To ask about carpal tunnel?

[Iaminagony]

Two years ago I went to doctors with (what I now realise was) mild carpal tunnel in both wrists. Advised to get wrist supports and a blood test before further treatment considered. Blood test showed low thyroid, medication given, not had an issue since….

Until 10 days ago… mild tingling has escalated to severe pain at night and constant aches in both at arms. I’d been putting off going to the doctors until the kids are back at school, but I’m on the verge of tears today through pain and lack of sleep. I can’t find the wrist supports I previously had, so have ordered more for tomorrow.

Please someone tell me the wrist supports will help, or do you think I’m going to need further treatment now? I’m self employed, tired, stressed with children in school hols. I just need a bit of reassurance. I will go to the doctors after Easter.

I found the wrist supports did help as they moved the weight of my hand to the elbow.

I also slept with about all the pillows I had so I slept sitting up but also pillows propping my arm up, too.

But I did end up having the op. I couldn’t hold a knife to eat my dinner or prep veges etc.

Wrist supports should help and there are ‘nerve-flossing’ and general mobility exercises you can do to help relieve pressure on the nerves. Have you seen a physiotherapist regarding your CT or just your GP?

I had this in my right wrist. A wrist support helped for a while, physio helped a bit, then a steroid injection worked for about 6 months. In the end I had surgery as I could barely function. No problems since then.

I had developed very painful carpal tunnel in both wrists and thankfully had both operated on with 4 months in a NHS Scotland hospital. I found the wrist splints purchased in the chemist were ideal (and wearing them during the night made a huge difference too). Now waiting to have trigger fingers sorted...

Using a keyboard for most of my career, so was inevitable I guess...

Do you use a computer? What is your setup? I would do a DSE assessment if you haven't already, and get yourself a proper wrist support for your keyboard and an ergonomic mouse. I used to get carpel tunnel (not as bad as some posters here by the sounds of it admittedly) and alongside a steroid injection, changing all that stuff to be ergonomic really improved things.

This is the one I used, improved the pain almost overnight for me https://www.logitech.com/en-gb/shop/p/lift-vertical-ergonomic-mouse.910-006473?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Paid-Search&utm_campaign=DEPT_FY26_QX_GBR_LO_Logi_DTX-Logitech-Shopping_Google_na&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwh_i_BhCzARIsANimeoGKSh8RNhmoe8A-bXs_DfLfv8n07zZBT5RxISTIcawQhsdlVG96-a0aAqFwEALw_wcB#reviews-faqs