carp tunnel or arthritis how can i tell the difference

Brain and nerves
1

Had some clicking and minor pain and pins and needles over last year but recently this pain and clicking got worse and now constantly hot. 45 year old male high cholesterol (currently being monitored)

Any ideas/advice?

Thanks Andy

2

Hi, I've got all the symptoms you mentioned and just had carpal op on right hand last week. Still early days of recovery but still have pins and needles, pain and very stiff joints. Awaiting an appt with rheumatologist to give 2nd opinion on arthritis. I'll keep you posted and will keep watching your post.

Elaine

3

Thanks Elaine,  hope all goes well. Have yet to see doc about it. Ive worked on a typewriter/keyboard

for almost thirty years, rsi springs to mind. 

4

Hi andycarroll,

The best way to know for sure if it is carpal tunnel is getting a test known as a "nerve conduction velocity"  test.  This is definitive for carpal tunnel. 

Otherwise carpal tunnel is usually worsened by activity, or caused by a repetitive motion over the years.  Since it is constantly hot, have you tried icing your hand and wrist?  Have you tried forearm stretches?  Often carpel tunnel mimics the symptoms of a tendinitis of the forearm muscles.  I would get in to see your GP (a simple xray can sometimes rule out OA or other bone problems)  and ask for a specialist referral to check it out to be sure, especially since you have had symptoms for over one year.  Good Luck.

5

Thank you - ill make an appointment to see the doc. Should I ask for a referral to see a specialist? 

6

I would, as they are the ones who can diagnos carpal tunnel or even order the tests for it. Good Luck.

7

Thanks rose hope they can sort it, its fast becoming the only thing I can focus on - especially at night.