Carpal tunnel?

sheri56

HELP!  Looking for some information from anyone who has lymphedema and also suffers from carpal tunnel in the same arm. I had a flare up in my lymphedema which started about 6 weeks ago. I've been seeing my Lymphedema Specialist and she's been doing MLD. I've also been wrapping my arm, not a full wrap but a "soft wrap". The swelling is a little better but the tingling and "pins and needles" in my fingers and palm is very painful. The therapist mentioned carpal tunnel the first time I saw her but nothing more was said. I've been reading more about carpal tunnel and my symptoms match what I read. I am going to bring this up when I see my therapist next week. In the meantime, I would love to hear from anyone else out there who has/had carpal tunnel.

Thank you!!!!

leaf

I don't have lymphedema, but I have had bilateral carpal tunnel.  It was work related, so it took some 1.5 years to get surgery for it.  I don't know if this posture would be contraindicated in lymphedema, but one of the classic tests they do is to put your palms together, flat, lower them to the middle of your chest near your heart (like you are praying  with the entire area of your palm in contact with your other palm, but lower your hands so there is a 90 degree angle between your hands and your forearms.)  Hold them there for about 30 seconds or a minute, and if you have carpal tunnel then normally this causes tingling. 

I got referred to a neurologist (to do nerve conduction tests), and a hand surgeon.  For me, surgery worked extremely well, and I'm really grateful to have had surgery done.

I hope someone will respond who has both carpal tunnel and lymphedema, so they can give you further support.

purple32

I don't know if this posture would be contraindicated in lymphedema,

I dont have carpal tunnel.  I have LE, and I just wanted to say, I feel confident that it would not be contraindicated to  do this posture for 30-60 seconds.  However, if the tingling is caused by LE, it may well bring on tingling so I am not sure this test would help you !
You have  a complex  case because you dont know what is causing what. I have  a feeling it will be trial and error, but your best resource should be your LE therapist.

I too hope someone else will come on with some better insight.

Good Luck to you!