Darth's in the UK...getting the referral may be no easy task, from what I gather about their National Health.

Ugh.. the ambidextrous trackball just caused me a bad RSI to fingers :\
I prefer an ambidextrous mouse, even if that isn't a definitive solution for the wrist pain.

Hmmm, I see. I don't know much about their health system.

Being referred to in the UK is as good as being told to shut the fuck up. Seriously, I couldn't even get a hold of the physiotherapist for my hands after being recommended. Doctor didn't even offer to help. :|

nvm, read below

Some good advice here, particularly wpegg. Just because you're having wrist pain does not mean carpal tunnel.

In the height of my WoW addiction, I had wrist/hand problems at two points. One was when I was using a chair with high armrests - the pressure of the forearm down on the armrests was causing compression on blood flow and nerve pathways. Taking off the arm rests helped a lot, though as Trent/wpegg both note, you may also want to look at wrist support.

The other thing that caused me problems was when I played certain classes, the way I had my macros set up required some crazy, and completely non-ergonomic, stretches. So the key combos I was using were causing problems and just cutting them out, while it meant 'non-optimal' play sometimes, did improve my hand/wrist health tremendously.

But if you also have neck/back problems, it's likely the problem you're perceiving in your wrist may actually be deriving from neck/shoulder problems - it's natural when we type a lot to let our shoulders roll down and forward, which puts strain on the entire network, but is often perceived at the wrist.

Fixing your work-station might help, and then I'd probably suggest some light exercises to work on your shoulders and getting your arms back into better posture, even when you aren't typing, may help provide some relief.

I definitely wouldn't rush to surgery either. Maybe start with a chiro or a PT/OT, and perhaps an ergonomic assessment.

I am re-typing this reply, b/c it appears to have been lost in the ether. it may turn up as a second post...

That sucks that you can't get a referral. Can you find a new doctor who will take you seriously? Or have you tried that? How on earth do you get the surgery if you can't get a referral to a surgeon??? *mind boggles*

And when you go, make sure they perform the tests that I posted. if they don't, they are bad doctors. it's like med school 101. at least here.
edit: and it totally posted from earlier. Damn you gog, making me look crazy!!!

1. Stop using a mouse/keyboard so much. Limit time putting excessive pressure on those joints.

2. Get exercise. Rather than contemplating surgeries and medication, go outside and do some stretches, maybe take a walk and flex out. The body understands muscle memory. It will do what you want it to do, and if you do it once in a while, things will improve.

3. At least flex muscles and joints while gaming or using internet. The body will hate fuck you for keeping it in stationary positions for long periods. The body is meant to be a machine of movement, not a paperweight.

deleted

Incidentally, I found golf really helped. Loosened the wrists, and (in my perception) just broke through some of that tension.

medicaid.

Ha if only. Our doctors (dentists, schools etc) are so packed due to over population, finding one you don't have to pay a stupid amount for is not happening.
Some good advice here, taking lots of mental notes. :)

No, it's not just over population. They need to start having bigger med school classes. Here in the states, the classes are super small so they can control how many are practicing and keep rates (bills) high. it's a bunch of crap.

However, here in the states, it's starting to bite them in the ass, b/c now nurse practitioners are trying to work independently of doctors, siting the lack of physicians in non-specialty (family, PC). They are completely freaking out.

I have ulnar tunnel... resulting in numbness in pinky and ring finger...
PITA since it hasn't cleared in 6 months... surgery is the only way to go if it doesn't... but not while there is no loss of strength/ mobility in the fingers...

><