Help diagnose wrist and finger pain

A

acorny12

New member
I'm a 22 yr old male. 6 feet and 149lbs

Symptoms
I've been having pain in both of my hands for the past few months. The wrists hurt on the palm side of the hand and the fingers hurt along the intermediate phalanges on the fingernail side.

Repetitive motions such as using the computer or playing any video games causes the wrist symptoms and feels better with rest. My fingers do not hurt with repetitive motion but do when they are at rest however.

Things that may be related to this
I have noticed weakness in my hands when I wake up in the morning but it soon goes away. I've also noticed that my wrists are more easily able to pop if I pull back on them or push downward. I have a lot of laxity throughout my joints.

Doctors I've seen and tests
I have seen my primary doctor and a hand specialist who both cannot find any cause to why this is happening. They are both very sure that whatever I have isn't serious because upon examination they found no abnormalities whatsoever and said I have good range of motion and strength. I have also had an emg which came back showing no nerve damage.

What I've tried
I went to see a physical therapist who also couldn't find anything wrong but still gave me a list of exercises to strengthen my wrists and forearms that I am doing at the moment. This doesn't seem to have helped however.


What do you guys think? Is it possible that despite all these examinations I may still have a common problem like carpal tunnel or tendonitis and these doctors just haven't picked up on it? I don't doubt the abilities of the people I've seen but to come up with nothing is frustrating. I'm open to any suggestions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, referred pain, whatever at this point so I can try to fix this. My symptoms are not severe by any means and I don't have any limitations as of yet.
 
trixter22: I'd say it would be carpal tunnel syndrome. With all the typing and electronic use going on these days it's on the rise even more. Try getting a wrist rest for your keyboard. They also sell wrist bands that you can wear at night to help keep the hand straight. Anything with repetitive motion can cause this. Dentists get it from using the tools to clean teeth.

Your keyboard needs to be so when you're typing that your hands come in at an angle and put the keyboard down flat, not raised, to keep the hands straight and not with the wrists flexed upwards. So put the little feet on the keyboard down and see if it makes a difference, unless you use a laptop.

You can try wrapping the hand/arm in heat and see if that helps. A chiropractor might help with it too.
 
92261

An EMG is a test done to see how the nerves respond to certain stimulii.

trixter22

The best way to test for carpal tunnel is to turn your hand over so that your palm is facing up and using the index finger of your other hand, tap the middle of your wrist. If you can feel a tingling or pain than you most likely have carpal tunnel.

I would suggest maybe seeing a neurologist if you feel that your hands are weak in the morning. You can purchase wrist splints at any drug store or medical supply store. Try to wear these while you are working and maybe take some Tylenol to see if it helps with the inflammation.

Brenda
 
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