carpal tunnel

[fudgesmummy]

Hi all- has anyone got any experience of carpal tunnel syndrome? I used to suffer a few years ago and had splints made to wear at night. I wore them for about a year and the symptoms were greatly reduced and gradually went away. For some reason this last week the symptoms are back and much, much worse than before-I'm up several times a night in agony and the pain is lasting well into the day. The splints that I had made before have both broken and I can't get an appointment to have another set made until the
new year-has any one found out anything that works to relieve the now unbearable pain?
Also has anyone had the operation?
TIA

You can buy the splints 'off the shelf' - just Google carpal tunnel splints and you'll find loads, Try putting ibuprofen gel on the insde of your wrists to help with inflammation of the tendon, and look for streching exercises too.
The op is very quick, simple and effective - my mum and aunt have both had both hands done, and I've had one (but in the context of injury)

Sorry, can't help with recommendations for relieving the pain as I ended up having the surgery. It was a great success and I have been pain free ever since. It was done as day surgery under local anaesthetic, home within a few hours and off work for about 2 and a half weeks in total.

I also have carpal tunnel syndrome in my other wrist too but it's less severe and so far it's not bad enough to opt for surgery yet. However, if it worsens, I wouldn't hesitate to have it done again.

As others have said the splints are now off the shelf and not supplied on prescription any longer. The mediums are easy to find, however, if you need the small (hand size 5 to 6) you will need to phone round I only found these in the 7th chemist I tried.
I had the steriod injection (which NICE now say has to be tried) it lasted 2 weeks before mild pain started and at 4 weeks proper pain and numbness returned. I am now waiting for surgery - I need to have 3 weeks of work and then phased return due to job I have so need to wait for it to fit into rota. Like CMOT my carpal tunnel is also of traumatic origin.

thanks everyone x

Had the surgery (twice on right, once on left) Done under local, though I did pass out due to phobia of needles and woke up once op was finished! Went back to work next day (hate being ill) and have been pain and problem free ever since (22 years now) I would push your gp for the surgery, its def the best long term option.