Thread: Carpal tunnel syndrome.

Maybe it depends how long you have been putting up with it and how much damage has already been done..

I caught it early and all I really needed was rest. No injections and no surgery.

I used to get a lot of pain from using pliers and screw drivers all the time, now i employ people to do it for me. My mum told me to rub ice on it (wrists), she said it hurts but will give relief. Oh boy it hurts, all the way up your forearm, but it does give relief.

I had surgery on my left hand (I'm a leftie) 15 years ago in my late 40s when I started dropping spanners etc after having tapped away at keyboards as a programmer for the preceding 20 years. The muscle took about 6 months to fully recover and its been right ever since.

Yeah, a not uncommon subject on motorbike forums.

My take on it is that you're probably gripping too hard. Relax your grip and possibly even relax your body (it'll help you go around corners better).

M

Coming from a family of Sparkies that also ride/race Motorcycles.........

Dad eventualy went for surgery in his early 70's, was swinging a hammer within days (against all advice). He will tell you to get sliced.

I have low level pain and weakness on a regular basis, if it flares up I go for immobilisation using a brace (for a few days) and it settles down again for a while. Expect I will eventually go under the knife or maybe a big horse needle first.

Last couple of years I was actively racing I had to be very careful with setup and style, otherwise I would lose grip and feel by the time the weekend was over.

It was the first time in about 8 years that i had ridden into the city and i guess that is what really brought it to my attention that i need to seek medical advice as previously i have had mild numbness and the occasional pins and needles after a ride but nothing like this.

I have adjusted by riding style and will see about changing the clutch lever to one with more leverage requing less effort.

Appreciate everyones stories so i have an idea what i'm up against, not ready to give up riding just yet .

Hmm this makes me feel old. About 25 years ago I had a job that caused my left thumb to be opened wide for some time. Soon it would not close with out pain. So I opted for the op. Was at the old Jessie McPherson Hospital when it was next to or part of the old Queen Vic. Was just a quick op, could have been done with a local. I would have felt no pain but would still have felt the knife. Not for me so woke up a hour later. Have had no other issues since.
Cheers Hall

Quote:
Originally Posted by DiscoMick
Constant use of a keyboard, particularly if the hands are higher than the elbows, can also cause it.

Thats not good considering i sit in front of a pc all day.

Make sure your chair is up high enough compared with your keyboard that your hands are at least on the same level with your elbows, as blood flow and muscle position are important.