Sailing the Carpal Tunnel

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Sailing the Carpal Tunnel

Postby kenonstott » Mon Aug 08, 2005 10:24 am

When I first started sailing the Gorge my arms would give out first and I would know when my body had had enough. Then I joined an exercise club and worked hard on the upper body strength during the winters. Then it was my legs that would give out first.

I worked furiously on the legs this last winter. I sailed 16 of 18 days in the Gorge in July, usually 4 to 5 hours/day, and used one of the down days for white water rafting. Neither arms or legs gave out. But my hands kept going to sleep at night and I have now been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists. I don’t think I will work this out at the club.

The doctor says they are having great luck with a very simple surgery, cutting the tendon that squeezes the nerves to the hand. I opted for first trying the night splints and that seems to be helping. But, in the long run, I am wondering if I shouldn’t try the surgery. Has anyone had experience with this? It is hard to believe the tendon they cut doesn’t have an important function. Since music and piano playing are great joys in my life I don’t want to take unnecessary risk.
:cry:
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Carpal Tunnel

Postby Sarah Ranes » Wed Aug 10, 2005 3:07 pm

Hi Ken, I have a similar thing going on, and have had it come and go. but it's definitely the worst after sailing, and gives enough pain in my left forearm to wake me several times a night. I know a few people that have had the surgery done and had good success, but I also know a few that have had the carpal tunnel come back after the surgery, so it's not a sure thing. I'd be interested to hear what you find and decide to do about it. Good Luck...SR
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Postby brianhively » Wed Aug 10, 2005 7:19 pm

Stick with the Splintz, rest, and Ibuprofin. Wear the splints in all day if you can. I had it bad, now i am ok but must be careful not to aggrivate it.
Good Luck

PPPSSSS TRY KITING!!! IT cures all!!!
Last edited by brianhively on Fri Sep 23, 2005 9:54 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Massage for Carpal Tunnel

Postby Sarah Ranes » Thu Sep 01, 2005 8:25 am

Here are some links to sites that talk about massage for Carpal Tunnel, and how it can help. I've been trying it and it seems to help reduce the sysmtoms and pain quite a bit.
http://www.massagemag.com/2005/issue114 ... h114.1.htm
http://www.massagemag.com/2004/issue107/assess107.5.htm
http://www.carpaltunnelmassage.com/
do a google search for massage for carpal tunnel...lot's of info there.
GOOD LUCK!
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Here's another idea

Postby Sarah Ranes » Thu Sep 01, 2005 8:32 am

Ken I told you about this one the other day at Utah Lake
http://www.wristripper.com/therapy.html
You could make something similar pretty eaily. An old broken boom arm should work nicely!
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