When you get pain in your wrist and near your thumb, when your thumb, index finger and middle finger start getting numb when you hold things. When you start dropping things, and sleep with your hands turned outwards to reduce the pain?

Go and see your doctor. You may have carpal tunnel syndrome. In my case it was that. My job was using machines to print with and holding a heavy box to type information into. After 5 years the pain got so bad I sought medical help.

My radial nerves were being trapped by a band of muscle round my wrists. I could have had an injection. But the problem was severe. 75% reduced nerve conductivity in one wrist and 43% in the other. I couldn’t hold a teacup for long, never mind a paintbrush.

I elected to have local anaesthetic as I could get the operation done sooner. So one morning I was wheeled into an operating theatre and watched with interest as the surgeon operated on my wrist and hand. A few weeks later I had the second one done.

Now twenty or so years later both hands are still fine and I am so glad I had it done!