Messed up Hands

[Phil]

So I have a problem with my hands. They basically fall asleep in a very severe way at night when i go to bed. They get that tingly feeling and a burning sensation and some pain when i try to clench a fist, they also get a little puffy or swollen on the back of the hand where the index finger and thumb meet. It is bad enough to wake me up at night and the feeling is persistent for almost an hour or two after i wake up. My hands tend to fall asleep during random tasks during the day as well. If i write with a pen or pencil they fall asleep, sometimes when i hold a fork when i eat, and if i hold a video game controller as well. When i work though, they don't bother me, I can feel that something is not normal, but they don't fall asleep. It seems it is the worst when i try to go to bed and my arms and hands don't move for several hours and blood flow slows.
With all the grabbing of rope and holding vibrating chainsaws all day, i can't help but think that it would exacerbate the problem or at the least keep it from getting any better. I am wondering if anyone has had problems with their hands from all the climbing and saw use. I have tried to deal with this as it only occurs at night and not during work, but it is almost too much to stand now...I will be going to a doctor to check for carpal tunnel syndrome or to see if something else is wrong.

 

[Colin]

It sounds like a pinched nerve to Doc Blaster.

 

[Blinky]

I had very similar problems. I thought it was tendonitis... then nerve problems in my arm but then I found out it was in my back. A couple of deep massages by a massage therapist cured right up. It comes back sometimes in a mild way but never lasts more than a few minutes.

I'm not saying that's what your problem is, but it's worth looking into. A good deep massage is good anyway you look at it. I trade the MT for tree work.

 

[Getreal]

Had similar problems. The tissue in my wrists were swelling and putting pressure on the nerves causing the numbness. It was either surgery or wear a wrist brace for me. Chose to wear the wrist brace. Has helped somewhat but still wake up some nights completely numb. Horrible feeling. Hope it works out for you. I have seen a few Docs about the issue and still deal with it.

 

[Getreal]

I think one doctor called it "reptitive motion injury". He told me to use my other hand. Frickin genius he was. Like I was not smart enought to switch hands if I was able when the other one fell asleep or hurt.

 

[PHCPauly]

Let us know what you find out about this. I have had the same issues and seen a few doctors also and would rather not have surgery if I can avoid it. Was given the brace but it was hard to work in. I do a lot of PHC work and have an awful time when it comes to doing soil injections with the probe and JD-9 gun.

 

[Phil]

I find it intersting that others suffer from the same issues. Why wasn't this in my job description? Kinda seems like how back problems and hearing loss work...they are built up over time and exposure. The appointments on the 26th so hopefully i'll get some good news.

 

[KyLimbwalker]

I have similar problems with my hands. I found that gloves help (I think by reducing the amount of energy I have to use to grip). Also, since the problem is with my right hand, I sleep on the right side of the bed, where I can lie on my stomach and hang my arm off the bed. This helps.

 

[cmw]

I had similar problems as well.

First doc said get a new job.

Second doc was a specialist, and like getreal said, had the option of surgery or wrist braces. Chose the wrist braces, they do the trick...when I remember to wear them. Although, they do not cure the problem, only help manage it.

 

[TonyB]

seems like many have had this issue. i've tried the chiropractor, deep tissue massage and some other "new agey" subtle nerve and energy work. I think they have all been helpful with the new age stuff doing the best. stretching has helped also. muscle balance could be an issue. take it easy on yourself a bit

 

[whataview]

I also have dealt with similar symptoms as these.My pain extends all the way up my arms though. It seems to radiate from my elbows. The pain can be enough to keep me awake at night. My hands and arms feel better while using them at work, and I think like you said it has something to do with blood flow. I have seen a few different specialists who all recommended stretching and icing them at night, which does help a lot. They also suggested a new line of work. Ha. Climbing trees for money is addicting. After dealing with this for years now I have realized that the pain stems from overuse of the muscles in our hands and arms. Climbing 40-50 hours a week. Think about how weight lifters never work the same muscle group 2 days in a row. muscles need rest to heal, which is hard for us tree climbers who can't take every other day off. So the key is this: when your hands or arms start to flare up at night, the next day or two make the new guy or another guy on your crew do all the work. Training time.

 

[Phil]

Ok....so hear are the results. I went to the doc and he told me i had 3 options....1) do nothing and deal 2) get a shot of Cortisone in the hand (80% success rate) 3) have surgery to relaese the pressure on the nerve by cutting a tendon and be out of work for 6 weeks. I decided to do the shot. And after 2 weeks, my hand is fully back to normal. The shot was a 4" needle that he jammed completely into my hand starting at the wrist and going towards my palm. I could feel the cortisone fill my hand as he pushed the plunger...it was wierd. but its all good now

 

[Rookieclimber]

Wuss.... try having something the size of a turkey baster plunged in and around your kneecap. that a fun evening especially after all the painkillers got me higher than a kite....

 

[treehumper]

I like the idea of a massage better than the jab of a needle no matter what the size. After beating myself up all day I don't want to inflict more pain! Besides a great set of hands on my aching body does wonders for much more than just sore hands.....