CTS, A real Problem riding bikes, any good medications around.

[Redsps]

Does anyone on the board etc suffer from "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome".
It would seem that I have developed this ailment in both wrists, and the opinion from my quack as to the possible cause would appear to be from riding in a certain riding position, or on bikes with cramped riding conditions over a period of time.

Wether he is correct or not remains to be seen at the moment, but thought I would pick you guys greys cell for any info.

Are there any good medications that anyone can recommend to help this condition, I been told surgery can sort the problem out, but on a down side, could also make nerves etc worse than they are now.

any thought or info peeps.
cheers
robin

[Dibble]

send mw a u2u or email... he suffered for ages, tried everything and the finally had surgery xmas eve ..... he'll discuss it with you.

[Redsps]

thank you kindly sir....


cheers
robin

[psychlist]

.................Heli-bars ;)

[FiscusFish]

http://www.eatonhand.com/hw/ctexercise.htm

Some exercises that helped me a little (but not completely).

Darren

[yeti]

Red, I got this some years ago. Suggested cause was either too much winking or riding bikes. As I never wink with my left hand I reasoned it must be the bike.

There IS NO medication that will cure it. The cause is the nerves being pinched as they run through the carpals in your wrist. The tendons etc swell up and pinch the nerves. ONLY way to relieve it is to have the op to open out the carpal tunnel. I had it done about 8 years ago and since then have never suffered again. It's painful post-op, but it does work. Only pronlem is if you elect to have both wtists done at the same time, as I did, it's a bugger to wipe your arris.......

Just thought I would share that with you............

[STrider]

it can't be any worse than wiping yr arris with numb fingers like wot I have got... my CTS started suddenly 4 weeks ago and seems to have gone straight to the 'agony' setting... I'm presently in negotiation with my GP for surgery as mentioned above, the cortisone injections work - but only just and only for a short time...

I want an 888... arriving next week hopefully

Greg

[phil_h]

Robin
give my wife Sue a call 01798 831647
she is currently off work for with it (both hands) - had the surgery on the right wrist last month.
Cortisone only worked in her right wrist for 5 weeks, although it seems to be lasting a bit longer in her left wrist.
She is an ex-therapist so can describe whats happening better than the doctors !

[STrider]

Do the cortisone jabs hurt much - I would think they do!! I may need to take that option prior to surgery if the wait list is too long ... highly probable..

Greg

[ak47]

I found the cause was very strange:
After breaking both wrists last year, i suffered very badly wen I started to ride again. To the point that I couldn't turn the key in the door without using pliers. I did loads of excercises for 2 months and that helped a bit. But the real key was to make sure that I had my wrists straight when I slept. I had developed a tendancy to screw them up and sleep on them, weird I know, but putting splints on at night helped no end. Might be something to check. Good as new now

[phil_h]

Cortisone injections anywhere (he says knowingly having had then in the coccyx and the shoulder at various times !) are a bit less than comfortable because there is a bit more than 'normal' going in. Therefore they are also a bit more tender afterwards - sort of like a bruise.
However, when the cortisone starts working any pain that is caused by inflamation in that area should be reduced - unless you have a bigger problem than just inflamation.
BUT !!!!! DO NOT LET YOUR GP DO IT !!!!!
It is REALLY important that the payload gets delivered on target !

Wrist Splints - are a MUST for CTS - they let the wrist rest in a position that takes the pressure off the nerve. If you wake up with pins and needles in your hands talk to a physio asap.

[STrider]

Thanks for that Phil.. who would normally administer the jab??

I know what you mean about the GPs... I had to have blood tests last year which the nurse would usually take - she was away that day so the GP volunteered (too eagerly I realise now...) to do it. He hold halfway through then uttered the words..."Damn, I've forgotten to.... Would you mind holding onto this for a second please?" at which point he disappeared into the next room leaving ME holding onto the letting needle in my arm! I was bruised from mid bicep to mid forearm... Needless to say I've let the nurses do it since lol..

Greg

[phil_h]

A cortisone injection is a short appointemnt with a consultant - they can do it during a normal consultation.
My job gives me medical insurance so Sue had her first wrist done privately within about a week of seeing the gp to get the referral.
(The med insurance is one of the things that keeps me comfy in my current job ! You wouldnt believe how many consultants I've got to know around here !)