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[Unit24]

I already made a thread like this in the games section, but I figured I'd put a more comprehensive thread here to hopefully get more opinions on the subject.

Basically, since mid-September, I've been dealing with really awful arm/wrist pain that prevents me from doing pretty much anything without discomfort, ranging from fairly annoying to so bad that I absolutely must stop. I typically play a lot of games in my free time, but it got worse and worse to the point where right now I can't play any games at all without pain. I've pretty much given them up since December, and the pain hasn't improved at all.

The pain usually starts around my upper forearm, almost where my elbow is at, at a spot that seems to be pretty damn swollen on both arms. The pain also spreads to my wrist, hand, fingers, and sometimes my shoulders. I wear braces on both of my hands almost constantly, even while at work, when I have to type a lot. I'm told that doing this can be more harmful in the long run, but I don't see any other way to deal with the pain at this time. I tried working for two days without braces, and it ruined me for the whole week.

I've seen multiple doctors about this problem, and I haven't learned anything conclusive. I saw a walk-in clinic doctor who told me it was carpal tunnel, and he gave me some prednisone and tramadol, and eventually a cortisone shot. None of those really helped in the end. A chiropractor told me it could be my misaligned bones putting pressure on my nerves, and his treatment didn't help either. An orthopedic doctor only told me that it's not a surgical issue, gave me a sheet of paper with one stretch on it, and then referred me to some neurologists. And the last doctor I saw was a hand specialist, who once again told me it was carpal tunnel and gave me prednisone and tramadol again, despite what I had already told him about the first time.

This is easily the worst medical problem I've ever faced, and the lack of any conclusive info about it is infuriating, especially when I feel like I could be making it worse with time. Does anyone have any advice about this issue?

 

[Duxxy3]

Is there numbness in your hand? Which fingers are effected?

 

[Bsigg12]

Sounds like you have forearm splints.

What do you do on a daily basis?

 

[Trunx28]

youarealreadydead.jpg

If it's an inflammation you could try Bromelain https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bromelain
Friend is a biker and had a lot of pain during his trainings and it was the only thing that helped .. but get a higher dose than the one indicated (3x2 a day instead of 1x2 a day)

 

[Resseh]

I have something similar - my wrists and hands are in constant pain. Tests and x rays don't show up anything. I get zero sympathy - "lol! Too much wanking!!!"

I've started going to an osteopath who says it might be due to how tense my spine etc is and how flexible my wrists are.

 

[Lomax]

Get a good book on stretching and do them religiously. I've seen people go from being almost completely debilitated to no pain at all over time.

 

[Unit24]

Is there numbness in your hand? Which fingers are effected?

No numbness really, the closest I feel to that is some light tingling, but that's as bad as it's ever gotten. It's usually just aching. Pretty much any of my fingers can be affected, I haven't really kept track.

Sounds like you have forearm splints.

What do you do on a daily basis?

At work, I sit down and type while moving a mouse around a whole bunch. At home, I... pretty much also do that, but with less intensity, and worse posture due to my crappy chair not raising higher than its lowest setting anymore.

 

[IamDodongo]

You do a ton of wrist/arm stretches every day, right op?

You should absolutely look into fixing that computer chair situation, and make sure you have correct posture when you're in it.

 

[Unit24]

You do a ton of wrist/arm stretches every day, right op?

You should absolutely look into fixing that computer chair situation, and make sure you have correct posture when you're in it.

Yeah, these are the stretches I've been looking at.

 

[Duxxy3]

No numbness really, the closest I feel to that is some light tingling, but that's as bad as it's ever gotten. It's usually just aching. Pretty much any of my fingers can be affected, I haven't really kept track.



At work, I sit down and type while moving a mouse around a whole bunch. At home, I... pretty much also do that, but with less intensity, and worse posture due to my crappy chair not raising higher than its lowest setting anymore.

Try to keep track of which fingers are effected. Nerves in your wrist and elbow effect different fingers.

 

[adamantypants]

If you're in front of a kb/m all day, you need to invest in ergonomic solutions

 

[Caleb187]

Could be a problem higher up the chain? Thoracic outlet syndrome maybe?

 

[sir_kevith]

If you're in front of a kb/m all day, you need to invest in ergonomic solutions

Yup, if you can't take a break from activities that are contributing to the problem then you have to find ergonomic solutions. I bet if you took a break from gaming/keyboard that are contributing to the problem then you would feel relief in 2-4 weeks.

