11 replies to this topic

[A trophy guy]

Ever since my SCI, my hands have taken over many functions that were once handled by my legs and feet. So after my SCI, my hands had to take on a sort of "double duty" in order for me to function.

Because of all this never-ending use, my hands became weak and painful. I would find myself waking at nignt to find my hand and fingers kind of curled or pushed together and stuck that way. I couldn't move them without using my other hand to pry my fingers apart.

At this point I began physical therapy for my hands, or "hand therapy" ;) There I was diagnosed with "pre-carpal tunnel syndrome". The PT itself seemed utterly useless. It consisted of some ultrasound, some massage, some hand exercises and that's it. But the diagnosis made me think.

That was like 7 or 8 years ago. My hands are still the weakest part of my entire upper body; the weakest link, if you will. ;) Is my "pre" carpal-tunnel just destined to develop into full-blown carpal-tunnel? Or is the fact that my hands haven't worsened (and have actually gotten somewhat better) since this initial diagnosis a sign that the condition can actually be improved with a longtime wheelchair user? I'd like to hope it's the latter but I fear it's the former.

Does anyone else have any trouble with their hands? As far as overuse, overstrain, injury, repetitive use issues, etc.? If so, please share...

[ZEN12many]

I have carpal tunnel in my right hand. I had it pre SCI but it has gotten worse since SCI. I now wear a wrist guard at night and that has helped a whole lot.

I also have arthritis in my left hand. That comes and goes and nothing much I can do about it. My left shoulder bothers me alot.

I don't believe hands and arms are meant to take all the work required to propel a wheelchair. They just start wearing out.

[nomis]

"Pre-carpal tunnel syndrome". That's an interesting nonpathology. I think your therapist would have been more honest in saying that whatever was happening to your hands may lead to CTS. The fact that you haven't got it more than 7 years on probably means you won't (and if you get it another 7 years on the risk is probably worth it since it's surgically fixable).

Sure we over-use our hands (and wrists and elbows, shoulders...) and that seriously raises the risk of various injuries and conditions.

I wouldn't be surprised if what you describe is osteoarthritis which most people suffer from in varying degrees as they age. Sportspeople particularly. It's just the normal wear and tear on the cartilege that cushions the bones of your joints. Take away the cushion and you are rubbing raw bone on bone. Ouch.

After 40-plus years pushing a chair, my hands look fine but they don't always feel it. They ache, more some days than others and the palms feel a little tight but not enough to worry about. I no longer smash the pick-axe into the ground or wring out wet washing, generally avoiding anything that I know hurts my hands. But I make sure they get plenty of general use and watch my diet including fish oil for omega3.

If you plan to hang around a long time it pays to look after yourself.

[biggdoggpa]

I have often wondered about over usage of the arms wrist elbows etc etc.... when i used to train hardcore i trained one body part a day so i was in the gym 6 -7 days a week, this resulted in the worst case of forearm splints i have ever had lol!!! i had to change up and back off.. i would think that you would adapt after a while causing your arms to stay tone like marathon tone and not huge bulky arms..

[paraguy1]

Yup I have the same problem with my hands. But I also worked for General Motors before my accident which added to the problem. Before I became a team coordinator with them I built cars on the line which will do your hands no favors. I just try and strengthen my hands as much as I can even though I have small hands.

[paul1404]

You should get in touch with knight rider , he's the expert on wrist injuries!

[lavenderthistle]

A trophy guy, on 12 December 2011 - 05:17 AM, said:

Because of all this never-ending use, my hands became weak and painful. I would find myself waking at nignt to find my hand and fingers kind of curled or pushed together and stuck that way. I couldn't move them without using my other hand to pry my fingers apart.

***************************************

That was like 7 or 8 years ago. My hands are still the weakest part of my entire upper body; the weakest link, if you will. ;) Is my "pre" carpal-tunnel just destined to develop into full-blown carpal-tunnel? Or is the fact that my hands haven't worsened (and have actually gotten somewhat better) since this initial diagnosis a sign that the condition can actually be improved with a longtime wheelchair user? I'd like to hope it's the latter but I fear it's the former.

You indicate this is better...are you still waking with your fingers curled? Many things can cause hand and finger oddness apart from CTS. I've been misdiagnosed with tendon and muscle issues before by well meaning but non thorough exams.

Pinched nerves in your neck can cause issues too. Did this hand function loss happen near a big bulk up in upper body muscles? Scalenes can tighten and cause all sorts of lower arm issues when nerves get impinged. If this hasn't really recurred then it could very well have been an isolated event.

