Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Options
Carpal tunnel syndrome is associated with pain and tingling sensations in the hands because of pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. The median nerve and several tendons run through the carpal tunnel, which is a small space in the wrist that allows movement with the forearm. Pressure on the median nerve causes carpal tunnel syndrome, and it affects many people in the world today.
If you feel that something is just not “right” with your hands or wrists, your doctor can do a physical exam and ask about your activities. During the exam, your doctor will check the strength, feeling, and appearance of your neck, shoulders, wrists, hands, and arms. Nerve testing may be done to determine whether the median nerve is working properly or not.
Once a diagnosis is made for carpal tunnel syndrome treatment can begin. Mild symptoms can typically be treated with home care. The sooner treatment is started, the better chance you have of stopping symptoms and preventing any long term damage to the nerve.
Stopping activities that put pressure on the median nerve is the first line of treatment. Resting the nerves in the wrists helps many people alleviate their pain. However, since typing is one of the most common instigators of carpal tunnel syndrome and since typing is associated with many people’s line of work and can not be stopped all together – icing the wrists for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day can help. Also, taking a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug can relieve pain and reduce any swelling that accompanies carpal tunnel syndrome. Wearing a wrist splint at night can also help to keep the wrist in a neutral position to relieve pressure from the median nerve and allow for complete rest at night.
While surgery is available for serious cases of carpal tunnel, at home care is typically recommend and is successful for those who take care to do it. Following your doctor’s advice for keeping your condition under control is key to relieving symptoms associated with carpal tunnel.
Posted on behalf of Armin Oskouei
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