For several months I have been experiencing severe hand/wrist pain in both hands. In my work the use of my hands is required continuously for twelve hours a day, three to four days a week; there have been some excruciating days to endure. About three months after the pain began I went through testing, and was consequently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in both wrists. It has been a measure in endurance, as where I work is scheduled to close within the next couple of months, to keep on working through until the closure. With the skills I possess, this is not a diagnosis that can be taken lightly, but life goes on.
No, it has not been easy, but not too many things in my life have been, so I choose to take it one day at a time and see what transpires. Medications have been prescribed, some relatively expensive, considering our Health Insurance was discontinued a couple of months ago. Throughout this process, where I work has been purchased and they are in the process of removing and re-allocating the assets, to eventual closure. In the process the employees have been picked up by a Temp Agency, after re-applying for our jobs for a 60-90 day period, and we continue production. Trips to the Rheumatologist and the Pharmacy have been paid for out of my own pocket. Its a challenge, but one I will do my best to be up to.
In the meantime, production continues in order to keep the remaining customers content, while contracts are completed and they build up their inventories awaiting relocation and set up of presses for continued production. The number of employees has dropped considerably due to terminations, layoffs, attrition, and those moving on to other jobs. While those of us remaining continue to do our jobs, sometimes more than one, in order to "get the job done." Some days are never-ending, particularly when we are required to work the twelve hour shift three day weekends and sometimes during hours we do not prefer, meaning a real workout for the wrists and hands. Typically once the day is over, there is considerable discomfort to be dealt with, even on the medications. At home, living alone, the housework and household chores still await completion. Considering the problems associated with having this chronic progressive disease, a person must learn new ways to do things, that lessen the strain or stress on the hands and wrists, while still getting the job done. Failing to take the disease into account, can result in severe pain and debilitation due to not exercising precautions.
Even with continuous wrist and hand pain, although not quite as excruciating due to medication, I still do what I have to do. Whether its hand-washing the dishes, my car, cleaning house, mowing the lawn in season, planting flowers or whatever. I have never been one to shirk responsibilities or work, and that is still the case. Although these days I don't really have a lot of choice, its either me or it does not get done. Rheumatoid Arthritis will make my life considerably more of a challenge, possibly even getting worse over time, but I will not allow it to get the best of me. I will attempt to live my life to the best of my capabilities and fortitude, and hope for the best.
Selasa, 31 Oktober 2017
Rabu, 11 Oktober 2017
8 Secrets of Coping With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Other Wrist Pain
Thousands of people every year succumb to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or wrist tendonitis. This is a kind of repetitive strain injury, usually caused by repeated and excessive unnatural movements of the wrist and fingers.
This article will look briefly at the possible causes and a few treatments, including one highly effective yet little known one, that do not involve taking pills (other than vitamin pills) or having steroid injections or surgery.
If you have a tingling feeling in your fingers, a feeling of weakness or pain in your grip, or shooting pains that go into your fingers or forearm, then you probably have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or wrist tendonitis (it's worth checking with your doctor, though, before you do anything else, that it's not arthritis).
It used to be carpenters and typists who mostly suffered from this most painful condition, which comes on gradually over a period of weeks or months. Now, with so many people using computers and keyboards, the problem has become much more widespread.
Some authorities believe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused simply by a vitamin B6 deficiency. The cure, according to them, is to take large daily doses of vitamin B6. If you choose this course, take medical advice as to how much you should take exactly, as it is toxic if taken in excessive doses. The vitamin B6 route does not bring immediate relief by any means. It is often as much as 6 weeks before you can expect to feel any improvement. After that you should continue but with a smaller dosage.
If you prefer a herbal remedy then perhaps the best herb to take is Turmeric, a common kitchen spice, which is good for reducing inflammation. The typical dosage is up to one teaspoon of powdered spice per day mixed in with your main course, or one 300 milligram capsule containing 95 per cent curcumin (the active ingredient) one to three times a day.
Is there anything you can do to bring more immediate relief? Yes, there is. The first thing is to assess what it is that has caused the onset of the complaint. If it is typing at a keyboard then consider the height of the keyboard compared to your own body position. It's important not to have the desk too high. If it is, then lower the desk, if possible, or raise your seat. Most office desks these days come at the correct height for a person of average height.
Take a regular break from typing (or whatever activity it is that is causing the problem) every 30 to 60 minutes until your wrists feel relaxed enough to resume. Do stretching exercises regularly throughout your working day. Rest your forearm on the desk and use your other hand to gently pull your fingertips back for 3 to 5 seconds at a time.
Next, raise your arms above your head and rotate and stretch your hands and wrists. Do this for up to 2 minutes around four times a day. You'll feel much better and relaxed for it, and it will help relieve feelings of stress and tension in your neck and shoulders as well.
Another beneficial exercise every now and then is simply to gently clench your fists and then open your fingers and bend them backwards towards your forearm as far as they will go. Hold for a few seconds and repeat. This is very good for dispersing any tingling sensations.
If you feel like using a bandage or a splint then be careful. If a bandage is applied too tightly it will impede your circulation. Splints with a metal insert and Velcro fasteners are preferable to plastic splints, which are often too hard, and can be hot and sticky. Make sure it fits properly so that your thumb and fingers are free.
Finally, try the following exercise several times a day to obtain lasting relief from carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist tendonitis. With your left thumb, follow the outside of your right arm to the hollow in the centre of your wrist, at its crease. Place your middle finger directly behind it on the inside of your wrist. Gently press with both middle finger and thumb for one minute before changing hands.
This article will look briefly at the possible causes and a few treatments, including one highly effective yet little known one, that do not involve taking pills (other than vitamin pills) or having steroid injections or surgery.
If you have a tingling feeling in your fingers, a feeling of weakness or pain in your grip, or shooting pains that go into your fingers or forearm, then you probably have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or wrist tendonitis (it's worth checking with your doctor, though, before you do anything else, that it's not arthritis).
It used to be carpenters and typists who mostly suffered from this most painful condition, which comes on gradually over a period of weeks or months. Now, with so many people using computers and keyboards, the problem has become much more widespread.
Some authorities believe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused simply by a vitamin B6 deficiency. The cure, according to them, is to take large daily doses of vitamin B6. If you choose this course, take medical advice as to how much you should take exactly, as it is toxic if taken in excessive doses. The vitamin B6 route does not bring immediate relief by any means. It is often as much as 6 weeks before you can expect to feel any improvement. After that you should continue but with a smaller dosage.
If you prefer a herbal remedy then perhaps the best herb to take is Turmeric, a common kitchen spice, which is good for reducing inflammation. The typical dosage is up to one teaspoon of powdered spice per day mixed in with your main course, or one 300 milligram capsule containing 95 per cent curcumin (the active ingredient) one to three times a day.
Is there anything you can do to bring more immediate relief? Yes, there is. The first thing is to assess what it is that has caused the onset of the complaint. If it is typing at a keyboard then consider the height of the keyboard compared to your own body position. It's important not to have the desk too high. If it is, then lower the desk, if possible, or raise your seat. Most office desks these days come at the correct height for a person of average height.
Take a regular break from typing (or whatever activity it is that is causing the problem) every 30 to 60 minutes until your wrists feel relaxed enough to resume. Do stretching exercises regularly throughout your working day. Rest your forearm on the desk and use your other hand to gently pull your fingertips back for 3 to 5 seconds at a time.
Next, raise your arms above your head and rotate and stretch your hands and wrists. Do this for up to 2 minutes around four times a day. You'll feel much better and relaxed for it, and it will help relieve feelings of stress and tension in your neck and shoulders as well.
Another beneficial exercise every now and then is simply to gently clench your fists and then open your fingers and bend them backwards towards your forearm as far as they will go. Hold for a few seconds and repeat. This is very good for dispersing any tingling sensations.
If you feel like using a bandage or a splint then be careful. If a bandage is applied too tightly it will impede your circulation. Splints with a metal insert and Velcro fasteners are preferable to plastic splints, which are often too hard, and can be hot and sticky. Make sure it fits properly so that your thumb and fingers are free.
Finally, try the following exercise several times a day to obtain lasting relief from carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist tendonitis. With your left thumb, follow the outside of your right arm to the hollow in the centre of your wrist, at its crease. Place your middle finger directly behind it on the inside of your wrist. Gently press with both middle finger and thumb for one minute before changing hands.
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