Pain in hand - RSI?

[Lizzii]

Hi

I've had a slightly annoying problem for the last couple of weeks that I'm not sure how to deal with and am looking for a bit of guidance.

I've been experiencing muscle cramp type pain in the middle to pinky fingers on my left hand intermittently (a few times throughout each day) which makes my left hand painful to use for a few minutes each time. The pain is only in the top of these three fingers (where the finger meets the palm down to the knuckle) and it feels like cramp but isn't helped by moving/stretching the fingers. Occasionally I get a burning sensation/pain in the inside of my elbow too, but this has only happened occasionally.

I do work on a computer and type a reasonable amount each day so I'm guessing that doesn't help. The cramp happens at work but it happens at other times, even if I'm not doing anything with my hand. I'm guessing it could be repetitive strain but I want to try to do something myself to help this if this is the case to avoid going to my GP yet if I can help it. I'm not sure what else I could try though ( I do the whole correct computer posture thing already - chair not too low, avoid leaning on the elbows, rests on the keyboard and not hitting the keys too hard, regular breaks from typing etc)

Does this make sense to anyone? If so, does anyone have any advice?

Thanks.

[Lizzii]

Thanks Gio. I don't have any other symptoms than this (the only other medical issues I have are with allergies/chronic sinusitis with eustacian tube dysfunction and slight balance issues, none of which is new).

I spoke to our occupational heath adviser at work who suggested I raise my chair slightly more than I have to make sure I don't have to lean on my elbow so I'll see if that helps. Otherwise I'll seek further advice.

Shana - if you've had this problem for a few years perhaps you should see someone for some advice. My issue has only been ongoing for a few weeks but, if it went on for any length of time, I'd certainly get it checked. Hopefully if you do then you'll be able to sort this longstanding problem out and it will be easier for you - it's not right that you should be struggling.

[shana619]

you just described the same exact pain im experiening only difference is that its my left middle toe..... i mite have messed my foot up by running alot before my recent pregnancy but now that ive had it for a few years its happening more frequently,,,,for example if i stand on that foot and tippie toe and will stiffen up and its practically unbarrable...it hurts alot i think it feels like a very bad cramp. i know something is wrong i just dony know if i should see a foot doctor before this condition gets worse. write back if you hear anything.

[Gio77Italy]

I figure that the pain in the elbow would rule out a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

there could be other orthopedic causes above the elbow, in the cervical for example. otherwise it would be a different type of neurological problem.

is it just that or do you have any other symptoms even apparently unrelated?