OP I think it is carpal tunnel; as a gamer I've dealt with it multiple times in my life, usually when I get some new hardware and adjust to a new controller. I also have arthritis which contributes to it.

When I got obsessed with Sega Saturn, the controller was great, but for whatever reason it destroyed my wrists. More recently, I bought a Vita and it's doing the same thing. I either have to find new ways to hold it or use grips to make it more ergonomic.

I also use keyboard and mouse at work and have to adjust the height of my desk to be higher than most so my elbows are completely resting on it without any pressure on my wrist or forearm. I use a standing desk and also stand for part of the day as well.

 

[muu]

Learn2Trackball

I was having unbearable pain on my right wrist a few years back. No problem after switching to a M570. Unless you're a drafter/designer you should have plenty of precision once you're used to it.

 

[ironjoe989]

I think you need to see a decent physical therapist and have them lay out exactly what stretches you need. With some proper imaging, i.e. MRI, they can really determine what's gone wrong. A lot of doctors will try to blow you off with a cortisone shot, but that's only really helpful when the injury first occurs. The stretches will definitely feel like it's aggravating the issue at first, and you'll see improvement later.

A physical therapist will be much more likely to do some proper research as you'll likely need to be in for numerous visits. Hopefully you can find a decent doctor soon.

I know a great set of people in NYC if you're in the area? Not likely I know.

 

[Morat]

Just out of interest OP, are you from London?

 

[Duxxy3]

Learn2Trackball

I was having unbearable pain on my right wrist a few years back. No problem after switching to a M570. Unless you're a drafter/designer you should have plenty of precision once you're used to it.

Our designer uses a trackball.

Trackball is definitely a nice break from using a mouse.

 

[stump sock]

Our designer uses a trackball.

Trackball is definitely a nice break from using a mouse.

I switched to Evoluent vertical mice over a year ago and it's made a huge difference. the downsides are that they're a bit overpriced and they're pretty bad for gaming, but it's worth it for a life without RSIs and pain from just doing my job.

note: I tried some cheaper alternatives to the Evoluent and none of them were as effective, and in one case, caused more pain. Be careful about going cheap on ergo equipment.

edit: Another thing I discovered is that I was overdoing it on stretches in an attempt to counteract whatever damage I was doing. If you don't think stretches are helping you, try dialing back to about half the stretches you're currently doing.

 

[Unit24]

If you're in front of a kb/m all day, you need to invest in ergonomic solutions

Learn2Trackball

I was having unbearable pain on my right wrist a few years back. No problem after switching to a M570. Unless you're a drafter/designer you should have plenty of precision once you're used to it.

I've been looking into getting a trackball and split keyboard, I'm just not sure which ones would work well for me. I've never liked wireless mice.

I think you need to see a decent physical therapist and have them lay out exactly what stretches you need. With some proper imaging, i.e. MRI, they can really determine what's gone wrong. A lot of doctors will try to blow you off with a cortisone shot, but that's only really helpful when the injury first occurs. The stretches will definitely feel like it's aggravating the issue at first, and you'll see improvement later.

A physical therapist will be much more likely to do some proper research as you'll likely need to be in for numerous visits. Hopefully you can find a decent doctor soon.

I know a great set of people in NYC if you're in the area? Not likely I know.

Yeah I'm definitely going to see a physical therapist about this, even if it's just so they can look at it. The fact that I'm not 100% sure what I even have yet is ridiculous.

Just out of interest OP, are you from London?

Nope, I'm from the US, specifically Georgia. I won't have insurance for another couple of months, so any doctor I see is going to cost me dearly.

 

[Morat]

Nope, I'm from the US, specifically Georgia. I won't have insurance for another couple of months, so any doctor I see is going to cost me dearly.

Sorry to hear it. A friend of mine with a similar condition used a therapist here I was going to recoomend. Best of luck to you, sir.

 

[Glix]

Sorry to hear.

Your story reminds me of trying to get my gastro issues sorted. After my third doctor did an endoscopy and a sonogram, he ended up diagnosing me as "gastritis" and giving me a photocopied sheet that listed food that are high in acid.

Mind you I had been rushed to the hospital multiple time due to either assumed gall bladder burst imminent (wasn't) or extreme pain and bile vomiting.

And after months of tests and exams he tells me to stop eating red sauce, and seemed like he didn't give a fuck.

It was so frustrating I won't go see more docs about it and still affects me.

 

[Any Questions]

Sorry to hear it. A friend of mine with a similar condition used a therapist here I was going to recoomend. Best of luck to you, sir.

