How to Find Carpal Tunnel Relief

Have you ever experienced a numbing or tingling sensation in one or both of your hands? If you feel this strange experience whenever you’re typing on your computer or using other intricate items like musical instruments or power tools, you might have carpal tunnel syndrome or CTS. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs after one or more of the nerves in your wrist is pinched due to awkward hand or arm positioning. CTS can persist for weeks, or even months at a time and can worsen if not addressed properly.

At first, carpal tunnel may only affect one hand. But gradually, it can affect both hands and even move its way up your arms. Unlike other ailments in which people in Chandler experience neck or back pain, CTS provides a different kind of discomfort. This ailment can be identified by feelings of numbness and tingling, specifically in your thumbs and index fingers, though you may also feel strange and uncomfortable feelings in your wrists.

If you suffer from CTS, there are ways to alleviate your symptoms. Try these solutions for relief from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Take Frequent Breaks

Repetitive tasks that require lots of dexterity can cause symptoms of CTS if you don’t give yourself enough time to rest. If you’re typing at work, practicing an instrument or using a power drill while trying to complete a renovation project, put down whatever you’re using and allow yourself 15 minutes to stop and stretch your wrists and fingers. Stretching often will help restore proper blood flow to these areas and prevent your tendons from pinching any nerves.

Wear a Splint

If you start to feel tingling or numbing in your hands, your wrist may be bent in a way that is pressing on your median nerve. Wearing a splint or a wrist brace can reduce pressure on the median nerve and make your repetitive task more manageable. People tend to feel symptoms of CTS during nighttime, but wearing a splint during the day as a preventative measure will keep you feeling comfortable in the evening.

A Little Less Effort

Sometimes, people have habits of pressing a little too hard when they type or write. If you have a tight grip or a hard touch, you might want to consider easing up a bit. Too much force can aggravate symptoms of CTS. practice tapping your keys a little more light or getting a pen that produces ink more easily.

Reduce Your Flexion

If you’re already prone to CTS, it’s best to avoid hobbies and activities that force you to bend your wrists in extreme ways. Do you love playing the piano? You don’t necessarily have to stop, but take a moment to check your posture — are your arms and elbows raised up to the keys so that your wrists don’t have to bend? It’s also a good idea to limit the number of quick-paced or difficult pieces that require fast-moving fingers.

Keep Warm

Feeling a little chilly at home or in your office? Doing work while cold can cause your muscles to tense and your blood vessels to constrict, which can limit blood flow to your hands. It’s the perfect storm for an aggravated nerve. By keeping your hands warm, you’ll greatly reduce your odds of experiencing tingling or numbness. If your hands are especially prone to getting cold, consider using fingerless gloves or hand warmers while you work.

Do Some Stretches

There are plenty of wrist stretches you can do to alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The great thing is, you can do them anywhere! Don’t just stretch when you feel symptoms coming on — try to work in a quick wrist stretch at least once a day, whether you’re taking a break at work, or shopping at your local grocery store. For a simple but effective stretch, close your hand into a fist and slowly extend each finger until your hand is open and straight. Additionally, shaking your hands out like you’re air-drying them is an easy and straightforward way to shake off your symptoms.

Elevate Your Hands

If you are experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome due to conditions like bone fracture or pregnancy, try to keep your hands and wrist elevated whenever you can. The easiest way to do this is to find a comfortable armchair and rest both hands on the arms whenever you aren’t doing anything.

Try an Over-the-Counter Medication

In a pinch, OTC medications are a quick way to provide pain management in Chandler. Try taking medicines like Advil or Aspirin. These medications can relieve your pain and reduce any inflammation causing your symptoms. Just try not to get too dependent — taking too much of either of these medications can cause damage to your stomach and liver.

Try a Topical Treatment

Menthol creams are also an effective way to reduce CTS symptoms. Try using Biofreeze or IcyHot cream to soothe uncomfortable tingling. If you aren’t sure how much you should use, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the best method of treatment for the CTS symptoms in your hand.

Visit Your Doctor

If none of these home remedies works for you, then it’s time to handle your chronic pain at your Chandler pain clinic. You may have a severe case of CTS, which will require professional help to alleviate. Your doctor can inject corticosteroids to reduce pressure on your median nerve. If symptoms are unbearable, your doctor may recommend surgery to correct the ligament in your wrist.

CTS can be annoying, and even painful — but it doesn’t have to disrupt your everyday life. If you experience symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare practitioner about how to help alleviate it.