Physical consequences of making candles

[barncat]

I know every job has its downfalls...but jeez..i feel i'm getitng hit kinda hard here. I got my carpel tunnel fixed in one hand 2 years ago and holding off getting the other one done as I now have tendanitis in the wrist. Seems the more I rest it, the worse it gets. My specialist doesnt think they can do anything in the wrist since there is so much bone there.

Just wandering if anyone else expereincing these kind of things and how do you deal? This is my only source of income and being a single mom on top of that makes it very hard. Im so frustrated right now.

[gardengoat]

I have found that doing the gentle yoga stretches will reverse those problems & keep them at bay. At least it did/does for me.

[debratant]

I have some carpal tunnel...however I had surgery on my right wrist to repair a torn TFCC ligament that I tore while working. I also have ulnar neuropathy in my left elbow. I'm sure you've had the EMG's to diagnose your carpel tunnel...I've had several of those and the left elbow keeps getting worse. I've opted not to do surgery at this time.

The only thing I can recommend is to do some nerve glides for your hands. My Orthopedic Surgeon has written 2 books on Carpal Tunnel and if you'd like them...I'd be more than happy to send you my two copies. There are exercises in there that you can do to ease your pain.

They are yours for free if you'd like them. PM me if you're interested.

The nerve glides have helped me avoid surgery on my left arm...and they really do help to ease the pain in your hands. I also bought a home paraffin unit from Bed Bath & Beyond. It helps ease the pain as well.

[Scented]

So wondering, surely there are some flexing exercises that can be performed and maybe even see what an acupuncturist might have to say.

Does working with a wrist brace work at all?

Or is it time to consider grooming an apprentice (like a son or daughter), which might allow you to do other things that aren't as painful?

[bugtussle]

I have Carpal Tunnel in both wrists, left worse than right. I deal with it by sleeping in a wrist brace from Walmart, both hands. It has keep it at bay. I have poured candles with the braces when it gets really bad. I'm not sure surgery is the right thing. Carole

I think it is caused by the computer more than making candles.

Edited May 17, 2010 by bugtussle
Added

[CathyinME]

Definately try the braces at night. They help alot. I have had both Ct surgeries & now I have tennis elbow!! The braces do help with swelling at night. When I wear them my hand is not all swollen & stiff in the morning. Stretching exercises would help as well.

[CareBear]

the braces are really helpful. I also find an arnica balm can keep it well under control most of the time. my chiropractor does something, when I can get to him, that releases things for weeks at a time as well.

[NewOrleansLady]

I developed tennis & golfer's elbow in both elbows from candlemaking. Physical therapy did nothing other than pay for my PT to put her kid thru collage. My orthopedic surgeon gave me flexing exercises & it got cleared up in under 2 weeks. Bending hands down and up...building up the muscles from fingertips to elbow. You have to realize your nerves & tendon & muscles are all involved.

Just remembered I found this stuff that really helped b4 I went to the Dr. Go to www.ctcream.com this stuff is amazing. It would stop my pain so I could sleep. It's a little pricey but you don't need much. A jar would last me probably 2 months. good luck.

[doglover]

I know every job has its downfalls...but jeez..i feel i'm getitng hit kinda hard here. I got my carpel tunnel fixed in one hand 2 years ago and holding off getting the other one done as I now have tendanitis in the wrist. Seems the more I rest it, the worse it gets. My specialist doesnt think they can do anything in the wrist since there is so much bone there.

Just wandering if anyone else expereincing these kind of things and how do you deal? This is my only source of income and being a single mom on top of that makes it very hard. Im so frustrated right now.

I am an occupational therapist and a candlemaker. I have experienced the symptoms of CT and ulnar neuropathy. Basically, both are results of repetitive motions (i.e., candlemaking, computers, etc.) and can be aggravated and/or worsened with continued repetitive motions and poor positioning. Rest in a neutral position is the best way to diminish and/or eliminate the symptoms. I wear wrist supports at night. However, I have bent the bar a little straighter than the angle it is when I bought them, as the carpal tunnel in your wrist is most at rest (with the least amount of tension) when your hand/forearm is straight or your hand just slightly extended (bent back). Elbows are a bit tougher, but you can get positive results from rest, too. Look at how you sleep at night....are your elbows bent? Keep them straight....it can be done, but it is very hard to change a behavior. Also, when you talk on the phone, elbows bent? What is your position when you are driving your car, sitting at the table, etc. See where I am going with this? They do make neoprene elbow supports that will encourage you to keep your arms straight....and I have used them also with good success. But over time I have taught myself to change some behaviors/positions that I do/have throughout my day.

HTH....Good luck!