I will take up your suggestion. I need to see someone

 

[Sulik2]

Buy a whale mouse if you can't use a trackball and see if it improves.

 

[ErichWK]

I don't know if this will help..but i had huge monster arm/wrist/thumb/hand pains. I work on computers all day and game a bunch and am a drummer and guitar player. I was really depressed with the pain and worried i was gonna get something irreversible.

My friend then invited me to started rock climbing with him..after a few months of climbing 3 days a week..all my hand and wrist pains left. I was stretching and exercising my hands a bunch while climbing and i felt my arms and hands get stronger. havent had any pain since.

 

[adamantypants]

I've been looking into getting a trackball and split keyboard, I'm just not sure which ones would work well for me. I've never liked wireless mice.

It doesn't stop at input devices. You need to make sure your spine is aligned, you relieve pressure from your wrists/forearms, your legs are comfortable, etc. For most people computer usage posture is almost negligible. If you're sitting in front of one upwards of 10-15 hours per day, you need to think about how every little change affects you.

 

[ghostofsparta]

Have you gotten your thryoid levels checked?

hypothyroidism is what caused my arm/hand pain. I visited multiple doctors and NONE of them even thought of testing my thyroid. After reading about it on the internet, I brought it up to my doctor and he said something like "well I don't think that's the problem but sure if you are really worried then let's try". Fuck that guy. My thyroid levels came back low so I was put on Synthroid and just like magic my pain went from about a 7/10 to a 3/10.

 

[Tremis]

Have you gotten your thryoid levels checked?

hypothyroidism is what caused my arm/hand pain. I visited multiple doctors and NONE of them even thought of testing my thyroid. After reading about it on the internet, I brought it up to my doctor and he said something like "well I don't think that's the problem but sure if you are really worried then let's try". Fuck that guy. My thyroid levels came back low so I was put on Synthroid and just like magic my pain went from about a 7/10 to a 3/10.

Why "fuck that guy"? He did what you asked, didn't he? Doctors don't magically know everything in medicine.

 

[ghostofsparta]

Why "fuck that guy"? He did what you asked, didn't he? Doctors don't magically know everything in medicine.

I understand, but it was his tone and body language that really gave me the impression that he thought I didn't know what I was talking about. I also understand that, given that I am certainly not a doctor, but now a days it's easy to do research on possible health issues. I guess I was frustrated with having pain for 2 years and when I may have a solution I get an arrogant attitude from the doctor. I get what you're saying tho, it's not a doctor's job to be compassionate.

 

[Tremis]

I understand, but it was his tone and body language that really gave me the impression that he thought I didn't know what I was talking about. I also understand that, given that I am certainly not a doctor, but now a days it's easy to do research on possible health issues. I guess I was frustrated with having pain for 2 years and when I may have a solution I get an arrogant attitude from the doctor. I get what you're saying tho, it's not a doctor's job to be compassionate.

No, you got me wrong. Doctor's job is to be compassionate. I didn't realize his tone was dismissive from your previous post. That's bad communication, definitely.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I already made a thread like this in the games section, but I figured I'd put a more comprehensive thread here to hopefully get more opinions on the subject.

Basically, since mid-September, I've been dealing with really awful arm/wrist pain that prevents me from doing pretty much anything without discomfort, ranging from fairly annoying to so bad that I absolutely must stop. I typically play a lot of games in my free time, but it got worse and worse to the point where right now I can't play any games at all without pain. I've pretty much given them up since December, and the pain hasn't improved at all.

The pain usually starts around my upper forearm, almost where my elbow is at, at a spot that seems to be pretty damn swollen on both arms. The pain also spreads to my wrist, hand, fingers, and sometimes my shoulders. I wear braces on both of my hands almost constantly, even while at work, when I have to type a lot. I'm told that doing this can be more harmful in the long run, but I don't see any other way to deal with the pain at this time. I tried working for two days without braces, and it ruined me for the whole week.

I've seen multiple doctors about this problem, and I haven't learned anything conclusive. I saw a walk-in clinic doctor who told me it was carpal tunnel, and he gave me some prednisone and tramadol, and eventually a cortisone shot. None of those really helped in the end. A chiropractor told me it could be my misaligned bones putting pressure on my nerves, and his treatment didn't help either. An orthopedic doctor only told me that it's not a surgical issue, gave me a sheet of paper with one stretch on it, and then referred me to some neurologists. And the last doctor I saw was a hand specialist, who once again told me it was carpal tunnel and gave me prednisone and tramadol again, despite what I had already told him about the first time.

