Re: preserving hand function

[Guest guest]

You may have over-used your hands by using the weights. Take a look

in our Files and Links section on hands.

>

> Hi all,

>

> I apologize if this topic has already been addressed elsewhere on

this

> discussion board. I've seen a lot of discussion about AFOs and I'm

> wondering if anyone has any practical advice for preserving the

> function in my hands.

>

> In relative terms, I don't mind the loss of the use of my feet so

much. The numbness and discomfort in my hands (which has just gotten

bad in the past couple of months), however, is utterly devastating

and is not something I can abide with any measure of equanimity or

grace or whatever.

>

> Eight or nine weeks ago, I was lifting weights at the gym despite

the pain and soreness in my wrists. Then I was diagnosed with CMT and

a hands specialist (although one with apparently little knowledge of

CMT) ruled out EVERYTHING I was doing to get exercise that involved

my hands (even using the ellyptical trainer).

>

> I've been doing stretching and strengthening exercises for my

hands, but in the past couple of weeks the symptoms in my hands have

gotten so bad that I have trouble doing strengthening exercises with

as little as 3 lbs of weight. I wear wrist braces, but I don't know

if these are actually helpful. Does anyone have anything to suggest?

>

[Guest guest]

Jon,

I'm having trouble with my hands too and similarly, my neurologist advised

me never to use any hand weights.  He was adamant about it.  His recommendation

is swimming.

Aqua jogger equipment can be helpful.  Basically, you are doing aerobics

underwater.  I purchased the underwater dumbbells and the hand gloves, but found

that the best thing for my weak hands was just the resistance from the water

itself.  I like the aqua jogger belt and ankle weights.  The belt keeps you up

and then you can move your arms and legs underwater.

Overuse and overexertion can increase the nerve loss, so best to be careful and

do only what feels comfortable.  We are so used to hearing 'no pain, no gain',

but with CMT that's not true.  Ignoring and pushing past the pain can cause

permanent damage to our fragile nerves.

[Guest guest]

jonrice -

I have to agree with Gretchen. I'd say STOP working with weights. If you're

used to weight training, onset of CMT will change the way your muscles work.

Overworking and straining a muscle will no longer make it stronger, it will

make it weaker.

I've found that if I can determine what I'm doing that is causing pain,

especially in my hands, I try to find an alternate method of doing it. A

pair of pliars will open pill bottles you have to squeeze, a letter opener

is great for puncturing safety seals.

Tendonitis is a big problem for me. Sounds like maybe it is for you too. The

only way I've found to make it better is to stop doing whatever is causing

the inflamation, until the pain goes away. Then slowly start to work that

area again, stopping if the pain returns. With time, things will get better,

thought it may take six months to a year, or more.

O

[Guest guest]

I have alot of hand issues too and I wish I could offer something positive but

most of it is just learning to deal with it.

 

I had to have special wrist braces specially made because my hands are long and

skinny and the regular ones all cut into my " web " between my thumb and

forefinger.  I am suppose to use these braces so I use my shoulder more and not

so much my fore arm and wrist muscles which get really sore and ache.  I also

have alot of problems with waking up and my hands have " fallen asleep " .  Keeping

them straight is suppose to help but trying to sleep with them on is very

awkward. 

When I lift things like even trying to pour a gallon of milk it feels like my

hand is just going to break off at the wrist.  My hands are very undependale (as

are my legs) and I find I really have to keep my eyes on what I am doing with

them and concentrate on it. 

 

I have learned as I have progressed with CMT to just take things slow and

concentrate.  When I get distracted, that is when the accidents happen!

Cyndi

[Guest guest]

Hello Jon,

I was losing function in my hands also. Was diganosed with carpal tunnel and

ulnar nerve compression at the ELBOW! Had surgery to correct both and most hand

function is restored. Also pain is gone most of the time.

The surgery was in 2001 and 2002. I think it was worth it for the use all this

time.

Good luck,

Penny

[Guest guest]

I am limited by my hands - I have a desk job and I am in front of

computer typing or writing most of day. If I work till 8 or 9 using

my hands a lot 2 days in a row - I have pain and weakness. In

addition if I work on the computer all weekend (research CMT or

work) I may have difficulties on Monday.

Kim

[Guest guest]

You may have stressed the joints/muscles in your wrists. I had the

ulnar nerve go numb for months before I saw a hand specialist who told

me to back off from handwork (knitting, etc.) until it healed. I wore

a brace constantly for a couple of weeks and the feeling came back. It

remains sensitive, though, two years later. I only do about 30 minutes

of hand activity at a time. She also helped set up some strength

exercises specifically for hands and wrists. If you can get so a

specialist in hand/wrist issues, you could probably get some good

information to help. You may need to take a break from the weights for

a little bit to let your body recover.

Best wishes!

[Guest guest]

Thanks for info; this is something I am experiencing also.

Jackie

[Guest guest]

The things that are wearing out my hands is the getting up and down from the

floor or a seated position. I have to lean hard on my hands in order to get up

and it is causing wear and tear on my fingers.

Any suggestions????

Jackie