I'm hoping "Gull" or some other MD out there can give me some advice. This being Labor Day weekend, I can't really run right over to my ortho or neuro doc. Background: I know I have minor carpal tunnel syndrome in my wrists (who doesn't now-a-days?). I'm training for an ultra long swim, and picking up the yardage. I noticed a week a go that after about 3-4000 yds/mtrs, the last two fingers of my right hand go numb, and it begins to spread up my arm, up to nearly the shoulder. I can flip over and do backstroke & shake it out, no problem, rest for a bit on the wall, and it temporarily stops, but then when I get going again, it comes right back. There is NO pain involved, and no nasty sequelae (yet), no swelling, redness, change in temperature to the limb; and once I stop swimming, it completely resolves until the next time I'm swimming a long workout. So - how to prevent it? I certainly can't just stop swimming - the "race" is 10 miles long, so I'm bound to experience this during the event, as well. I kinda wonder if it may be partially related to the water temperature, because lately we've been swimming in 76-78 degree water. Ideas?
I am a left side breather. I have alternated breathing on the other side for a while during long swims. Not bilateral breathing just changing sides for relief.
I know exactly what you are talking about. I have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome myself. It is worse in my right hand, though I have it on both sides. I sometimes get the same numbness--outer two fingers, spreads slowly up the arm--during long freestyle workouts.
What helps me the most is subtly adjusting and varying my hand/forearm position. Especially if I do it right away, when the numbness is just starting. It's hard to explain. But I concentrate on using my thumb more in the "catch" for a while, then my middle finger for awhile, then my pinky. Also, I adjust and vary my entry point a bit. Keeping my elbows extra high during recovery helps, too. Changing my hand and arm positions aren't ideal for optimal speed but it seems to take the pressure off and give the nerve a break it needs.
I don't know exactly why, but I started having carpal tunnel problems less often when I added strength training to my regimen. I work my whole body but biceps curls,triceps presses, and a few other arm exercises are what have helped with both my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and the shoulder overuse problems I used to have.
Good luck!
I have changed my computer desk and my computer keyboard is too high. I no longer have the slide out and I am reaching up to the table to type. My right arm and right shoulder are now causing me grief. It has just transferred to the left shoulder. I have been on the computer for about two weeks pretty steady, working on my web site.
Could you (all who have problems) have improper hand positions when on the computer that are causing you to have troubles.
I have changed my computer desk and my computer keyboard is too high. I no longer have the slide out and I am reaching up to the table to type. My right arm and right shoulder are now causing me grief. It has just transferred to the left shoulder. I have been on the computer for about two weeks pretty steady, working on my web site.
Could you (all who have problems) have improper hand positions when on the computer that are causing you to have troubles.
Improper hand positions when on the computer is FAMOUS for causing carpal tunnel! And aggravating it! Gripping the steering wheel while driving is a notorious aggravator. I notice mine bothering me when pushing a baby stroller or riding bikes--some are worse than others because of the body position. My own carpal tunnel was caused in a fairly UN-famous way: by using a manual *** pump when my second-born was a newborn. (Boy was my freezer full, though!)
