Carpal and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

[sadlebred]

Has anyone ever been diagnosed with Carpal and Cubital Tunnel Syndromes? About 2 months ago I started getting pins and needles in both hands. It's progressed on the right side to the point where I can't feel my hand occasionally (usually waking up at night), and there is pain down the outer side of that arm. I saw a hand specialist today. She ordered nerve conduction studies that I'll schedule ASAP. She also recommended braces at night. Some background: In high school and college I dealt with Carpal Tunnel and Repetitive Stress Injury. The only thing they did back then other than some really nasty surgery was the braces. I wore them but never really knew if they made a difference. It all went away after I stopped working that job after college. Most likely I'm facing some PT/OT and nerve gliding sessions after the test results come back....so....

Can you tell me if the braces worked for you before I call another MM loss on $40? If not, what did? Even if they did, what worked for you? Did you do OT/PT or have surgery? No pain drugs are involved. I can't take Ibuprofen. 

[sproctopus]

I had surgery on both wrists last year. I was out of work just 2 days for each surgery. They went in through the wrist to do the release. I'm a scientist at the bench-- surgeries on a Thursday, pipetting again on Monday. Incredibly easy recovery both times. Instant relief. I was sleeping terrible bc I'd wake up several times a night to shake my arms awake, my hands fell asleep while driving every time, had a hard time gripping things, etc.

[sproctopus]

Oh-- fuck that nerve conduction study, lol. I'd have surgery 6 times a day before I get electrocuted repeatedly with that thing. Necessary for diagnosing the nerve damage and estimating how successful the surgery/release will be, but goddamn they undersold me that experience lol.

[sadlebred]

May 7, 2024 20:28:56 GMT -5 sproctopus said:

Oh-- fuck that nerve conduction study, lol. I'd have surgery 6 times a day before I get electrocuted repeatedly with that thing. Necessary for diagnosing the nerve damage and estimating how successful the surgery/release will be, but goddamn they undersold me that experience lol.

That makes me dread this more....and I'm a pretty tough gal when it comes to medical stuff.

[sproctopus]

May 7, 2024 20:44:27 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

May 7, 2024 20:28:56 GMT -5 sproctopus said:

Oh-- fuck that nerve conduction study, lol. I'd have surgery 6 times a day before I get electrocuted repeatedly with that thing. Necessary for diagnosing the nerve damage and estimating how successful the surgery/release will be, but goddamn they undersold me that experience lol.

That makes me dread this more....and I'm a pretty tough gal when it comes to medical stuff.

It's quick but it is electrocution, lol.

[Roc A Bee]

I was never diagnosed but I had all the symptoms after a big move. I wore braces at night, and sometimes at home. It went away for me. I do feel it flair when I spend too much time on my phone, so I’ll put the brace on again. I definitely think it’s worth trying them.

[Jalapeñomel]

I had surgery on both hands while I was pregnant. I did the right in August and once that healed (6 weeks or so), I did the other side. I couldn't sleep at night due to the pain, my hands were asleep constantly or pins and needles. I couldn't grip anything, straight torture.

Nothing else worked (braces did jack shit), but since I've had the surgery, I have no pain.

[daisyduck]

I had surgery for tarsal tunnel syndrome a couple of weeks ago (similar issue in the ankle instead of the wrist). I can't comment on the braces or surgery, but I did have a nerve conduction study in my leg/ankle. I didn't think it was too bad, you definitely felt the pulses, but just for a fraction of a second each time. It might be worse in the wrist/arm, but it wasn't bad in the leg, just kind of a weird sensation.

Good luck, I hope you find something that works.

[dochas]

The braces definitely helped my husband and sister. If you have wrist guards for roller blading they're good enough. They're both tough and will never forget the electrocution thing.

[mrsukyankee]

I use the wrist braces as soon as I notice any pain or tingling in my wrist/arm and it seems to help. I'm not sure what triggers mine as it's random, so I keep a wrist brace at home and at work.

[googled]

I have Cubital TS in my right arm. I wore a brace in my wrist for a while but it honestly didn’t do much, and the doctor that diagnosed me suggested I wear an elbow pad backwards when I sleep, which I felt was kind of absurd. Like, I can’t get a brace specifically made for that purpose?

I had to get myself in the habit of making sure my arm is extended before I fall asleep because I have the most pain and problems when I’ve slept with it folded up. I also make sure I have enough work space to extend my arm to the right and use my mouse off to the side so I don’t compress the nerve throughout the day while I work.

[maudefindlay]

The EMG I had for carpal tunnel was painful. I tried braces and a cortisone shot, but neither did much and my ortho doc told me that letting it go on could lead to permanent loss of function. I had my left hand done last June and my right in September (my surgeon required 90 days between surgeries). Easy recoveries and both were successful and no issues now except I wish I had done it years ago as my fine motor is not the best, it's fine but wish it were better. I came home from both surgeries and had to keep the hand elevated and rest that day then back to normal activities as able. Fingers were all free, just obviously no lifting at first. Pain wasn't an issue, just awkward to have hand wrapped up for weeks. Was the best both times getting rid of the wrap

[picksthemusic]

I used to work at a Sport and Spine clinic, and we did EMG/nerve conduction studies there. The patients always said they were more painful than they had anticipated, even though we warned them that it was not comfortable for most people.

It depends on the severity, but braces often do help, especially when worn at night since people can tend to tuck their arms and bend their wrists for long periods of time, which can exacerbate the issue. One of the treatments we also offered besides surgery was steroid injections, and often that worked really well. So if that's an option for you, I'd look into it and get a consult.

Hope you can find some good solutions!

[pumpkincat]

My DH is having both done early July this year. He's a teacher and from scheduling purposes makes the most sense to do them both at the same time, but I'm a tad nervous that he doesn't understand how out of commission he will be.

Braces have done nothing to alleviate the issues, so here we are.

[ssmjlm]

I didn't think the nerve testing was all that bad, but the doctor told me I didn't have carpal tunnel.

My outer 2 fingers fall asleep at night. I wear the braces and they help a bit, but I don't think they're designed for the outer fingers.

I don't know, the doctor was pretty mean and I left the appt in tears and haven't brought it up to my PCP again. I have really weak hands though, sometimes they just won't work. It's hard to explain.

[jamie.1022]

I agree with fuck the NC study!

Anyway, I did PT for awhile and I used a brace on my elbow at night that keeps the arm straight. That way, there is no pinching of the nerve, etc. After a couple weeks, I used just a small puffy sleeve that looks like a sock that prevents the elbow from being closed all the way. Again, just to keep the nerve open. Lots of stretches and home exercises per my PT.