I recently wrote about the challenges of Blogging. In that article, I mentioned getting Carpal Tunnel or Tendonitis. Creating content for my blog requires a lot of typing, researching, and sitting behind the computer. also making YouTube videos is taking its toll on my wrist.
Unfortunately due to this, I had a lot of pain in my left wrist. I had no idea what it was. At first, it wasn’t sore when I would touch it but it would hurt with certain movements. I could compare the pain with some bruising. Naturally, I thought I accidentally hit something maybe in my sleep, or could not remember what.
The day after it as much more painful and when I would touch it, it would even be sorer. More movements hurt. I went online to check what I have.
Cause of Tendonitis or Carpal Tunnel
It was clear that sitting long hours behind the computer was the cause. My wrist leaning on the desk could inflame, irritate the tendons in my wrists. The pressure could block the nerve. The repetitive motion of typing and using the computer just adds up to the problem.
It does not matter what age you are, you can get Tendonitis by even doing sports. Carpal tunnel is more a case at excessive computer use by constantly doing repetitive movements of hand and wrist. (source: Healthline)
Symptoms
Certain movements hurt, some more than others. Pressure started to hurt on the second day, and moving my pink was also a lot of pain. Binding with cloth would relieve the pain a bit. Eventually, on the second day, I used a bandage around my wrist for some pain relief.
Short after the pain has become too dominant during the day, and it was only 2nd day I decided to check in with the doctor. Something I am cautious of because of the current pandemic. So wash hands regularly, I also brought my own homemade hand sanitizer.
Doctors diagnosis
Before being examined they would check mt blood pressure, temperature, and blood cholesterol levels. I have no clue but it seemed that everything was normal.
I would describe my daily activities with the doctor. He seemed to be asking and focussing on the activities involving my computer. It was clear it was not a sports injury but something rather from repetitive movements.
He quickly narrowed it down and leaning more to tendonitis. The doctor asked what movements did hurt. I described the movements and tried to show it. It hurts so he told me to stop. So after the interview, I got an explanation that he thinks it’s tendonitis, inflamed tendons. But it could also be carpal tunnel syndrome.
Medicine and rest
I already had my own bandage I received the white ones you normally use for once and after that replace it.
The Eflagen, a pill of 50 mg is to relieve pain and reduce inflammation with acute and chronic rheumatoid arthritis, bone pain, ankylosing spondylitis. (source: halodoc.com)
Dolo-Neurobion can be used to reduce pain caused by neuritis and neuralgia. (source: halodoc.com) The doctor explained these would be good for my nerves’ recovery.
Kaltrofen Gel Ketoprofen is used to treat pain due to minor trauma, especially those caused by injuries during exercise, sprains, tendon and muscle contusions, post-traumatic swelling and pain, osteoarthritis, and arthritis. (source: halodoc.com)
I was instructed to take the pills in the morning and evening. The gel should be applied also before or after taking the medicine and after smearing it on the wrist I would use my bandage to cover it. It seemed that all is to relieve the pain for tendonitis in the wrist caused by repetitive strain injury (RSI)
Advice for preventing Carpal Tunnel, Tendonitis (RSI)
I did not touch my computer for 2 days. The pain subsided and after 4 days I felt confident to lift some things and doing more movements with my wrist. The doctor mentioned that after 15 minutes of working behind the computer I should do something else for 15 minutes.
I try my best to take rest and take breaks. The coming time will be less frequent content updates (sorry!). I have to take care of my health as well, and I advise you to do the same. Workrave assists in helping to remind you to take ANTI RSI breaks from your computer.
The difference with Tendonitis and Carpal Tunnel is a burning sensation that hurts in your wrist and arm. I was lacking this but the doctor said even without that it could still be carpal tunnel syndrome. Reading all the medicine it is more for inflamed tendons and some pain killers.
Do always listen to your doctors’ instructions when it comes to medicine. Don’t take this article as medical advice, this is my own experience. If you have some pain in your wrist without any physical injury, make an appointment with the doctor. Until then take rest. I am not a medical expert and did not study medicine. When I googled my symptoms I still went to the doctor who did a good job.
Hi I am Dwi. I am a blogger, travel agent and a mom of a lovely daughter and wife to a supportive husband. I customize and plan tours in Bali and islands nearby for a living and have been doing this for more than 14 years. Get in touch via contact [at] taletravels.com