Carpal Tunnel / Guyons Canal Syndromes ?

SeantheMan

Hi all,

I have posted this here as they are really related to working with computers for long periods. I'd just like to know if anyone suffers from either or has had any problems.

I believe I may have Guyon Canal, I try to sit correctly and maintain posture, but the tingling and numbness is constant when at a computer.
Unfortunately I work at a computer, and I also have a passion for PC gaming

I've only turned 26, so I'm tryin to take any preventitive steps early, as I don;t want the issue to escalate.

Any advice ? ( I will of course see a GP, though im sure they'll say "don't sit at a PC" or something, "50 euro please")

Guyon's canal syndrome, sometimes called Guyon's tunnel syndrome, is a common nerve compression affecting the ulnar nerve as it passes through a tunnel in the wrist called Guyon's canal.[2] This problem is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome but involves a completely different nerve. Symptoms include a feeling of pins and needles in the ring and little fingers, and may progress to a burning pain in the wrist and hand followed by decreased sensation in the ring and little fingers. One common cause of this syndrome is from pressure of bicycle handlebars seen with avid cyclists. Another is from hard, repetitive compression against a desk surface while using a computer mouse.

mikewest

Your symptoms and diagnosis seem to be correct. Get yourself to GP and you will find their advice/treatment different from described. In extermis you may have to have an operation on the affected wrist however ergonomics and medication tend to be used first.

listermint

I started to get issues with my right hand in work, Got one of those expensive trackball mouse things. But it didnt have much bearing on the issue in fact kind of made it worse.

I think the problem has multiple areas of impact.

Chair Type / sitting position

Desk Shape / Orientation / Height.

Keyboard angle / allignment

While i couldnt have much bearing on some of the areas above. I did do one fundamental thing.

I swapped mouse to left hand and learned to use that instead. My left arm maintains a better position on the desk and is more comfortable. I have not had any issues since, and this is 3 months on.


I would address it ASAP as i know how painful and annoying it can be.

Gone Drinking

They give these mice to anyone who complains of it here in work: http://www.abry.biz/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/3m-ergonomic-mouse.jpg

The idea of them is that you use your whole arm to move the mouse and never your wrist.. One of the lads was getting pains till he started using one.

They're hard to get used to but they do help apparently.

Firblog

I can't reccommend the trackball solution enough, got myself a kensington one a few months ago and haven't looked back since, not a twinge of pain in my wrist since. Cost only €25, so well worth a try prior to givin' a GP, who knows nothing about the problem, twice that...

mordeith

I've never had any problems with my wrist but at the moment the knuckle on my index finger is giving me some mild pain. That's the finger I'd do all my mouse clicking with. Its happened before but usually goes away if I'm not working with a mouse for few days.