THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 30, 1996 TAG: 9606280085
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ROBERT STIFFLER
LENGTH: 45 lines
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME is a problem nearly everyone has or talks about these days. It's politically correct, which is one of several reasons I've ignored it.
But the last few months, after working at the computer for several hours, I noticed my right wrist was hurting. I'd rub it with some Flex-All or Bengay and soon I'd forget the pain.
Then one day I noticed how ragged the edges of the many pine straw paths around our place looked. Rather than pull out the string trimmer and go through the hassle of starting it, I took down the grass clippers and clipped the paths by hand.
Next morning, when I fixed a cup of coffee, the cup almost fell out of my hand. I could not hold it. My wrist had no strength. It hung lifeless at my side and really ached.
I knew I had carpal tunnel syndrome, an injury caused by repetitive motions.
My chiropractor son checked it out and told me I had diagnosed it correctly. With some hand exercises he put it through, the pain is gone and the strength is back. A neighbor had a wrist brace, which I used, although it was too tight. It helped when I clipped anything.
I'm now fitted in a proper wrist brace, with a steel splint to support my wrist, and I wear it whenever doing any clipping - hedges, grass, tree limbs, you name it.
If you suspect repetitive motion problem, a local company, Green Thumb Consultants, specializes in tools and supports that will help prevent or ease the pain. Many of the tools are ergonomically designed to eliminate unnecessary strain.
The company was founded by horticulturist Bonnie Appleton, who suffered with this wrist problem herself before being properly diagnosed. She and Joe Mann operate the company, and you can get their catalog by calling 496-9050 or faxing 496-9061.
It's also smart to get a medical diagnosis to be sure you're not ignoring a possibly different problem that might worsen.
Meanwhile, don't take chances. Take it from me - this problem really hurts and can incapacitate a gardener. Proper tools will reduce the likelihood of injury, so get the right tools and wrist supports now. by CNB