Here is my story, it is kinda driving me crazy, a very uncomfortable feeling.

Have been an avid computer user for 15 years, never had a problem.

One morning I wake up with a funny feelingb in my pink and half of my ringfinger.

Thinking it just fell asleep, I thought it woudl go away quick. It didn't.

Now when I use my computer, the pain seems to be worse. DO you people think that using the computer makes it worse?

Have been doing a bit of research, looks like I am a classic cubital tunnel syndrom sufferer.

This has been going on for a week now. It seems to get a little bit less but definetly still there.

Have been taking ibuprofen, helps a little bit.

How much longer should/can I wait before I need to see someone?

Do I see a doctor or chiropractor?

I have been using my computer quite a bit, with pressure on my underarm, I think that aggrevates the condition.

Any advice, I am very new to this.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Woppy,

My CuTS, along with carpal and guyon canal syndromes, is most definitely from years of computer use but also from a really bad habit of leaning on my desk or chair on console in my car. I wouldn't wait to speak to a doc if I were you. It doesn't hurt to talk to someone about it. You might be sent for an EMG test which would give an idea of where the nerve is blocked and the severity. A Doc might also have you try a NSAID for a couple of weeks too. When my CuTS showed up, I went to my family doc after a week of pain, tried the NSAIDS for 2 weeks and then went for the EMG and a consult with an ortho surgeon.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Woppy,

I don't know how your insurance coverage works, I was lucky-I went straight to the hand surgeon, no referral neede (I did call my pcp 2 let him know what was going on).

If you need a referral for a specialist and your pcp is conservative, push for that referral. If you are numb all the time it's time to see ortho. In the meantime, you could try splinting your elbow with a towel at night. Really be conscious of your arm positions when using the computer, etc. Conservative treatment helped me for awhile, but I ultimately ended up having bilateral transpositions.

Take Care,
Chris

I guess, I will go see someone, don't even have a pcp set up,(never sick).

Is this usually covered by insurance?

I will follow up and let you guys know.

What arm position do you recommend, rightg now it is kinda hanging down most of the time, is that the best thing to do.

No bending more then 90 degrees and just let gravity stretch it?

Thanks for replies.

When I was first diagnosed, the neurologist told me to wear elbow braces just so that can figure out which specific motion was making my CuTS more severe. My worst offenders:

1. Holding a phone (landline or mobile) to my ear (sometimes for hours at a time due to my working at home).

2. Leaning the elbows heavily on the arms of my chair.

3. Sleeping with my hand under the back of my head.

4. Holding heavy camera and lens against my eye. (Photography is a hobby of mine.)

According to my surgeon, touch typing was one of my best exercises.

I will give you guys an update, I think it is about a month ago now that I woke up with this crazy tngling arm. Never had that feeling before, except for hitting the funny bone.

Never saw a doctor although at times I really thought I should.

There never really was a lot of pain, just avery annoying continous nagging.

I just always had the feeling hat it would go away by itself.

I am happy to report that yesterday for the first time, the feeling was gone for a short time.

At night I have been sleeping with a towel around my arm.

tingling is getting less by the day, I hope it is actually healing and not slowly dying off.

Still a diminished sensory functions when comparing to right hand,

Ring finger seems to be back to normal, little finger still having symptoms.

Thanks for the advice guys, by no means people should interpret this as medical advice. I still think I should have went to see a docor. Work schedule didn't allow me to do this. Hopefully I didn't make a mistake by n ot going

I will keep you guys posted.