Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. About 3 out of 6 people suffer from this condition, particularly women and those who work in conditions that involve strenuous wrist and hand flexing.
Is carpal tunnel syndrome curable?
Mild CTS cases may go away on their own after basic treatment. Surgery, however, is recommended for severe incidences. When left untreated, this condition can cause permanent muscle and nerve damage.
The following are options to discuss with your healthcare provider that may help treat CTS…
11. Wrist Braces
Doctors often suggest wearing wrist braces for cases of mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. It should be worn before going to sleep and during activities that may exacerbate the symptoms.
The following can help relieve painful sensations…
10. Over-the-Counter Medicine
Generic medicine like aspirin, naproxen sodium (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Advil) can help reduce the pain wrought by CTS. While these medications don’t cure the condition, they can help you go about your day with greater ease.
Some people prefer medicines that have a stronger kick…
9. Steroids
Injecting corticosteroids near the carpal tunnel area helps reduce swelling in the connective tissue, which then lessens pressure on the median nerve. But like generic medicine, it’s not a long-term solution and does not cure CTS on its own.
However, recovery is much faster when you pair medications with other methods…
8. Physical and Occupational Therapy
Physical and occupational therapy can both be instrumental in treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Therapists can help you complete or discover exercise routines to help strengthen and relieve stress from your hand and wrist muscles. These options are particularly helpful for those who work in conditions that can affect wrist movement.
Another kind of therapy has also been found to be efficient in relieving symptoms…
7. Ultrasound Therapy
According to one study, ultrasound therapy provides relief in cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. It makes use of sound waves to increase the temperature in the wrist and hand. The resulting heat relieves pain and facilitates healing and improves sensory loss.
Alternative medicine has also allegedly worked wonders for CTS patients…
6. Yoga
Experts from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reported that yoga can hasten improvement in carpal tunnel syndrome as stretching can help relieve compression in the wrists. It’s important to note that there are risks with this treat. For instance, musculoskeletal physiotherapist Sally Schofield warns that doing grounding exercises improperly can trigger flare-ups or eventually cause CTS.
Patients should never supplement their treatment plan with alternative methods before first speaking with a licensed medical provider.
Yoga isn’t the only alternative treatment that many people swear by…
5. Acupuncture
A study published in Brain argues that this ancient Chinese form of alternative medicine can relieve and heal pain in the carpal tunnel area and restore movement in the wrists.
Patients should never supplement their treatment plan with alternative methods before first speaking with a licensed medical provider.
This next procedure is so easy, you can do it in the comfort of your home…
4. Hand Baths
Dunking your hand in water can reduce the swelling in your wrist.
- Soak your hand in a bowl of warm water for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Then, in a separate bowl, soak your hand in cold water for a minute.
- Alternate until the pain subsides.
When all else fails, going under the knife is an option…
3. Surgery
If symptoms persist up to 6 months, your physician might recommend undergoing carpal tunnel release surgery. In this procedure, the physician cuts the ligament above the carpal tunnel to remove pressure off the median nerve. Even when the ligament fuses back together, the nerve has more space to pass through.
No matter which treatment option is best for you, the following is always important to remember…
2. Rest
Since carpal tunnel syndrome is triggered by pressure on the median nerve, the hands and wrists should rest as much as possible. Give them a break from activities that trigger your symptoms.
The following is perhaps the best treatment plan of them all…
1. Preventive Measures
Preventing carpal tunnel from occurring in the first place is definitely better than seeking treatment for it after it develops. Here are some simple ways you can avoid CTS:
- Avoid exerting too much force as much as possible. Whether you’re exercising or doing household tasks, don’t be too hard on yourself.
- Take it easy. Have a light grip on your mouse and type lightly on your keyboard.
- Improve your work area and conditions. Discuss with your boss if you can work in a more comfortable and safer environment.
- Use your hands alternatively when doing tasks. Doing so alleviates excessive pressure on any joint for too long.
- Rest 10-15 minutes every hour. Be sure to stretch your hands.
