From: Danny Cox (dandermanuk@gmail.com)
Date: Thu Nov 30 2006 - 09:36:32 ART
On 30/11/06, CharlesB <cbalik@adelphia.net> wrote:
> Sorry for a not directly related topic with the studies but last six months
> I have been heavily doing typing and doing lot of labs.
> I did realize some pain on my wrists last month. Now, more pain and numbness
> on the fingers.
> My exam is in 19 days now, so this issue is stressing me out more now.
>
> Did any of you guys have the same type of issue?
As others say, it does sound like carpal tunnel issues - also known as
RSI or repetitive strain injury. Definitely get to see a doctor but
meantime, apply ice to where it hurts when you've finished doing lab
work - it helps reduce the swelling and try to work out whether your
posture is adequate at your desk. For example, if your desk is too
high compared to your sitting position, it can put quite a stress on
your shoulders over time, which streses these areas. Certainly having
a wrist rest is important here.
What's happening with this situation - assuming that this IS your
problem - is that the sheath through which the tendon passes, gets
swollen and begins to impinge upon the tendon itself. Once it gets
bad, you can't just work through it, because every movement of the
tendon excerbates the problem. It also appears as tennis elbow and
housewife's knee and all manner of other issues - I had it in my left
shoulder for quite a while (known as a rotator cuff injury).
There are various anti-inflammatory creams and drugs which may help
too - but I'd ask your doctor about them. Stress won't help, so 19
days out from your lab sounds about as stressful a time as you'll get,
which means I suppose it could settle down after, but it can become
very acute and I'd recommend you don't ignore it. It is much easier to
sort out earlier rather than later. Definitely get medical opinion.
I wish you well in it and hope it gets resolved easily.
Danny
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