My wife had RSDS in her right arm. The pain in her hand, and radiates up to the elbow and sometimes the shoulder. Her job requires a lot of computer work, so she's wondering what she can do to alleviate some of the pain. She thinks a wrist brace might help, but they're not exactly cheap, and she's worried that the pressure would do more harm than good. Anyone have any suggestions?

She's on Lyrica right now to help with the pain, but it only does so much.

Hey there! Sorry your wife is having to deal with this monster! Bracing or immobilizing an area that has CRPS is never a good idea...it can make things worse for her. When I hurt my right hand, the drs misdiagnosed me and braced it several times...I ended up with RSD/CRPS in it. Not saying the braces caused it, but it definitely made things worse. Not sure what she can do to alleviate some of her pain, I had stellate ganglion nerve blocks and then two spinal cord stimulators to help me. Definitely do not use ice as that could cause spread. Ice is bad for RSD/CRPS!

Does she have CRPS in her hand or just her arm? If she doesn't have it in her hand and the pain is radiating, she needs to have other things ruled out like a nerve problem in her cervical spine. If she hasn't done that already.

I am sure some others will chime in soon with some advice. I hope she finds relief soon!

Nanc

Hi. Sorry your wife has rsd. I don't know if this would help, but there are support pillows for people with carpel tunnel syndrome who type alot. There made out of a rubber and foam like material. I don't know if they are still made, but maybe your pm dr may know. Hope your wife feels better soon.

I have something like that for my cubital tunnel syndrome. It doesn't help much...lol. Might need to get her something like that to try out.

As mentioned...immobilization is not a good idea with RSD. Something that might help would be some sort of heat wrap to help with the pain...or maybe a Lidoderm patch or something like that. What I do when it's bad in my arms is put on a heat patch or Lidoderm patch and then lightly wrap self-stick first aid tape around them (tape that does not stick to skin but sticks to itself). That helps when I need to use my arm but it's in pain...unless it's a REALLY bad flare and then nothing but a nice soak in hot water and Epsom salts helps.

I take neurontin and percocet to help with my rsd and fibromyalgia pain. Unfortunately, that makes it impossible for me to concentrate too long or drive. Mine started in my right wrist and hand and went up to my elbow and shoulder at first. In the beginning my neurologist gave me prednisone for a short time and that brought the swelling down a little which helped me move my fingers better. I had eight nerveblocks too that helped with the appearance but not so much with the pain or movement. Physical therapy helped a little with the movement of my right side too. My pm dr said to ask pt for a putty ball. He said to keep squeezing that with my bad hand as much as possible. That helps alot. I still do that exercise at home. I used to type alot, but I can't type much anymore, especially with my right hand. There is also this computer called a dragon which helps you type with your voice instead of your hands. My friend told me about this. Maybe this might help if her employer is willing to pay for it. I can't afford one myself. Well good luck and take care. My thoughts are with you both.

Sorry to hear your wife is struggling to use her arm/hand at work! A few suggestions that might help; keep in mind some of these get better with consistent use so try not to be to disappointed if they are not an "instant" relief.

Epsom Salt soaks (1-2cups per gallon of warm water)
Voltaren gel (prescription is needed for this)
Medicated Compound cream (also prescribed - this one works pretty quickly and continues to improve with regular use)
Lidoderm patches (placed along the nerve path above or before the location of pain and several can be worn at one time for up to 12 hours)
Mirror therapy (your PT can help with this)
massage therapy for neck and shoulders to keep muscles from tightening and causing further pain.

I would also recommend checking the ergonomic setup of her desk, monitor and keyboard to ensure these are not adding to her pain in any way.

Frequent breaks from computer work if this is something she can work out with her employer. Her doctor or PT person could also help in that area by requesting modifications to her work space and needed breaks.

I hope she is able to find something that helps. Keep in mind with RSD/CRPS nothing is 100% at best, most things only offer a small reduction in pain rather than total relief. It takes a ton of patience and diligence in order to find something that works.. don't give up!! Most importantly try to stay positive and keep the arm/hand/shoulder moving as much as possible.

Best of luck to you both,
Tessa

Hi phoenix

Now that my CRPS has spread to my left arm, I often get some horrible sprained wrist type feelings and other pains through the rest of my arm. When it's bad, I find it helps to use one of those elasticated tube bandages (usually a cream or white colour) on my wrist - I double it because it keeps my wrist warm and gives it a bit of support. After a couple of days it's a lot better. I don't keep it on all the time, I let my wrist breathe regularly and keep it moving.

Hope this helps a bit, and I hope she finds that some of all these great suggestions by the folk here can give her a bit of relief

Bram.

Hi Phoenix

I have CRPS in my right arm, too, primarily in my hand, wrist and shoulder. My job also involves a lot of computer work. For me, I think a brace would make my arm hurt more in the long run.

One thing that I have found that helps is using a heat pack periodically through the day. I keep a microwavable one at my desk and just pop it in the microwave when I need it. It isn't a magic wand, but it helps to take the edge off.

I have also recently started wearing a 'wrist warmer' at work. It is like a fingerless glove. The one I have is fleece lined so it doesn't irritate my skin. I have found that keeping my wrist from getting cold helps to keep the pain level just a wee bit lower.

Unfortunately, I don't know of anything that will make a significant difference to the pain. But doing those two little things does help me. Also, I try to remember to do my physiotherapy exercises during the day.

I'm sorry she is in pain but it is very nice that you are on here looking for ideas to help her.

Thanks to all of you for the various tips! We'll try them all one by one. And thank you for verifying that a brace is not a good idea.