Aches & Pains / Question
Published: March 13, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
my hands tend to swell, numb and hurt terribly. the pain is often when im using my hands or, especially, when i lay down. could you give me some insight as to what might be causing these problems?
Signed: Hands Swell, Are Numb & Hurt Terribly
Dear Hands Swell, Are Numb & Hurt Terribly,
TeenHealthFX could understand how being in pain could really get annoying, especially when it is your hands that are bothering you. You use your hands for everything so you need to get this checked out by a doctor. Only a doctor or hand specialist can diagnose what the problem may be. If you do not have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, please call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971.6475. Outside of NJ, please call your local hospital for a referral.
Although FX cannot diagnose you over the Internet, your symptoms sound like they may be associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Here is some information on this:
Carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by these symptoms:
- Tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in the fingers or hand
- May also have pain in the lower arm and elbow
These symptoms occur when there is pressure on a specific nerve in the wrist. The syndrome is caused by overuse or improper use of the hands and lower arms. It usually develops slowly and get worse if a person does not seek treatment or change their activities.
A doctor (and possibly a hand surgeon) should always treat carpal tunnel syndrome. If the case is mild, a person may be able to take care of the symptoms by just changing activities. Other times, it needs to be treated with physical therapy, medicine and possibly surgery. The sooner it is treated, the better chance a person has for a full recovery.
Again, TeenHealthFX cannot provide you with a diagnosis and highly recommend that you see your doctor. You should not have to live with this chronic pain and in most cases this could be treated.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
The highest Chlamydia rates occurred among women ages 15 to 19 and 20 to 24.
