Carpal Tunnel & how do you deal with it? Wrist brace, surgery, therapy?
09-30-2011, 07:32 PM
#142
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Granbury, TX
Posts: 691
I had the surgery done, first the right hand and a month later the left hand. So happy that I had it done because I have been pain free ever since. The doctor told me that if you let it go for to long that you could have permanent nerve damage.
09-30-2011, 07:50 PM
#143
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 1,326
I'm wearing my braces right now. I use ice paks when they're really sore and wear the braces 24/7 until they're better, then just at night. I'm already on a ton of arthritis medication, so I don't take over he counter meds.
09-30-2011, 08:26 PM
#145
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Laurel Hill, NC
Posts: 105
For this pain, I use a container of GREEN alcohol with banana peels. I soak my hand for 15 minutes while I am watching tv (1, 2, 3, or more nights) and the pain goes away for weeks even months sometimes. I put the lid back on my container and use it again and again. I replace the banana peel at about 3 weeks intervals. I add alcohol as needed. As long as I can submerge the pain into the alcohol, there is enough alcohol. Great for feet, ankles, elbows. Let me know if it works for you
09-30-2011, 09:53 PM
#147
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Lakeshore, Ont. Canada
Posts: 2,727
I had surgery on both hands about 13 or 14 years ago, one at a time. Would do it again in a heartbeat. No problems at all since then. Only had 6 stitches in lower palm of my hand , no cast or bandages. It was definitely worth it for me. Good luck to you.
10-01-2011, 03:51 AM
#149
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: in the sticks of PA
Posts: 2,308
I was diagnosed with CTS about 30 yrs ago, it was so bad that I was working in the OR doing the releases along side the surgeon and my hands would get so numb that I couldn't feel the instruments, the surgeon insisted I hsve the surgery done immediately but unfortunately it was summer and too much staff was on vacation so I couldn't do it. I'm kind of glad I didn't I saw a specialist for an unrelated matter and he recommended I take a Super B Complex and B6-100mg daily and within 2 weeks it was gone. I did use the braces at night during that time but haven't done anything since then that was 6 yrs ago. My sister has it also from being keypunch operators yrs ago and told her what the dr told me she has been symptom free for the last 4 yrs. I would rather try something like this anytime before having surgery, saw too many cases of return surgeries from people that could not change what they were doing long term and cause more damage had to have the surgery again. Good luck really hope this helps, all it takes is 2 pills daily.
10-01-2011, 06:50 AM
#150
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: So. Fla now, Va orig
Posts: 1,565
Originally Posted by Wingsofjoy
Alex Anderson once had a Doctor on her show that use to air on HGTV. She showed examples of how to quilt properly to avoid Carpal Tunnel and back problems while sewing on a machine and also hand quilting. Here is a list of things I remember that she said.
1. When sitting in a chair, adjust the chair so you knees are the same height as your hip bones.
2. Try to keep your hands level with you elbows (or the same height) when sewing on a machine or hand quilting.
3. Make sure you keep your wrist straight when hand quilting. The Doctor said this was very important to keep from getting Carpal Tunnel. She mentioned that a lot of quilters bend their wrist when quilting. This is really bad for your wrist and fingers. So check to see if you are doing that and try to change that habit if you are.
Your thumb, pointer and middle fingers are the strongest so try to use only them. I started quilting with my thumb since its the strongest. It's a little different since you basically quilt away from you instead of towards.
Doing these things have really helped me. I also applied these habits to when I am sitting at the computer.
I have a small exercise ball that I bought from Walmart. It helps to strengthen the muscles in your hand to help them from being damaged. But since you already have Carpal Tunnel you might want to ask the Doctor about doing that first. I hope it gets better.
1. When sitting in a chair, adjust the chair so you knees are the same height as your hip bones.
2. Try to keep your hands level with you elbows (or the same height) when sewing on a machine or hand quilting.
3. Make sure you keep your wrist straight when hand quilting. The Doctor said this was very important to keep from getting Carpal Tunnel. She mentioned that a lot of quilters bend their wrist when quilting. This is really bad for your wrist and fingers. So check to see if you are doing that and try to change that habit if you are.
Your thumb, pointer and middle fingers are the strongest so try to use only them. I started quilting with my thumb since its the strongest. It's a little different since you basically quilt away from you instead of towards.
Doing these things have really helped me. I also applied these habits to when I am sitting at the computer.
I have a small exercise ball that I bought from Walmart. It helps to strengthen the muscles in your hand to help them from being damaged. But since you already have Carpal Tunnel you might want to ask the Doctor about doing that first. I hope it gets better.
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