I think I have carpal tunnel

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

This last Monday I woke with a stiff thumb and my wrist was hard to move. I've never experienced carpal tunnel before. If anything, my computer use has dropped significantly in the last few months because I don't have computer/internet access at work.

Each morning my hand is stiff and difficult to mobilize. The pain is actually moving up my arm. The only thing I can think of is that my lack of regular computer use aggravating the problem.

Anyone with experience who can share?

[Reynolds]

I went to the doctor recently and described a problem in my feet, where both of my big toes have been completely numb for months, and it's spreading to the next toe on both of my feet (now numb on the next biggest toe on the side next to my big toe) He told me since I work in a place with a cement floor, and am on my feet all day, I have TARSAL tunnel syndrome, which I never even knew existed.

After work, when I finally sit down on my ride home, my feet burn like hell, especially my big toes, to the point where they start hurting.

[Dan 'Hampton]

I get it from work. If i spend most of the day hammering with a metal handled hammer, I will wake up in the middle of the night with my arms completely numb from the elbow down, and this will happen when I wake up too. I was told to take b6 vitamins. Seems to work.

[DonInNC]

I haven't experienced it, but I know several people who have. Sounds like the symptoms, especially waking up with the numbness.

Weird that it would happen now. Maybe you were on the verge of having it when you were using the computer regularly and the lack of use just delayed it?

[Hamey]

my hands are starting to get numb when I play video games and use the computer. Im a custodian so I sweep and mop all day, so I guess im on my way.

[zentraed]

I've had issues with my wrists for years now thanks to the computer, piano, and video games. NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) can help, and if you often wake up with numbness, wearing splints at night may stop that. I put my wrists in awkward positions when I sleep.

During the day, there are some simple wrist exercises you can do. Weight-bearing exercise is supposed to good for it as well, such as yoga. I've found that lifting weights the last six months has helped a lot. I don't feel the need to splint as much.

[CofyCrakCocaine]

I don't have the authority or knowledge to give you much assistance, but I do fervently wish you a speedy recovery.

[WhistlePig]

Hey Fuzzy, my friend had a mild case and she had to wear a wrist brace for a few months--no surgery. I'd go to a Dr. and have it checked out.

My one foot goes numb/cold every night while I'm sitting at the computer. I have to wrap a heating pad around it to warm it back up before I go to bed! It's the weirdest thing. I have a feeling I'm pinching a nerve in my back and it's effecting my sciatic nerve or something. I guess I should see a Dr too!

[Death Metal Moe]

Fucking computers are evil. We're getting illnesses sitting in front of them for too long.

I get a back ache if I happen to game or websurf for too long on a weekend.

Lame.

[Death Metal Moe]

I don't have the authority or knowledge to give you much assistance, but I do fervently wish you a speedy recovery.

...but you told me you were a doctor in that van...

[topless_mike]

i guess chronic masturbation has a downside as well...

[Furtherman]

I hope you feel better Alice. I don't know anything about the condition.

I do, however, have a car pool tunnel.

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freewaymgmt/publications/frwy_mgmt_handbook/images/fig8-5.jpg