Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition related to pain, numbness, or tingling in the affected wrist and hand due to the compression of the median nerve. The nerve supplies various small muscles of the hand and travels from the arm and forearm to the hand through the carpal tunnel. Since this space is already very narrow, any medical condition like arthritis, diabetes, pregnancy, or extreme repetitive flexion of the hand causes the carpal tunnel to collapse and results in the compression of the median nerve.
While the best thing to do if you experience any symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is to contact your doctor, here are some tips you can initially follow to ease your Carpal Tunnel pain at home.
Rest Your Hands
The pain of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome worsens when you subject your hands to extreme exertion. It is important to take frequent breaks while working, especially if your work involves keyboard typing or assembly lines, etc.
Stretch Your Wrists
The symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome arise when there is compression of the median nerve in the connective tissue space in your wrist. When you feel pain, tingling, or numbness in your hand after a long work session, you should stop working and do a small wrist workout, alternating between stretching your fingers and wrist and making a fist.
Wear a Splint
If you are having trouble keeping your wrist properly aligned during work or while sleeping, you should try to wear a splint or wrist brace to keep your hand and wrist aligned optimally. Wearing a splint helps keep your hands from hyperflexion or hyperextension, both of which can cause your Carpal Tunnel symptoms to flare up.
Take NSAIDs
NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs like Aspirin are over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. If you cannot visit your doctor immediately, you can control your symptoms with these drugs in the meantime.
Apply Ice-Packs & Warm Water
Dipping your hand in cold or hot water or applying ice packs once or twice a day can help relieve the pain associated with the syndrome. Whether you choose to do it with warm water or an ice bath, make sure to stretch and exercise your wrists before, during, and after the process.
Contact Your Doctor
While these tips can help relieve your pain temporarily, you should try to visit your hand doctor as soon as you can if you want a lasting solution to your Carpal Tunnel problem. A qualified physician will help you get the most appropriate medical treatment depending on the severity of your symptoms.
Are you looking for a certified and top-rated hand surgeon in Savannah, Georgia? Dr. Gregory Kolovich is one of the region’s leading orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand surgery. He is known for Micro C, a handheld device using cutting-edge technology. See his 5-star reviews at Healthgrades and request an appointment at Optim Health System.
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