Im having symptoms like CTS & Tendonitis at 18, which one is it?

Posted by rjwalker115 @rjwalker115, 3 days ago

Pain starting from the bicep brachii muscles shoots down to my fingertips, causing a tingling sensation in almost my whole hand. My hand feels like ice, honestly, but I can still feel it. I work at a desk with a computer at a legal office, and I've only been working there for about a month. I also recently played an esports game with friends. It was a baseball game where you swing the Wii remote as hard and fast as you can to try to get a home run. I hit the fake ball as hard as I could and played bowling right after, using only my right arm. Keep in mind that I was gripping the Wii remote as hard as I could while making quick and snappy movements that I'm not used to. I'm not athletic, and I did not stretch before playing.

I feel overall that I pulled a muscle, but this feels VERY severe because I've pulled muscles before, and it’s never been like this. A heating pad around my arm has been helping, but I will say this: when I’m at work, the pain gets worse throughout the day. On top of that, it starts affecting my other arm too, just not as severely. It’s in the same spots, though, and I also feel pain in my fingertips instead of tingling in my left hand. Someone please help me figure this out… thanks.

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dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | 2 days ago

@rjwalker115
It sounds like you need a MRI of your cervical spine by an orthopedic doctor to see if you have any disc issue or pinched nerve. I have cervical stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and myelopathy at c5-c6. This can affect your shoulders, biceps and hands/fingers causing pain, weakness, and numbness. You may also need EMG of upper limbs which would be done by a neurologist.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | 2 days ago

@rjwalker115 Welcome to Mayo Connect, and to the world of mysterious symptoms. We don't offer diagnosis here, as we are other patients, but we can offer opinions based on experience.

From your description, I think you have suddenly "angered" a whole lot of nerves and muscles. There are a few things you can try to see if you can calm them down before permanent damage occurs.

First, if you are spending hours at the keyboard everyday, you need to consider your posture, hand position, keyboard position, and whether you are "cocking" your wrists as you work. Your description of a similar effect in your left hand makes this seem likely. There is an entire workplace safety specialty called Ergonomics. Here is what Mayo Clinic recommends for people working at a keyboard for significant periods:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/office-ergonomics/art-20046169

It is really important to take frequent, short breaks from sitting and stretch your entire body. Walk a few steps (to get water, maybe) bend, stretch your shoulders, neck arms and hands...

Second, I am only guessing here, but as a teen you probably also use your cell phone a lot for texting and browsing...you can read about safe use here:
https://www.vitruehealth.com/blog/smartphone-ergonomics/

Finally, your assessment of the Wii games causing part of the problem are probably right. Now you need to heal - heat and/or ice on the affected arm is a good start. You could also try an over the counter anti-inflammatory or pain reliever FOR A FEW DAYS to see if it helps.

If after a week of trying these conservative approaches you are no better, it is time to make an appointment with your primary provider for an assessment.

pb50 | @pb50 | 2 days ago

From my days a lifetime ago spent in neurophysiology… The tingling in your hand emanating from your biceps is likely a result of the violent throwing motion you describe. I would get to an orthopedist if it isn't way better in a few days. If your biceps tendon is torn you want it repaired so it doesn't get worse.

It’s not likely Carpal Tunnel. That requires an impingement of the median nerve in the tunnel that traverses the wrist. It doesn't originate further up the arm unless it originates in the brachial plexus . That’s possible but not common and not called Carpal tunnel

Maybe thats useful. Good luck!!