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    Sitwonade's Avatar
    Sitwonade Posts: 24, Reputation: 3
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    #1

    Mar 30, 2008, 07:32 AM
    Is wrist pain synonymous with carpal tunnel syndrome?
    For the past two weeks I was experiencing significant pain in my right wrist. Several people commented that it might be carpal tunnel syndrome. Due to my lifestyle I would assume I would be at high risk for such a condition: I've been a gamer since I elementary school and a programmer since middle school. I work in the computer industry spending my weekdays at the keyboard. I also work at a grocery store (weekends) where I do a lot of repetitive motions (register) and also some heavy lifting (breaking pallets).

    Obviously it would suck if I couldn't use my right wrist... would make things like typing and gaming rather difficult (as well as picking up 6-gallon cases of water). However, I kept putting off going to see a doctor (I'm a busy person, I have two additional jobs beyond what I just described) and my wrist seems to be fine now.

    How would I know if I have carpal tunnel or not? If it goes away, it's probably not a big deal, right?
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #2

    Mar 30, 2008, 08:35 AM
    Try to shift some of the work to your left hand. It can only help your right hand, Plus your left would be a better Backup Tool.
    Now my right wrist is hurting. Ergonomic Keyboard could help along with Your Keyboard Height and Seat position.
    shygrneyzs's Avatar
    shygrneyzs Posts: 5,017, Reputation: 936
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    #3

    Mar 30, 2008, 08:46 AM
    The only way for you to definitely know is to see your doctor, who may refer you to a pain specialist or a rheumatologist or an orthopedic specialist. Now those symptoms you describe can lighten up and not bother you for a number of years. I have had episodes of carpal tunnel since 1981.

    You could ask your doctor to refer you to an Occupational Therapist or a Rehabiliation person who can explain how to modify your work station, lifestyle, etc. Your doctor can explain that also. If you do not wish to make a visit, at least read up as much as you can, from reputable sites, such as WebMd - WebMD Health Search

    Good luck to you. Take good care of yourself.
    inthebox's Avatar
    inthebox Posts: 787, Reputation: 179
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    #4

    Mar 30, 2008, 04:04 PM
    Sitwonade:

    Carpal tunnel syndrome involves dysfunction or pinching of the Median Nerve.
    Symptoms involve the palm side of your thumb, index, and middle finger.

    EMGs/NCVs or even color doppler ultrasound can confirm this.

    Ultrasonography versus nerve conduction study in p...[Rheumatology (Oxford). 2004] - PubMed Result

    As mentioned above, wrist supports/ splints may help.
    Choux's Avatar
    Choux Posts: 3,047, Reputation: 376
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    #5

    Mar 30, 2008, 08:11 PM
    When I was operating a computer a lot at my last job at a bank, I developed at different times both carpel tunnel syndrome and De Quervain's... both are painful wrist conditions from repetetive motions.

    De Quervain's left when I stopped the motion that caused it... carpel tunnel was more stubborn and only stopped when I stopped using the computer on my job.
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