Hand and arm pain

Hey all,

Just wanted to share an idea that I use for severe pain in the hands and arms. We all know that CRPS in the arm and hand is very painful. My left hand is constantly throbbing purple and red and the prickly numbness makes it hard to use. Of course I've mentioned lidocaine patches for my face and head and it's not a pretty sight but worth it to give some relief for Trigeminal Neuralgia and Occipital Neuralgia. Back on the hand. I've also been wearing a latex glove on my left hand and sometimes I even need to have one my right one. Nitrate gloves or regular vinyl gloves (you know, the medical examination gloves) do help. Make sure to buy a proper size that fit. Nitrate gloves, I've found, fit tighter and will help with that uncomfortable feeling of CRPS. They may also help with the throbbing pain to a certain extent. I also powder my hand with Gold Bond before slipping one on for them to slide on easier without tearing them. A couple of pieces of tape on the end of the glove around the wrist will help keep moisture from entering the glove. Another benefit is that it helps keep your painful hand from getting cold and swelling which we know increases pain. Sometimes I'll slide a cloth arthritis compression glove over the top of the latex glove for extra relief from cold and swelling. Now the arm. I use compression sleeves to help. Best to wear the gloves with the sleeves because without the gloves the compression sleeves force more swelling in the hand. I've got special ordered Dallas Cowboys and Clemson Tigers compression sleeves. I'll get a good conversation with other football fans about my sleeves. On my left leg I'll wear a tight fitting compression stocking with cotton socks on. Helps with warmth and pain from CRPS. Salonpas, which can be found in the over the counter muscle pain aisle near Bengay, helps some with chronic muscle spasms in my calve muscle. Warning though, Salonpas goes on very cold and will burn for a few minutes. For some of you it may increase nerve pain if applied in very sensitive areas from CRPS. It's trial and error. Makes sure if applying Salonpas you use latex gloves. If it gets on your hands it's easily removed with rubbing alcohol then soap and water. With CRPS we have to do things that may not be a pleasant sight but remember this,,, we're only trying to find some relief. Who cares what other people think. I am self conscious about the way I look but I've learn to except that I'm only trying to help myself. People stare and ask questions but you've got to learn to block that out just like people with severe burns and other disabilities. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking care of you. Now all of this will help when seeing your physician with proper diagnosis and how they see the extreme measures we must take to provide some relief for ourselves so wear these things when going to your appointments but most of all try wearing these things for your own good. The pain never really goes away and flare ups are extremely difficult. I give you my word that these things help, especially in affected hands while trying to use them for tedious things like typing, cooking, cleaning, and ect. Okay, I'm covered with lidocaine patches on my face and back of my head and also with my latex glove and Cowboys sleeve on my left. May not be pretty but I'm facing my day with some relief. Remember, trial and error. We have to do odd things for CRPS.

Let me know if my suggestions have help you,

Jimmy (Rocky)

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