For the past week I have had progressive pain in my right hand during the night. I did some research and found that I have all the symtoms of Carcal Tunnal Sydrom. Two nights ago I had a lot of pain, but last night it got even worse. I have been up for an hour now, and I still have a lot of pain. When I initally woke last night, I soaked my hand in hot water and it helped a lot. I did the same thing the next 3 time I woke and this morning, but it is not helping. I am in a lot of pain right now and I need to know some immediate relief as I don't think I can deal with this much pain much longer. Please help.
Copyright © 2024 Q2A.ES - All rights reserved.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Many patients find hanging their hands over the side of the bed when they sleep help. Some patients claim shaking their wrist relieves the pain as well. Try some painkillers such as paracetamol or panadeine.
Definitive management for carpal tunnel syndrome is surgery. It is a simple surgery involving splitting the flexor retinaculum, which is this fibrous tissue near the wrist on the palmar side of your hand. The syndrome is caused by the median nerve being compressed by the flexor retinaculum. This operation is commonly known as carpal tunnel release. I'm not sure about your country, but most hospitals with an orthopaedic department will be able to offer you the surgery. The operation is commonly a day surgery case, meaning you come in the morning, undergo the operation, and will in most instances be fit enough for home by afternoon/evening.
You really should see your doctor. You can try going to your local medical supply company and buying a wrist splint. It holds your hand and wrist in a position so that the nerve causing the pain is not being pinched. You can try some Aleve or ibuprofen to relieve the swelling of the sheath the nerve is surrounded by but your doctor will probably be your best bet. He can put you on a medication like Neurontin that is used specifically for nerve pain. The longer you let it go the more painful its going to get and your risking permanent damage. I had the same problem about 3 months ago. The splints brought releif almost immediatly, You will need to ware them at night and during the day if your using your hands alot, like at work. That along with the neurontin and my pain was gone in about 1 day and completely healed in about 1 month. The good news is, if treated properly most people will not have a reoccurence. Hope this helps
Provided you do not have any allergies to aspirin or have high blood pressure, you can take 400 mgs of ibuprofen three times per day, wear a cock up splint at night, continue with the hot soak, but add epsom salt to the water, and followup with ice for 20 minutes. You can also apply a rub such as deep heat, icy hot, flexall 454, etc,. If the symptoms do not subside within 10 days of taking the ibuprofen, make an appt. with an orthopedic physician. He can give you a steriod injection into the medial nerve to see if it helps to reduce the swelling.
CTS is often cause by using the hands repetively or could happen in the event your have a problem with your thyroid, diabetes, being overweight, etc. Good luck to you.
There really isn't much you can do for the pain. I found that simple movement is all that helped me. For several months the pain went on and I was getting to the point of wanting to kill someone. The pain so bad I would wake up in tears. My sleep completely disappeared, having to wake up all the time from the pain. You need to contact your MD and have an EMG study (the test for carpel tunnel syndrome) done to check the nerve impulses to your hands. The test sucks big time, but compared to the night pains, it is worth it to make sure. I tested (0) impulses either arm and had a keyhole procedure done on both arms, INSTANT relief.
It appears that stretching your fingers for up to 5 minutes is an effective way of relieving these symptoms, whilst under the shower is even better. But if symptoms such as tingling and numbness return almost immediately, I would contact my doctor ASAP as there are non intrusive procedures that will right the problem, it may even be another disorder. But I would try the finger stretches and warm ups in the shower all alternating stretching and placing your fingers under warm water first. Good luck.
I had carpal tunnel in both hands at the same time. Dr. said it was irreversible, that I need surgery in both wrist.
I asked what is my other options. He said a cortisone shot.
I went for the shot in the wrist, it hurt like ick but 11 years later I am still pain free.....
Always ask for other options. It saved me a double surgery.....
See a doctor...you can get a special hand brace and / or surgery to relieve your discomfort. Look up Carpel Tunnel Release.
Acupuncture is the only treatment available. Don't take pain killers unless unbearable. But you should approach acupuncturist immediately. For the time being try south pole of a strong magnet or both poles. You are really a genius, try it.
I agree, you need to go see a doctor. You really need to have your problem properly diagnosed.
this really isn't something to mess around with. the longer it takes you to have it taken care of the chances of the operation not taking well increases.