See physician about finger numbness

April 27, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: We’ve just returned from a visit with our son, who is currently living in China. He is experiencing extreme numbness in the tip of the long middle finger of his right hand. This happened once before and lasted a few days. This time, however, it has lasted close to a month.

He won’t be returning home to the states until late summer, and I’m concerned about waiting so long before seeking help. Would acupuncture possibly be helpful? Any suggestions as to the cause of possible treatment would be greatly appreciated.
[Read more...]

Filed Under: Daily Column Tagged With: , , ,

Occupational therapists treat carpal tunnel

May 18, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am writing in regards to your answer to the 74-year-old woman with carpal tunnel. Please don’t discount occupational therapy as a valid treatment option. Therapists are educated and trained in the treatment of the upper extremities as well as management of pain and restoration of function for daily tasks. We would have provided this woman with modalities, stretches, custom splints and effective home programs. Each patient gets a custom-designed plan of care. Please let your readers know about occupational therapists.

DEAR READER: Not everyone is aware of what an occupational therapist (OT) actually does, so I will explain. OTs work with a variety of people of all ages with mental, physical, emotional or developmental disorders. Their goal is to help patients improve [Read more...]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: , , , ,

Acupuncture eases carpal tunnel syndrome

April 14, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: You recently answered a letter on carpal tunnel syndrome. I am a 74-year-old woman who has had tremendous relief from acupuncture for about 12 years. Back then, I had six treatments, and, until recently, I have had few symptoms. Now, owing to overuse of my hands by gardening, cooking, using the computer, etc., I am starting to have trouble again. Still, I do not awaken in the night and have to get up and shake my hands as I once did. Have you other input on this?

DEAR READER: The carpal tunnel is literally a passageway on each palm side of the wrist that protects the main nerve to the hand and accompanying tendons responsible for allowing the fingers to bend. The syndrome occurs when pressure is placed on the median nerve, causing pain, tingling, numbness and eventual weakness of the affected hand. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: , ,

Carpal-tunnel treatment

February 24, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 64-year-old female with carpal-tunnel syndrome in my right hand. I wear a wrist splint when I go to bed. For many years, it hasn’t been too much of a nuisance, but over the past few months, about once every seven to 10 days, I have an episode of painful numbness that takes more than a half-hour to go away. The incidents happen at night while I am sleeping. I have to get out of bed and try to shake the numbness away. I have also tried running hot water from the faucet over my hands, but it still takes a long time to subside.

I do have numbness in my hand during the day, but it is not as intense. It occurs when I apply my makeup, style my hair, write, drive and a few times it has happened while playing tennis. Is there anything short of surgery that can be done? [Read more...]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: , ,

Daily Column

April 22, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
What is your opinion about the use of horse liniment for the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome?

DEAR READER:
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure (at the wrist) on nerves to the lower arm. Therefore, I cannot see how horse liniment could help relieve such an anatomical problem. Having said this, I am open to learning from my loyal readers’ experience.

If you have mild to moderate pain because of your carpal tunnel syndrome, I suggest you use a wrist brace on the affected arm during activity, such as typing or writing, that may aggravate the area. For severe pain and impairment I urge you see a neurologist who can test the nerves and find the source of impingement. He or she can then offer treatment options such as specialized braces or surgery to relieve the pressure on the nerve.

Filed Under: Daily Column Tagged With: