recently diagnose, any helpful tips?

I was recenty diagnosed w/ bilateral tendinits and/or carpal tunnel. I was a server for years in a resturant, until recently, and am finishing my last semester of grad school. After only one hr. of typing or any activities involving the hands I'm in a great deal of pain from elbows to finger tips. I'm wearing splits as often as possible and taking prednisone. Does anyone have a suggestion for pain relief. One of the 3 docs I've been to perscribed loritab, but the rest recommend advil which does no good. What else works for the pain.
Tired of being a mush brain from narcotics-
Audrey