This is easily the worst medical problem I've ever faced, and the lack of any conclusive info about it is infuriating, especially when I feel like I could be making it worse with time. Does anyone have any advice about this issue?

Going to need a bit more information about your pain and it's really difficult to make a diganosis without an exam, but since you've seen several doctors and have no insurance, I can try to help. It would be helpful if you could mark this diagram to show exactly where this spot is on your forearm.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265177235/figure/fig1/AS:267505495179278@1440789688240/Figure-1-Body-pain-diagram.png

Doesn't sound like you fit carpal tunnel syndrome. I'm leaning towards lateral epicondylitis given the spot you're talking about on your arm/elbow, but I could be way off. Does the pain start at the elbow then radiate upwards and downwards? Which side of the wrist is hurting? The thumb side or the pinky side? Top or bottom? What part of the elbow? Inner or outer part? Are you having actual shoulder pain? Are you having any neck pain that goes down the arm? What did the orthopaedic surgeon refer you to neurology for? Which fingers hurt in particular? All of them or just specific ones?

 

[dyergram]

Do you have osteopaths in america i saw one for tennis elbow a few years ago it really helped. As a general rule I always use ice packs and ibuprofen when I've hurt myself.

 

[Linkura]

I had similar issues and was diagnosed with osteoarthritis by an orthopedic doctor specializing in hands. I now wear braces all the time.

 

[Unit24]

Going to need a bit more information about your pain and it's really difficult to make a diganosis without an exam, but since you've seen several doctors and have no insurance, I can try to help. It would be helpful if you could mark this diagram to show exactly where this spot is on your forearm.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265177235/figure/fig1/AS:267505495179278@1440789688240/Figure-1-Body-pain-diagram.png

Doesn't sound like you fit carpal tunnel syndrome. I'm leaning towards lateral epicondylitis given the spot you're talking about on your arm/elbow, but I could be way off. Does the pain start at the elbow then radiate upwards and downwards? Which side of the wrist is hurting? The thumb side or the pinky side? Top or bottom? What part of the elbow? Inner or outer part? Are you having actual shoulder pain? Are you having any neck pain that goes down the arm? What did the orthopaedic surgeon refer you to neurology for? Which fingers hurt in particular? All of them or just specific ones?

Here you go. I also marked the symptom chart out normally, since the option is there.

To answer your other questions:

-The pain is often near the elbow at the red spot I marked, but sometimes it feels more intense in other places first, like my fingers or wrist (my thumb is starting to ache as I type this).
-Hard to tell which side of the wrist hurts. Sometimes it's the top, sometimes bottom, or both
-The inner part of my forearm is definitely where I feel the majority of the pain.
-I do get shoulder pain, though it isn't nearly as frequent as the arm pain, and way less intense. Lately, my shoulders have felt a bit fatigued at the absolute worst.
-I've barely felt any pain in my neck.
-I think the surgeon told me to see a neurologist to find the actual source of the pain? I think? I'm not really sure.
-Any of the fingers can end up in pain. Right now, it's my middle finger, ring finger, and pinky on my left hand.

Also, I suppose it's worth mentioning that my left arm has the problem worse than the right, and my right hand is my dominant hand.

 

[jiggle]

When my arthritis was really bad
I had severe pain in all those areas
Fingers, wrist, lower arm, and shoulders

 

[IsntChrisL]

I have similar problems. Weed has helped. I don't have a daytime solution though.

 

[GreenMonkey]

I had tendonitis (a Dr guess, tendonitis would have required more research and I had no insurance) in my 20s. Started hurting at work (IT) and finally got really bad playing PS2 (Devil May Cry). Swollen wrists, esp. the right one, and shooting pain


I ended up taking a lot of advil on a regular basis, wrist brace, proper ergo at work, and gave up video games for about a year (read a lot of books and watched movies).

Especially gave up PC gaming (needed what wrist power I had for work).

 

[davidwhangchoi]

get a lower desk, or sit higher.

i used to feel that pain so bad, it was hard to open a door.

had rsi, from drumming wrong. and it hurt so bad when i tried to type sitting at the wrong height. especially the top of my hands right under the knuckles felt pain.

i did some things and never was an issue again.

 

[Unit24]

I went out and got a trackball mouse and split keyboard. Now I just need a higher chair, and hopefully I'll start to see some improvement.

One consistent piece of advice I keep seeing is that forearm exercises could help significantly. I might need to come up with some kind of work out routine, alongside those stretches I'm doing.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Here you go. I also marked the symptom chart out normally, since the option is there.

