Carpel Tunnel???

[AM1995]

I'm not sure if this is where I should be posting this question, but figured I would try...  I have been having some pain in my wrist and hand - kind of in the fat area where my thumb is.  There's a vein in there that will sometimes seem swollen and it hurts if I push on it.  (I can feel and see my pulse in it, it's gross!)  A friend of mine said that the vein thing could be because of inflammation in my wrist.  I've had soreness in the past but that was more on the top of my wrist.  I'm just wondering if it could be carpel tunnel??  I noticed it was pretty bad the other day after I was on the computer for a long period of time.  But I'm not sure if carpel tunnel effects the underside (palm side) of your hand and wrist...???
Any thoughts would be appreciated - even if it's letting me know this isn't the right forum! :-)

[atonicat]

I have what I think is carpel tunnel in both my hands. When I do things like use yard tools (shovel, rake ect) for an extended period of time, wash dishes where I'm gripping a lot of things and put pressure on my wrist they burn and hurt so bad. I don't get the numbness or tingling they just burn and hurt. But now I've started to wake up with joint pain in my thumbs so I'm not even sure what it is anymore.

When I get a bad burning flair up I sleep with a brace on. If I don't move it, the pain will go away by the morning. You can try buying a brace, one with metal inserts to keep your wrist from moving. Also if there is swelling you can take Advil or any other OTC NSAID's.

They do carpel tunnel surgery but my mom hand it and it worked for a few years but it's starting to come back.

[Tuckamore]

Hello AM,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum.

Carpel Tunnel can present with several symptoms in several areas of your wrist, hand and fingers. Usually it is a numbness and tingling in the fingers and hand. It is especially prominent in your thumb and index, middle or ring fingers, but not your little finger.

It is generally most noticeable in the morning and often effects your sleep. The effected hand will "go to sleep" shortly after you do and becomes very painful. The pain and numbness can wake you out of a sound sleep. It can also effect your ability to grasp or hold objects. Repetitive motion can make your symptoms worse.

The best way to determine the source of your pain is to consult your PCP. There are some simple, non-invasive tests that can tell your PCP if this is CT or not. I encourage you to make an appointment and have a good clinical evaluation. When we wait too long we can do permanent damage to the nerves.

Best of luck and please let us know how you are doing.

Take Care,
~Tuck