Symptoms of Mom's Hand Issues: A Guide for Caregivers

Symptoms of mother's hand?

My mother is 57 years old and works in a hospital caring for elderly patients, which often requires physical exertion.
One day, she woke up feeling numbness in her fingers, which has persisted for over three months.
Subsequently, she experiences swelling in her finger joints, and sometimes her fingers are unable to bend.
The numbness feels like ants crawling, and it affects her sleep; she struggles to sleep well every night due to the finger numbness.
Our family took her to see a neurologist and she has been on medication, but her condition has not improved.
My mother is also reluctant to undergo surgery, and I am unsure if seeing a neurologist was the correct course of action.
How can we find the right treatment for her condition?

Xiao Hua, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/11/12

Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine

This type of issue is mostly related to carpal tunnel syndrome.
It is advisable to use a wrist brace and rest for several months; if there is no improvement, then consider surgery.

Reply Date: 2008/11/12

More Info

Understanding the symptoms of hand issues, particularly in caregivers like your mother, is crucial for effective management and treatment. Based on the symptoms you've described—numbness in the fingers, swelling in the joints, difficulty bending fingers, and disrupted sleep—it's possible that your mother is experiencing a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome or another form of repetitive strain injury.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. This condition is common among individuals who perform repetitive tasks with their hands, such as lifting, gripping, or typing, which is often the case for caregivers. Symptoms typically include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand, particularly in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring fingers. The sensation of "ants crawling" on the skin is a classic description of nerve-related issues.

Given that your mother has been experiencing these symptoms for over three months, it is essential to take a comprehensive approach to her care. Here are several steps you can consider:
1. Consultation with a Specialist: While your mother has seen a neurologist, it may be beneficial to consult with a hand specialist or an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in upper extremity conditions. They can provide a more focused evaluation of her symptoms and may suggest diagnostic tests such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) to assess the function of the median nerve.

2. Non-Surgical Treatments: If surgery is not an option your mother is willing to consider, there are several non-surgical treatments that can be effective. These include:
- Wrist Splints: Wearing a wrist splint, especially at night, can help keep the wrist in a neutral position and reduce pressure on the median nerve.

- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can provide exercises to strengthen the wrist and hand muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce symptoms.

- Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms temporarily.

3. Lifestyle Modifications: Encourage your mother to take regular breaks during her caregiving duties to rest her hands. Ergonomic tools and techniques can also help reduce strain on her hands and wrists. For example, using larger-handled tools or adjusting her work environment to minimize repetitive motions can be beneficial.

4. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain and inflammation. However, it's essential to consult with her healthcare provider before starting any new medication.

5. Sleep Hygiene: Since her symptoms are affecting her sleep, it may be helpful to establish a calming bedtime routine. This could include relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, gentle stretching, or warm baths before bed.

6. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of her symptoms, including when they occur, their severity, and any activities that seem to exacerbate them. This information can be invaluable for her healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating her condition.

7. Support and Understanding: Lastly, emotional support is vital. Caregiving can be physically and emotionally taxing, and your mother may benefit from talking about her experiences and feelings. Encouraging her to express her concerns and frustrations can help alleviate some emotional burdens.

In conclusion, while your mother’s symptoms are concerning, there are various avenues for treatment and management. A multidisciplinary approach involving specialists, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and emotional support can significantly improve her quality of life and help her manage her symptoms effectively.

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