I am being tested for Carpal tunnel syndrome

[FabIsGoingToGetFit]

As well as other things. Can anyone tell me anything about it?

very common problem particularly as you get older or if you have certain problems such as hypothyroidism; arthritis; kidney problems

It is the compression of a nerve at the wrist. Typical symptoms tingling, numbness , reduced sensation over thumb muscles and first two fingers. Often worse at nihgt and relieved by shaking the hand or dangling it out of bed. Often affects both hands.

Tested for by nerve conduction studies.

Various treatments such as wrist splints ; steroid injections ; minor op - 10 minutes under local anaesthetic

Hi Fabis, I went for that test last week. It didnt take long ( 15 mins) and it didnt hurt (except once). They put sticky pads in certain places on your hands, wrists and arm up to the elbows. They send a pulse through and the graph on the screen shows when the nerve responds. From this they can work out what nerves are affected and by how much.

My left wrist is affected by carpel tunnel and they not sure about the right wrist. I have to go back in a couple of weeks to see the consultant to hear what he recommends.

I am left handed and been a seamstress for many years. This hand is pins and needles and numbness; the other one has sharp pains at the wrist and back of the hand. They did x rays two weeks before this test and it showed there was no cartlidge in the right wrist. I think this one was caused by working at the check outs for the last 3years.

Good luck and dont be nervous - I'm sure you will be alright.

Thank you both of you.

I suggested to my GP I had it last year but he just said no. I am being tested for hypothyroidism after a mumsnetter suggested it and are having blood tests next week for that as well as iron levels and a few other things. That is due to my excessive tiredness.

The arthritis and kidney references are interesting as I have a dodgy knee at times and I think my mother has had kidney problems.