In some cases of the hand anatomy (I’m the unlucky one), the bulge on the back of the apple watch is perfect shape to pressure/tap a branch of the ulnar nerve, causing symptoms similar to ulnar nerve entrapment at the wrist such as:
- Wrist pain
- Tingling in the 4th and 5th finger
- Weaker grabbing force in the arm
- Mild to strong pain when lifting things, with your palms up - this kind of motion:
It is caused, unintuitively when the watch is worn looser, compared to tighter, as in this case it tends to slip over and under the carpal bones, and find its way to touch the nerve continuously.
I know this is one of many of these posts but I wanted to clear some bad advices given in previous posts, and share if someone searches for the info:
- If you feel the wrist pain, change your watch arm. Regardless if it’s an apple watch or anything else. Things are not symmetrical, and it will most probably not cause you pain in the other arm.
- Tighten the watch, don’t loosen it. Especially during the exercise, or wrist movements. It should stay above the carpal bones.
- If nothing works, reduce the time you wear the watch, try a different brand, or stop. Continuous pressure on this nerve can mess up your hand.
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I currently have this issue, insane that you posted about it today.
For me getting a nylon band solved it
Hmmm, never considered it being the watch. I do lift weights, and I do get a weird pain in the left arm near right near the wrist when doing curls.
That’s how I noticed the problem first, and thought it was due to the exercise.
Could be something else though. At least if it hurts a lot, you can try to move the watch to the other hand to see if it stops (or if unfortunately the other hand starts to hurt).
I have ulnar damage in my elbow for other reasons. But I have a GSHOK looking case/band for my Ultra, and I wear it loose. But sometimes I wake up with the feeling of higher blood pressure in my hand, and the watch has wedged up my arm to the point of being tight again. I miss the elastic Ultra band. But I like the aftermarket case bands. The classic watch buckles just kind of suck once you’ve used the Apple styles.
Question on this. Do you guys have ultras or regular series? I had a series 5 45mm aluminum for years and never experienced this, but have experienced this within 3 days of wearing my new ultra 2. I wanted to love the ultra 2 so badly, but this nerve pain has me debating returning for a 9.
Its series 7, 45mm.