Hands

I have been slowly losing functionality in both hands -particularly the left. The best guess anyone can come up with is that it is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, which is kind of like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, except in the elbows, as opposed to the wrists. My fingers on both hands are starting to splay outwards, as the muscles atrophied and tendons have slipped off the bones: First the pinkies, and now the ring fingers. My pinkies turn inwardand get in the way when I try to make a fist or grip anything. However compared to everything else that was going on, it was a minor annoyance, so I kind-of put it on the back burner.

I am supposed to do exercises and PT and all sorts of stuff to retain function in my hands, which I don't often do, because, -let's face it; who thinks to squeeze a ball, when there is so much else one can be doing that one's hands. Like eating popcorn and scratching your arse (with the other hand) while watching TV? Ok I tell a lie there. I never eat popcorn.

I noticed that I was adapting to the situation and not in a good way. I  was starting to leave my pinkies out altogether, tucking them under the wheel when driving, holding them out of the way when using my hands. I no longer use them when typing.

Well as I mentioned before, I have started knitting recently. A lot. I think the knitting action is helping my hands. It is an exercise I will actually do, which is the key to any exercise. I have been noticing some slight  return of function in my right hand, and I am trying to teach myself another style of knitting, which makes more used of the left hand. I think if I can alternate both styles, I may be able to find a way to help my hands.

And of course, while knitting is not considered cool in the circles in which I used to run, I can pretty much guarantee that Joe will be the ONLY kid in the town with a hand-knit Harry Potter-style Scarf in the NY Giants colors. I think that is kind of cool.

Comments

[Kerrilynn]

Hi, I have EDS and having a horrible time with my hands (among others). I'm currently working with a hand therapist and doing very minor exercises... I have wrist splints, and my HT just made me some splints for my fingers similar to ring splints (for free, whoot). I'm loosing a lot of function in my hands... I completely understand. Knitting is actually very good for the hands. A tip- the wooden circular needles are much easier on the hands. I got a set of interchangeables frim knitpicks.com. I love them. Because my hands are so hypermobile, knitting has become very painful for me, as well as crocheting. I've been doing both since I was little... I've recently started sewing (machine) it tends to be a bit easier on my hands, while giving me something to do. I hope you start to get some relief.