I have given up shooting as long as I feel pain. However, using my PC makes it much worse than shooting a few boxes of ammo. I would avoid surgerey by all means. Here is some more info I collected:
Homoeopathy:
if symptoms are relieved by heat and rubbing:
Magnesia phosphorica 6c
if tendons feel contracted, loss of grip and sensation: Causticum 6c
either to betaken three times a day for 2 weeks I had tendonitis last summer (which I was told is the first phase CTS),
spent tons of money on ibuprofen and two months on physical therapy ---
both with no success --- and then took a trip to the herb store. I read a
pamphlet on how to cure it and with this regimen, did not have to wear my
half-cast within a week:
* Bromelain and Papain, 400mg each, twice a day, for inflamation (be sure
to increase your protein/amino acid intake, since these enzymes gobble it
up as they digest the byproducts of inflamation)
* Glycine and Magnese to help the above
* C, B6, B12, and Zinc to help in healing
Try Sharon Butler's book "Conquering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (and other RSIs)". I don't remember the cost (not much), but it's really good. Has lots of exercises
that are very easy to do.
The basic plan is to turn your palm face up, put your elbow just inside
your hip on your stomach lean against the wall with your face up palm,
hold on to your thumb from underneath your hand with your other hand
(this part is a little awkward the first few times.) and streach the
tendons in your arm for about 10 minutes a side. It is a continuous
streach so don't release unless it becomes to painful. It worked for me
in about two sessions of about 3 minutes in length (as my carpel tunnel
wasn't that advanced.)
. He says it could take up to 3 months
to work and suggests taking bromelain (from pineapple) and curcumin
(never heard of it)as an anti-inflammatory until it works. He says
they're available in Enzymatic Therapy's supplement called Curazyme. He
has other suggestions so I suggest you get hold of the book. I've seen
B6 recommended for this by others.
There are certain tests you can do to ensure that your condition is, in
fact,
carpel tunnel. Put your arms in front of you to "pray" so that the angle of
the
wrist is at a 90 degree angle with forearm & hand. Reverse your hands so
that
the palms are facing out & your hands are pointing down... does that make
sence???? In other words, you're putting your wrist into a 90 degree
flexion.
If you have carpel tunnel which ever hand you have it in, should go numb
within
60 seconds.
You see, basically the same nerve feeds your whole arm & carpel tunnel is
talking about that nerve getting pinched at the wrist, sometimes the elbow,
I
believe. But it can get pinched off at the collar bone & this is not carpel
tunnel, however some people still have surgeries to relieve the nerve at the
wrist!
I would suggest seeing an NMT (Neuromuscular Therapist). They can either
help
you if it's muscle entraping a nerve or they can refer you to a surgen if
you
need surgery. If your hand, etc. is drastically not being supplied by that
nerve, you can lose severe function of that hand & the muscles, etc. will
die--
in which case surgery is nessasary. But there's a good chance that with the
help of a good NMT, they can greatly help you.......
Conservative Treatment:
Phase 1 -- Acute phase (first one to three weeks):
Rest the hands and wrist. Minimize or eliminate the activity that is causing
the problem.
Only if absolutely necessary, rest with cock-up splint worn all day and
night for up to three weeks.
Cryotherapy - Ice massage of the inflamed area.
Chiropractic manipulation of the shoulder, neck, forearm, wrist and hand for
subluxations.
Nutritional supplementation:
Start a good, natural multi-vitamin and multi-mineral supplement each day
and an additional B-complex supplement.
Wean patient from NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as
ibuprofen, etc.
Replace with natural anti-inflammatory herbs (I prefer a combination called
PSI from NF Formulas in Wilsonville, OR), natural proteolytic enzymes
(bromelain is the most common and is an ingredient contained in PSI), and
beneficial omega-3 oils (salmon and a borage/flax combination).
Have workstation evaluated for proper ergonomics and have corrections made.
If necessary, order protective devices.
Phase 2 - Post-acute phase (next two to four weeks):
Continued rest or modified work, as necessary, to prevent aggravation.
Chinese "spooning" as tolerated to improve blood flow and break superficial
adhesions of the skin and underlying fascia.
Pre-manipulative physiotherapy - ultrasound is most common.
As tolerated, extensive release of the deeper soft tissues - muscles,
tendons, and tendon sheaths - with massage, active muscle stripping, trigger
point therapy, transverse friction massage.
Continue chiropractic manipulation of the shoulder, neck, forearm, wrist and
hand for subluxations.
Complementary acupuncture treatment of the arm and supportive structures of
the neck and back.
Continue nutritional supplementation.
Add glucosamine hydrochloride or sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, which are
building blocks for healthy connective tissue. (GSCS NF Formulas is a good
choice, call 800/547-4891.)
At home, rub salve on the arms to promote circulation and reduce
inflammation. I use one specially made for treating this type of injury. It
is available from Kate Montgomery, LMT (www.sportstouch.com).
As adhesions and tenderness of the hands and wrists diminishes, start home
exercises specifically designed to strengthen the extensor muscles of the
forearm. This will counterbalance the excessive strengthening of the flexor
muscles that occurs with typing, hammering, etc. The best exercise aid I
have found is the Flextender Glove by Balance Systems
(www.repetitive-strain.com).
Phase 3 - Ongoing Preventative Treatment:
Self-massage and treatment of trigger points of the forearm and hand. Kate
Montgomery has a good 12-step program that I endorse (www.sportstouch.com).
Stretches and strengthening exercises while at work, much the same as
wearing a hard hat and safety glasses for prevention of injury. This keeps
the muscles in proper balance.
Continued nutritional support, including omega-3 oils and GSCS.
Continued monitoring of ergonomic conditions.
Regular massage and chiropractic care to prevent buildup of adhesions and
subluxations.
[This message has been edited by Cato (edited 10-13-2001).]
