Joe A Shaw PA-C - 4/27/2011

Question
Dear Sir,

I am a 25 year old guy working in operations department of Allianz General Insurance company since last 3 years and my job involves extensive use of keyboard and mouse for 9-10 hours daily. Two years ago , tissue at the base of my right hand thumb started swelling and after 1 or 2 months the same happened to my left hand thumb.At the time of circular movement of wrist and elbow, I can hear "crackling" sound.I saw an orthopedic doctor and he said that  I have flexor tendonitis and prescribed pain killers and hot cold hydro therapy, but it worked little for me. In recent times, both of my hands are swollen, and specially index finger, thumb and tissues around that area. My nerve conduction study and EMG turned out to be positive and indicates that median nerve is entrapped at wrist area.The Neurologist advised me to take Fludac ( Prozac )for 100 days.My hands are weaken and shake (tremors) when I lift something. MY R.A test, TSH and Blood sugar are normal. Kindly suggest how I can I increase my grip strength and strengthen my muscles of hand ? Also please suggest Do's and Don't so that my carpal tunnel syndrome does not progress. What should I do to releave the swelling ind inflammation of my soft tissues at the base of my thumb as well as at the base of my little finger ?

Answer
Unfortunately there's not exercises or pills that will help that much if you are doing what you call extensive keyborad work etc..sounds like you need carpal tunnel release ...which may help some of your symptoms..you also could try what we call ketoprofen gel or voltaren egl rubbed into joints daily..it is Rx in USA..Biofreeze may work well..which is not RX