Cubital Tunnel syndrome

[ruberio]

has anyone else had this condition? its similiar to carpal tunnel but it affects the ulnar nerve instead. i've had an ongoing problem with pain and numbness in my right hand, running from the little finger to just past my wrist. i went to see my G.P. today and he's diagnosed cubital tunnel syndrome, advised me to take anti imflammatories but if it doesn't improve in 3 months i may need surgery. i've done a bit of research online since information wasn't very forthcoming from my doctor but i'd love to know if any other geeks have used exercises to treat this instead? i'm terrfied that my career might be over before i even start it!xxx

 

[siobrennan]

hi there!
get yourself to a physio and get treatment before it gets worse (I'm an ex physio lol) Its not a condition I had much to do with as I was based in respiratory medicine but there are hand specialists out there on the nhs who can sort you out with various hands on techniques aswell as different electrotherapy treatments and of course specific exercises.
I'm pretty sure you can self refer into physio in your health board district and get seen pretty quick, I'd give your local health centre a call and ask for some info xxx

 

[ruberio]

thank you! my doc is pretty notorious for not discussing options or providing info, i'll definitely call about the self referral though. do you think that an elbow splint would help when i'm sleeping? i'm pretty bad for sleeping with my hand all tucked in under my pillow lol xxx

 

[siobrennan]

it depends on whether its something that you are aggravating while moving or at prolonged rest, but again the splints can be provided really easily and free on the nhs, then you will definately be getting the right one for the job xxx

 

[Tomme]

Don't let yourself think your career is over, its not over unless YOU let it!
I felt the same when I started my weekend salon job and got dermatitis bad. I refused to let it stop me, took care of my hands (and so you should, they are everyone's most used tool) and got on with it.

I have a bump on my hand that hurts every few months, a whack with a brick and all fixed for a few months.
Keep at it and be an amazing stylist! Xoxo

 

[angelardn]

Try physio before even thinking about surgery. I've had both carpal and cubital surgery. It was the best thing for me at the time but I have been left with intermittent pain and weakness x

 

[siobrennan]

Try physio before even thinking about surgery. I've had both carpal and cubital surgery. It was the best thing for me at the time but I have been left with intermittent pain and weakness x

this is the thing, sometimes surgery IS the best option, but sometimes the doctors tell you that a bit too quickly!! xxx

 

[ruberio]

i'm such a big girls blouse lol, the thought of surgery scares me(otherwise i'd have been lipo'd from head to toe by now lol), i think i just freaked when my doc blithely said 'oh just get surgery if it doesn't improve'. thanks for the advice and encouragement guys, i'm definitely not going to let it hold me back, funnily enough it doesn't hurt when i'm styling!xxx
haha Tomme, a brick? xxx