That's Not My Age has been carrying an injury for some time now, I'm calling it Blogger's Wrist, otherwise known as Repetitive Strain Injury which can lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. According to the NHS website, most cases (of CTS) develop in people who are between 45 - 64 years of age, and left untreated it may lead to permanent nerve damage. Yikes. So, I'm under doctor's orders to take three anti-inflammatory pills a day, (Diclofenac Potassium, if you must know), with or after food - but I keep forgetting the lunchtime dose - and to rest. Now, you may have noticed that my blogs have become a bit shorter recently but I don't think that's what my GP meant.
In case you're wondering whether or not you have it too, Blogger's Wrist is quite easy to recognise; very sore tendons in the wrist and hand, particularly around the thumb area, shooting pains up the arm, aching elbow, numbness and throbbing caused by obssessive blogging and overuse of the mouse and keyboard. So yesterday, my fabulous acupuncturist whose usual role is to sort out my snotty sinuses stuck a few extra needles in my hand and gave me a special arm massage. If you live in London, I highly recommend The Traditional Acupuncture Centre, the practitioners are fantastic and friendly, and it's on Roupell Street, home of Konditor & Cook, the best cake shop in town. Which sells, "The sort of cakes you'd bake yourself if only you had the time energy or inclination," or so says Nigella Lawson. This is their famous curly whirly cake but it's the muffins, brownies and olive foccacia that keep calling to me on my way to the bus stop:
Fabulous acupuncturist used Weleda Massage Balm with Arnica for the special arm massage, it contains lavender and rosemary too, and smells lovely. So I went straight out and bought some, after eating my spinach and cream cheese muffin. I tried to get Mr That's Not My Age to give me another massage last night (of the wrist area, please!) but he says he's not qualified, and he doesn't want to cause further damage and ruin my blogging career. Actually, I think he's still sulking over my previous blog post but more of that later.
And physio friend, who I only seem to contact when I'm having a physical breakdown has recommended rest, massage, gentle stretching, moist heat and a splint. I'll get back to you on the gentle stretching, when I've found out what it is, I have been wearing a Neoprene wrist support pulled extra-tight to stabilize the wobbly hand, but it's not a splint, and after about five minutes I get pins and needles and have to take it off. Not sure that doctor/ acupuncturist/physio would approve.
Photographer friend suffering from Snapper's Wrist has invested in a proper splint which is the same colour as a sticking plaster, and works a treat. He also recommends bromelain, which according to wikipedia is an 'anti-inflammatory agent and can be used for sports injury, trauma and arthritis.'
So I will report back on any improvements, and offer further advice on easing the pain of Blogger's Wrist - in the meantime, is anyone else out there suffering for their blog? And do you have any tips you'd like to share?
I'm also searching for a super-low wrist rest to use with the wireless, low-profile iMac keyboard? But I can't find anything suitable. Any suggestions?
And now I'm off to rest my aching hand and try to procure a special massage.
Photos
Arms, Edward Steichen
Weleda Massage Balm: Weleda