To answer your other questions:

-The pain is often near the elbow at the red spot I marked, but sometimes it feels more intense in other places first, like my fingers or wrist (my thumb is starting to ache as I type this).
-Hard to tell which side of the wrist hurts. Sometimes it's the top, sometimes bottom, or both
-The inner part of my forearm is definitely where I feel the majority of the pain.
-I do get shoulder pain, though it isn't nearly as frequent as the arm pain, and way less intense. Lately, my shoulders have felt a bit fatigued at the absolute worst.
-I've barely felt any pain in my neck.
-I think the surgeon told me to see a neurologist to find the actual source of the pain? I think? I'm not really sure.
-Any of the fingers can end up in pain. Right now, it's my middle finger, ring finger, and pinky on my left hand.

Also, I suppose it's worth mentioning that my left arm has the problem worse than the right, and my right hand is my dominant hand.

Wow, I think you're the first person to fill out the diagram correctly. I include it in all my patient intake forms, but nobody ever actually uses the symbols. Your symptoms don't fit any discernable pattern as far as I can tell. Not carpal tunnel or lateral epicondylitis. The places you circled sort of correspond to the distal biceps tendon, but doesn't explain anything in the hands. Sounds like it's more of an issue with your flexor tendons than anything else. A lot of times we can get a good idea of what's going on with just a history, but I'd need to do a full exam to try to figure out what this is. Did you get any xrays at the orthopaedic surgeon's office? I think the comments regarding repetitive strain are probably on the right track. Normally, if I can't figure something out in my office, I start throwing the kitchen sink at the problem. Everyone gets a baseline xray in my office, but then I go down the route of MRI, EMG/NCS after that. But these things are expensive and time consuming. Sorry I couldn't be of much help. Sounds like you've already gone to quite a few physicians. Some other things that might be helpful, and you might want to just PM me this info: age, medical problems, any medications you're on, any rheumatologic or neurologic disorders in the family.

 

[Fafnir]

Try these stretches http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/stretching-exercises-for-tennis-elbow

I get this pain occasionally but it's mainly due to lifting. Try a Sportscreme/Icy Hot for temporary relief.

From what it sounds like it's something to do with your computer desk setup. Maybe get a ergonomic mouse and wristpad.

 

[Tracygill]

It can help to take frequent breaks every 5-15 minutes when engaged in activity that causes issues like using a computer or playing games.

You might also want to try using your keyboard with a negative tilt in order to keep your wrist position neutral. Some people even go so far as to use a split vertical keyboard. Switching positions(sitting/standing) and alternating between different kinds of pointing device(trackball/trackpad/mouse) in order to avoid repeating the same motions might also help. I've also seen stuff like rollermouse been used in professional settings like libraries, banks and receptions where they use computers all day.

 

[ironjoe989]

I have tennis elbow and here are the stretches that help.

Arms outstretched. Flap your hands back and forth like a bird,but horizontally.

Namaste. Flat hands together like praying, but vertical. Pull hands close to yourself. You should feel your outer wrist stretch a bit.

Arm straight, pull hand down with other hand, then have your hand, the pulled one, rotate outward while staying pointed down. Should feel on inner arm.

You also need to strengthening exercises, but that's up to the doc. Try getting the theraband. That helps for increasing strength.

Other than that, see a doctor.

 

[brawly]

Have you tried strengthening your wrist?

 

[Polishin8r]

same problem, took X-Rays and blood tests and doctor said no problem she can see. Said to sit properly/use mouse etc. and stretch or find a a job witch requires less use of mouse..I am a CAD designer lol

 

[miyuru]

Pharmacist who works in a pain clinic here. My viewpoint is to try as many lifestyle changes as you can and see what works and what doesn't. Be aware of what makes your pain worse and what makes it better. Follow through with recommendations to optimize your condition.

Have any of the medications you've used helped? In all honesty they will only provide a bandaid solution and not actually fix anything. We need to get to the root cause and go from there.

Beyond that, there are a ton of pharmacological options one could pursue to make your life easier but you will get as much relief, if not more, by making some sacrifice and modifying your lifestyle.

 

[M3d10n]

I don't know if this will help..but i had huge monster arm/wrist/thumb/hand pains. I work on computers all day and game a bunch and am a drummer and guitar player. I was really depressed with the pain and worried i was gonna get something irreversible.

My friend then invited me to started rock climbing with him..after a few months of climbing 3 days a week..all my hand and wrist pains left. I was stretching and exercising my hands a bunch while climbing and i felt my arms and hands get stronger. havent had any pain since.