I realize this isn't exactly what you asked but it can help to think outside the box

Edited by lavenderthistle, 12 December 2011 - 06:46 PM.

[A trophy guy]

lavenderthistle, on 12 December 2011 - 06:42 PM, said:

A trophy guy, on 12 December 2011 - 05:17 AM, said:

Because of all this never-ending use, my hands became weak and painful. I would find myself waking at nignt to find my hand and fingers kind of curled or pushed together and stuck that way. I couldn't move them without using my other hand to pry my fingers apart.

***************************************

That was like 7 or 8 years ago. My hands are still the weakest part of my entire upper body; the weakest link, if you will. ;) Is my "pre" carpal-tunnel just destined to develop into full-blown carpal-tunnel? Or is the fact that my hands haven't worsened (and have actually gotten somewhat better) since this initial diagnosis a sign that the condition can actually be improved with a longtime wheelchair user? I'd like to hope it's the latter but I fear it's the former.

You indicate this is better...are you still waking with your fingers curled? Many things can cause hand and finger oddness apart from CTS. I've been misdiagnosed with tendon and muscle issues before by well meaning but non thorough exams.

Pinched nerves in your neck can cause issues too. Did this hand function loss happen near a big bulk up in upper body muscles? Scalenes can tighten and cause all sorts of lower arm issues when nerves get impinged. If this hasn't really recurred then it could very well have been an isolated event.

I realize this isn't exactly what you asked but it can help to think outside the box

While it doesn't happen as often as it once did, yes, the problem of my hands becoming "stuck" in pinched or clutched positions at night still occurs. I have no real grip strength (relatively speaking) and my hands give me problems when I'm working out. Problems like maintaining grip of the arm-bike pedals when I'm on the UBE and being able to grip heavy weights. I don't believe the issue is the result of any pinched nerve or anything, as it's been fairly constant (albeit not worsening) for many years now.

[sherbs]

Actually, i find i wake up each morning with pins and needles in my arms / hands, i did mention this last time i was in queens sq. and the pain consultant said it had nothing to do with my sci as i have a thoracic tumor and it would not affect my arms or hands, he didn't have any answers, so I'm baffled

[skeetie]

lavenderthistle, on 12 December 2011 - 06:42 PM, said:

A trophy guy, on 12 December 2011 - 05:17 AM, said:

Because of all this never-ending use, my hands became weak and painful. I would find myself waking at nignt to find my hand and fingers kind of curled or pushed together and stuck that way. I couldn't move them without using my other hand to pry my fingers apart.

***************************************

That was like 7 or 8 years ago. My hands are still the weakest part of my entire upper body; the weakest link, if you will. ;) Is my "pre" carpal-tunnel just destined to develop into full-blown carpal-tunnel? Or is the fact that my hands haven't worsened (and have actually gotten somewhat better) since this initial diagnosis a sign that the condition can actually be improved with a longtime wheelchair user? I'd like to hope it's the latter but I fear it's the former.

You indicate this is better...are you still waking with your fingers curled? Many things can cause hand and finger oddness apart from CTS. I've been misdiagnosed with tendon and muscle issues before by well meaning but non thorough exams.

Pinched nerves in your neck can cause issues too. Did this hand function loss happen near a big bulk up in upper body muscles? Scalenes can tighten and cause all sorts of lower arm issues when nerves get impinged. If this hasn't really recurred then it could very well have been an isolated event.

I realize this isn't exactly what you asked but it can help to think outside the box

[KK*]

I also have been diagnosed with "pre-carpal tunnel syndrome" but my Dr defined it as Stage 1 Carpal tunnel syndrome. My Dr said of course there are the braces and wrist guards but they will most likely interfere with the propulsion of my wheelchair. So, the Dr actually wrote me a Rx for a power chair since my diagnosis is "complete". Also, advised me to wear the brace or guard when able or the next step woud be surgery.

Wish you the best.

KK

[Vanessamaee]

Carpel Tunnel and Arthritis are common in manual wheelchair users is what my doctor told me. I have early signs of it and I have only been in a chair for 7 months now. However my hands are messed up to begin with from 13 years of gymnastics, and getting stepped on my horses and bulls. I'm not even sure how many bones I have broken in them. I also have nerve damage in my right arm which affects my hand, some days its barely noticeable, other days it can render my hand completely useless.

Just the competitive use and reliance on our upper body puts manual wheelchair users at greater risk of injury and can result in us getting issues such as arthritis or carpel tunnel at an earlier age.