How to Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the median nerve in the hand, resulting in numbness, tingling, and pain. In this article, we provide you with information on the different treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome. Plus, home remedies for carpal tunnel relief. 

How to Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? 

There are two ways to treat carpal tunnel syndrome: non-surgical and surgical. 

Non-Surgical Treatments

If carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed early, non-surgical treatments may help improve the condition. 

• Wearing a wrist brace

You can relieve pressure on your median nerve by keeping your wrist straight. Wearing a wrist brace, especially at night, keeps your wrist in a neutral position thus alleviating symptoms. You can also wear a wrist brace during the day if you engage in activities that require repetitive motions. 

• Taking over-the-counter medications

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can reduce pain and inflammation. 

• Apply topical products

Topical creams with menthol can help relieve pain and discomfort. They are also easier to apply than cold packs during the workday.

• Cortisone Injections

Your doctor may recommend injecting corticosteroids to reduce swelling and relieve the pressure on the median nerve. 

Surgical Treatments

Your doctor may recommend surgery when the carpal tunnel syndrome doesn’t respond to non-surgical treatments or has become more severe. The goal of carpal tunnel surgery is to decrease the pressure on the nerves by cutting the ligament pressing the median nerve. 

Home Remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Take frequent breaks from repetitive tasks

Carpal tunnel syndrome is most often found in workers who use their hands many hours per day. It’s important to take frequent breaks to allow your hands to rest and recover. 

• Relax your grip and reduce your force

Avoid using too much force when typing or writing. Practice holding objects in a way that won’t put too much strain on your wrist. 

• Keep your hands warm

Wearing gloves reduces pain and stiffness by keeping your hands warm. This is very helpful if you live in a cold environment.

• Do quick wrist exercise

Relieve the pressure on the median nerve by doing wrist stretches and exercises. 

• Improve your posture

Poor posture puts stress on your entire body. It compresses the nerves in your neck which can lead to pain in your wrist, fingers, and hands. 

• Use the right tools

Using vibrating tools for many hours may put too much pressure on your median nerve. To avoid this, choose the most efficient tools to reduce the amount of force you need to apply. 

• Maintain proper form

Make sure that you keep your wrist in a neutral position as much as possible. Avoid excessive bending of your wrist while performing an activity. 

• Elevate your hands and wrists

If your carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pregnancy, elevating your hands can help move the fluid away from the nerve in your wrist, thus relieving carpal tunnel pain. 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can cause major problems with your work and your ability to use your hand. But if you treat carpal tunnel as soon as possible, you can get back to having a painless wrist and hand quickly.