Went through something like that recently. Months of outer wrist pain. Use mouse, keyboard, phone and commute using a motorcycle. Right hand first, I just started avoiding to use it and did everything I could with my left. It very slowly got better, but then the left hand started to give.

What fixed it? Going back to gym and doing some wrist/grip exercises with weights. I also started to put a much stronger grip when riding my bike. Strengthening my grip/wrist did away with the pain.

 

[Epcott]

My coworker has this same problem. Swollen and sore forearms for months, every specialist (even neurologist) couldn't find the issue. Medication doesn't help at all. Eventually, one specialist said it's arthritis in the upper neck that affects her arms. Once she had a chiropractor work on her upper neck and it helped somewhat. Hope you find the relief you need.

 

[Unit24]

Wow, I think you're the first person to fill out the diagram correctly. I include it in all my patient intake forms, but nobody ever actually uses the symbols. Your symptoms don't fit any discernable pattern as far as I can tell. Not carpal tunnel or lateral epicondylitis. The places you circled sort of correspond to the distal biceps tendon, but doesn't explain anything in the hands. Sounds like it's more of an issue with your flexor tendons than anything else. A lot of times we can get a good idea of what's going on with just a history, but I'd need to do a full exam to try to figure out what this is. Did you get any xrays at the orthopaedic surgeon's office? I think the comments regarding repetitive strain are probably on the right track. Normally, if I can't figure something out in my office, I start throwing the kitchen sink at the problem. Everyone gets a baseline xray in my office, but then I go down the route of MRI, EMG/NCS after that. But these things are expensive and time consuming. Sorry I couldn't be of much help. Sounds like you've already gone to quite a few physicians. Some other things that might be helpful, and you might want to just PM me this info: age, medical problems, any medications you're on, any rheumatologic or neurologic disorders in the family.

I did get x-rays, and nothing could be determined from them other than the fact that my bones are not the problem. I might PM you more info later when I have time.

Try these stretches http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/stretching-exercises-for-tennis-elbow

I get this pain occasionally but it's mainly due to lifting. Try a Sportscreme/Icy Hot for temporary relief.

From what it sounds like it's something to do with your computer desk setup. Maybe get a ergonomic mouse and wristpad.

It can help to take frequent breaks every 5-15 minutes when engaged in activity that causes issues like using a computer or playing games.

You might also want to try using your keyboard with a negative tilt in order to keep your wrist position neutral. Some people even go so far as to use a split vertical keyboard. Switching positions(sitting/standing) and alternating between different kinds of pointing device(trackball/trackpad/mouse) in order to avoid repeating the same motions might also help. I've also seen stuff like rollermouse been used in professional settings like libraries, banks and receptions where they use computers all day.

I went and got myself an MS Natural 4000 ergonomic split keyboard as well as a Logitech wireless trackball mouse. The mouse is pretty nice, but I'm not a fan of the keyboard. It has a nice shape, but the keys have way too much resistance on them and put more pressure on my arms when I have to type. I'll probably return it and spring for something better later.

Have you tried strengthening your wrist?

Went through something like that recently. Months of outer wrist pain. Use mouse, keyboard, phone and commute using a motorcycle. Right hand first, I just started avoiding to use it and did everything I could with my left. It very slowly got better, but then the left hand started to give.

What fixed it? Going back to gym and doing some wrist/grip exercises with weights. I also started to put a much stronger grip when riding my bike. Strengthening my grip/wrist did away with the pain.

This is why I've been considering going back to the gym. People keep saying that strengthening my forearms/wrists will help speed up recovery. The problem is, I'm simultaneously being told that I should rest my arms and reduce inflammation with drugs and ice packs. Being fed contradictory information is frustrating.

My coworker has this same problem. Swollen and sore forearms for months, every specialist (even neurologist) couldn't find the issue. Medication doesn't help at all. Eventually, one specialist said it's arthritis in the upper neck that affects her arms. Once she had a chiropractor work on her upper neck and it helped somewhat. Hope you find the relief you need.

I actually did go to a chiropractor for a couple of months for him to work on my arms and upper back and neck. It didn't seem to be helping, so I stopped going.

 

[Unit24]

So I went to a different doctor, and they told me I probably have cervical radiculopathy. They also said the the parts of my arm that I thought were swelling were actually just muscles.

I'm not sure if I believe this 100%, but at least they didn't just say it was carpal tunnel and give me useless meds again.