Working manual labour with carpal tunnel syndrome

[Just_Me_Rachel]

Hi guys,

When I posted last you guys seemed to have plenty advice for me. So I'm going to ask if anyone has experience with carpal tunnel syndrome....

I clean houses for a living, i'm only doing 12hrs weekly at the moment. I've been diagnosed with carpal tunnel on both hands. Right hand is serious (grade 5), left hand is light. I have to get to the Dr and run more tests, but my main concern now, is, can I continue my cleaning job? I'm afraid it'll be making the situation worse.

On a different note, I wonder the consequences on not treating it, but that's for another thread.

Pls advice re working??

Thanks very much,

 

[iHs]

This sort of depends on how much lifting and gripping things with your hands that you do. CTC is usually very troublesome during the night when asleep resulting in pins and needles in fingertips but can also be uncomfortable during the day so anything that puts a strain on the median nerve should be avoided if possible.

 

[himtoo]

hey there @Just_Me_Rachel
I have had 5 operations for trigger finger ( 5 different fingers ) and recently have been getting numbness in my right hand at the tips of my middle finger and forefinger.
from other people's descriptions it does sound as though I have early carpal tunnel symptoms -- I have not progressed to going to GP yet.

have they not offered an operation for you yet ??

 

[Just_Me_Rachel]

hey there@Just_Me_Rachel
I have had 5 operations for trigger finger ( 5 different fingers ) and recently have been getting numbness in my right hand at the tips of my middle finger and forefinger.
from other people's descriptions it does sound as though I have early carpal tunnel symptoms -- I have not progressed to going to GP yet.

have they not offered an operation for you yet ??

Hi there.

No, I have still not seen the specialist, just ran the tests. I'm concerned my job doing manual labour will worsen the situation. I do hope not to have to have surgery!!

 

[kenrobrich]

I also have carpal tunnel in my left hand from playing guitar! Probably not as bad as yourself since it's just a hobby and not a living, but it does flare up from time to time when playing excessively (like practicing for a gig - when I need my hands the most!). I used to wear a splint sometimes but that gets in the way, so i'd recommend using Kinesiology tape when cleaning.

Beware of the anti-inflammatory drugs they prescribe - make sure you double, triple check with your doctor about these mixing with your diabetes as some doctors tend to forget.