Pain

[Manoranjan]

Dear Doctor,

I work on the computer and have a lot of typing work every day for 8-10 hours.  Of late, I have noticed mild pain in my right hand and wrist especially when on the computer.  The pain is more neuralgic type and not necessarily bone or muscle pain.  I feel it is also finger specific, especially all my fingers other than my thumb and pinkie all of which I use to move the cursor.  I am afraid I may have carpal tunnel.  Please do suggest what to do now.  

[Manoranjan]

Thank you Dr. Veena for you advise and I will soon be visiting an orthopedist to get treated.  

[Dr_Veena]

Hi,
     Thanks for writing in. Typing injury, or Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) refers to a wide range of problems, of which Carpal Tunnel is the most well known. Symptoms involve pain in the hands and arms when typing and using the mouse, and generally end up making many daily activities painful or impossible. Burning, numbness, or tingling in your palm, wrist, thumb, or fingers also are the common symptoms encountered by most patients.

Common causes are a repetitive motion with your wrist like typing on a computer keyboard, using a computer mouse, playing racquetball or handball, sewing, painting, writing, or using a vibrating tool. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of median nerve which supplies the three middle fingers of the hand and causes pain in the same and I think which is also the most likely cause of discomfort in  your hand. Rare causes could be arthritis, minor trauma of bones of the hand etc.

I would suggest that you visit a orthopaedician for further assistance.
All the best.