Hi all,
I have seen my GP and an Osteopath and they think it's a trapped nerve in my elbow from using the computer too much. I spend a lot of time typing and using the mouse and this can't be avoided, I have made my work area more comfortable and positioned the monitor correctly but it has not helped. They both said this would explain the numbness in my little finger and ring finger, but they're both stumped on the burning. And the burning is the main issue for me.
My GP sent me to the hospital but frankly they were useless and basically told me the same thing as he did and wanted me to do acupuncture. My GP sent me to the hospital to get a cortisone injection which he said could completely cure me but they wouldn't do it, after some research it seems the NHS have cut these injections out of their budget, so when they said they don't do it, they meant they won't do it because their profit is more important than my pain.
On my right hand the burning is across the tops of my fingers, hand and wrist, the palm and underside aren't affected. The pain used to kick in after using the computer but now I literally wake up in pain and it gets worse all the time. The problem started 2 years ago but back then it was very mild and not very often, now it's extremely painful and most of the time. I am constantly on painkillers around the clock and my hand is always soaked in Tiger Balm which is the only cream/gel to give me any relieve.
I have tried every product under the sun, Powerball, Stressball, IMAK Smart Glove, TENS, Gel Ice Packs, Handmaster Plus and pretty much every cream/gel on the market. Nothing so far has helped much. I have also searched for a private practise that can do the cortisone injection in my area but I can't seem to find one, so if anyone in the Barnet area knows of anyone please let me know.
At this point I'll take any advice, so please let me know if you have any ideas.
research trigger point pain patterns and see a decent remedial massage therapist, it is probably coming from bad posture and a decent therapist will make a difference, and give you some advice about what to do to minimise the stress on the joints and muscles
BGFL
I'll look into it, thanks.
Steve, you were lucky that your GP even took any notice of this! When I reported my numb pinky to my doc, he just brushed it off & said it wasn't important!!
The little finger on my left hand was completely numb for almost a year, before it started to get slowly better. Yes, I think it probably is a trapped nerve in the elbow & a chiropractor (possibly McTimoney) may be able to help you. Do I gather you use the 'puter a lot in your work? Have you told your employers about this?
Hi Steve,
My mom had all the symptoms you describe and she was diagnosed with carpal tunnel. I'm not saying that's what you have, but you may want to go back to your doctor and at least with your inquiry he'll give you a yes or no.
We bought a simple remedy for my mom called rhux tox, a homeopathic medicine. It's not pricey at all and may be worth the try.
Acupressure and pressure point therapy might work. Try placing your index finger two inches below the crease of the elbow. Press for 10 or 15 seconds. If the spot you pressed on feels sore or tender, then it might be possible you have carpal tunnel. Also, the spot you pressed should feel relaxed after a well.
Can you rearrange your work space? Next time you're sitting at your desk, notice if you're pushing your head forward to look at the monitor...how are your hands placed? Do you need to adjust your keyboard to make your hands more comfortable. Every once in a while take a break and stretch a bit. The muscles can become quite tight when held in one place for too long.