Carpal Tunnel or Arthritis?

Hi Doctor,

I work with computers very heavily, probably on a keyboard around 12 hours a day for the past 15 years. I've never really experienced any pain before, but the last few months, my fingers are starting to ache. In addition, I feel like I can't get a lot of pressure when I make a fist, as if my fingers are weakening. Is this a sign of arthritis coming on, or could this be carpal tunnel? Are the basically the same? Is there anything I can do for this? I saw the ads for osteo biflex, but wasn't sure if that was helpful. Let me know and thanks.

poe

[Dr Vinod]

Dear ea_poe,

Welcome to our forum and we would like to advice you for some basic tests and a consultancy for examination based on the tests for clinical correlation.

Many people who have carpal tunnel syndrome have gradually increasing symptoms over time. The first symptoms of CTS may appear when sleeping and typically include numbness and paresthesia (a burning and tingling sensation) in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, although some patients may experience symptoms in the palm as well.

The relationship between work and CTS is controversial. Symptoms are commonly exacerbated by forceful and repetitive use of the hand and wrists . It has been proposed that repetitive use of the arm can affect the biomechanics of the upper limb or cause damage to tissues.

As all of your fingers are getting effected and there is no reason that occupational use of keyboard for longterm of you getting effected by carpal tunnel syndrome you also have to think in the line of arthritis.
The EMG Nerve Conduction Study can be one of the best ways to confirm if you have the problem or not.

Go for an X-ray and an orthopaedic consultancy to come to a conclusion of the type of arthritis.

Osteo biflex should only be used after you come to a proper diagnosis and on prescription if required. Take care!

[KB1986]

A related discussion, arthritis or something else was started.