Exercise with CTS - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

maggieloop · 04-03-2008, 12:32 AM

Hi all,

I have bilateral CTS and bilateral des quervains. My doc has put in the referall to the neuro and ortho docs, but I can't get in for at least 2 months. Until then, she said not to do any exercise that involves hand weights. The reason for this is because last week when I went in to see her, I told her that I was doing one of my Walk Away the Pounds workouts and using 2lb hand weights. My right wrist also has problems and during the workout my wrist felt like it popped and has been hurting real bad since.

Anyhow, I can't do certain yoga poses any longer or use the weights. I have baby weight that I'm trying to take off and also get rid of my old lady jiggle in my arms. I have a set of resistance bands and my DH thinks that Ishould be able to use them instead of the hand weights, but I'm not sure.

Do you think it would be ok to use them or would it be the same as using the hand weights? Also, does anyone know of any other arm exercises I can do w/out the weights?

Past history is dx of the cts and des quervains over 11 years ago and I currently take hydrocodone for pain, supplements include magnesium, calcium, prenatal vitamins, fish oil, triflex.

Thanks for the help!!

Maggie

PeloMarron · 04-07-2008, 07:51 PM

Do not use bands or resistance with your exercises until pain has subsided.
When you experience this type of pain, that's when it's important to wear wrist splints. Use anti inflammatory meds, and ICE.

Wear the splints during the day, but make sure you take them off so that your wrists don't get stiff, and do gentle stretches with wrist bending back and forth, opening your hand and closing it.
Wear the splint for sleep if you notice that you wake up with pain.

I would suggest that when doing your yoga exercises, defer from painful wrist/hand positions. Use your splints to prevent injury.

I would also suggest that you tell your doctor to write you a referal to a hand therapist so that they can teach you on specific gentle exercises that will not exacerbate your symptoms. If you haven't been to one before, I would highly recommend it.

HURTEN · 04-08-2008, 11:26 AM

[i][size="5"]hi Maggie, I Too Used To Do Yoga Before I Was Diagnosed And Also Did Weights But, Icant Any Longer. Wheni Try I Suffer With Pain And My Hands Are Then Useless. Any Pressure On The Hands I Find Is Painful And May Cause More Damage.you Have A Baby To Consider And You Have To Be Able To Lift And Change And Bathe, Save Your Hands For Your Child.
If You Have To Exercise Try Getting One Ofthose Weight Vests. And Maybe Wrist Weights But Only 1 Lb.
And Also You Can Do Deep Knee Bends While Holding The Baby,aslo Lay On Your Back Lift Your Kness And Lay The Baby Onyour Legs Like Flying Good For The Tummy And Back Also To Strengthen Your Legs Its A Great Work Out And The Baby Will Love It