and the lady there directed me straight to the shark cartlidge. Anyway, you could go talk to someone in this field,,, may save you some surgery.
Hope this is helful!

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L.R.

answers from Tucson on

Hi Jenn

I'm an Occupational Therapist and have worked with people who have carpal tunnel. My best suggestions are if you are going to go to a specialist to not going to a neurologist, but instead going to a orthopedic doctor who specializes in hands. Either way you need to go to a certified hand therapist, your primary care doctor can give you a referral. A certified hand therapist is typically an Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist that has taken extra courses in hand therapy and passed a test to become certified. There are treatments that a hand therapist can do to help alleviate the symptoms of your carpal tunnel.

F.R.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi Jenn

I have helped thousands of patients avoid surgery on carpal tunnel in the last 14 yrs of practice... I would like to have the opportunity to evaluate you and see what I can do for you without surgery or medications... Congrats on the new baby and I look forward to hearing from you

Farid R., DC
____@____.com

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C.W.

answers from Phoenix on

Jenn,
I have had diagnosed carpal tunnel for about eight years. Before you spend a lot of time searching for a doctor and having him give you surgery as your only option, try chiropractic. This has always worked for me. I hardly even notice my carpal tunnel most of the time and any time I have a flare up, I just tell my chiropractor and he works on my arm. My chiropractor thinks that the brace does more harm than good. Not all chiropractors are good. Some can even cause more problems. You have to make sure that you get a good one. If a chirpractor seems more interested in selling you gadgets than actually treating you, stay away.
If you live in or around the Gilbert area, I highly recommend Dr. De La Fe at Ace Chiropractic (located on Baseline between Lindsay & Gilbert). I always go to him for all my joint and muscle pain. I trust him more than a regular physician when it comes to healing things naturally. If this is too far for you, I would consider calling his office and asking if they know of a good chiropracter in your area. I personally live in the "Far East" of Mesa. He is worth a little drive time.
C.

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C.C.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi Jenn,

I have had carpal tunnel for a while, but it sounds like you may have it worse. My hands and two end fingers go numb at night, but only when I use my computer for longer than I should. I can't lift heavy objects or overuse my hands without pain. I have had the tests done by Justin X. Mussomeli, M.D., in Scottsdale, ###-###-#### but there are many neurologists who do them, check with your insurance company to see if they cover them. Unfortunately this wasn't the first test and all they ever do is tell you to wear the hand/wrist braces at night for about 3-6 months. My daughter had it also from her work and overuse of her hands and she had to wear the braces during the day also. Each doctor recommends different things, so I would definitely have it checked. Hoped this helped. C. Cruz

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A.B.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi Jenn,
I have worked in several Dr.s offices and you need to get an NCV, nerve conduction velocity test along with an EMG. They cost several hundred dollars but will usually be covered by Health insurance depending on your plan. The tests provide specifics on the firing of each of your nerves in whatever area of you body is being tested. It will tell you which nerve your carpel tunnel is coming from. Most Dr.s that treat carpal tunnel, use a surgical method on your wrists. If you nerve problem is coming from you neck or elbow that surgery will not relieve your problem. Sometimes if it is something as simple as a pinch in your neck, it can be treated with massage and chiropractic which would be a more conservative approach before you dive into a surgery. Also, massage a chiropractic can be helpful if you are having risidual back pain from delivery or just getting use to carry around your new baby. Hope this is helpful ;-)

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V.R.

answers from Albuquerque on

Get a second opinion from an alternative doctor because sometimes western medicine doctors suggest carpal tunnel as the problem when in fact it is your nerve further up your arm.

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K.

answers from Phoenix on

I also had this after my last pregnancy, holding the baby mad it worse too. I went to the chiropractor. My wrists are fine now.

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S.W.

answers from Phoenix on

Jenn,

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome and pregnancy are great friends.

I had it with both pregnancies. I'm a certified massage therapist so I know a lot about the syndrome. Surgery is unnecessary and ill-advised. Drugs, ditto.

First of all, for immediate relief, cross the affected arm across your torso and put the thumb of your other hand on the tendons right below your elbow -- the ones that pop out when you extend your fingers up. Press hard. This, if done in the right spot, right over the extensor tendons, will immediately bring relief of the pain and tingling. I used to wake up in the middle of the night screaming and had to sleep with ice packs on my forearms and sometimes had to sleep sitting up at a 45 degree angle with my arms propped on pillows.... So I hear you, it sucks. The good news is, it's temporary.

Much of the swelling of the synovial sheaths of the tendons in the forearm leading into the tunnel created by your carpal bones is caused by hormones. Also, see a chiropractor right away (they deal in the nerves of the body and will heal you faster and more naturally than any neurologist), and ask specifically to have your elbow and thumb adjusted. This makes a huge difference!

At home, you can gently stretch the extensor tendons and muscles by holding your arm out in front of you, dropping your palm down towards the floor, grasping your palm with your other hand so that the thumb is in your palm, fingers across the top of your hand, and stretch the hand further down towards the floor, keeping your elbow straight. You'll feel the stretch in "that place" right away.

If you lose feeling in your hands when you dry your hair, it's either because you are grasping it with your hand, or you need an adjustment to your neck and some massage on the muscles of the rotator cuff (especially the infraspinatus). Naturally I'm going to recommend you get regular massage before you even think about surgery, as often the problem can be resolved with much less expense and pain this way. But see a chiropractor and continue to drink plenty of water to keep swelling at a minimum.

All the best to you,
S. Waltner
Childbirth Educator

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