Treadmill use with RSD right hand
 

I was wondering if it will hurt for me to walk on a treadmill for about 10 mins 3x a day and work myself up to more while holding 2 lb weights in both hands? Even though in started after carpel tunnel surgery, my right arch started hurting yesterday as well as the right side of my back. Not sure if only holding a 5lb weight did that. At PT 2 days ago she had me walk around the room,with a 5lb weight for 10 mins. Also did it at home a few more times at home. Just wondering if walking with a 2 lb weight in both hands while on treadmill will help that or make it worse? the do my 10 walks with a 5 pd later. I have not done much since getting this diagnosis. I am so depressed but want to do more to hopefully help build my muscles. PT was closed today due to weather.

I think a doctor or your physical therapist are the only ones who can answer that. With RSD everyone's case is different...different symptoms etc..

I think the walking is fine, but I have a concern about holding the weights for lengths of time.

Since you had carpal tunnel already, which is usually due to RSI (repetitive strain) -( I have had lots of PT for various RSIs myself..)- I wouldn't do any constant holding/gripping = constant tension.:confused:
Unless your carpal tunnel is not an issue at all anymore, I don't know how long ago your surgery was.

Just my thoughts, I would focus on gentle moving and stretching of the hands & fingers while on the treadmill.

Sounds like they may be starting you on "Stress Loading." Here is a link to a little more info and if you google "RSD Stress Loading" you can find out more.
http://www.rsds.org/pdf/ptotbrochure_604.pdf

When I did Occupational Therapy, they tried the "scrubbing" with me, but I just could not do it. I could carry, but had to start with a small can of peaches and work up very slowly. I do still try to do some carrying as part of the therapy routine I do at home.

I can't advise you on if it will help or hurt you - I am not a doctor - but "carrying" is a fairly common PT "thing" for RSD. I don't know why it would hurt your foot if the RSD is in your hand, other than perhaps you just started out walking to much, and it had nothing to do with the weight in your hand?

I don't know about Carpel Tunnel either -- how the carrying would affect that. You might want to double check with your doctor before doing this exercise.

Just wanted to say that the carrying is a known therapy treatment for RSD.