Schedule a Visit

    South Florida Hand Center looks forward to hearing from you. Live person available to take your call 24/7.

    Call us:
    1-888-409-8006

    You'll hear from us
    Once you request an appointment online, one of our care center representatives will call you back to confirm your appointment.

    24/7 Appointment Scheduling
    Tips to Combat Carpal Tunnel

    March 16, 2020 at 6:35 pm · · 0 comments

    Tips to Combat Carpal Tunnel

    Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common pain conditions. The wrist and hand tingle and ache as a result of nerve damage. Although surgery is one solution, there are also alternatives. There are self-care tips for carpal tunnel to postpone surgery or avoid it altogether. Plus, you can also improve your quality of life.

    Help Tips for Carpal Tunnel

    Rest your wrists. Repetitive wrist motions are the leading cause of carpal tunnel pain. And by resting your wrists, you can ease pain and numbness. You can achieve this by spending more time with wrists in a neutral position.

    Wear a wrist brace. Using one is a reliable way to stabilize a wrist. It is, therefore, a great way to relieve carpal tunnel pain. Choose a structured and firm brace to use. Avoid one that is flexible or elastic.

    Elevate your hands. Elevate your wrist at night to ease inflammation. Start by sleeping on your back and propping your wrists on pillows. You can also wrap your elbow with a towel or bandage. By doing this, it helps to keep your arm straightened, which reduces inflammation too.

    Create an ergonomic workstation. Repetitive wrist action worsens carpal tunnel pain. Therefore, an ergonomic workstation can reduce pain. Be sure that the keyboard and mouse are at the right height. And your wrists need to be straight too. You can achieve this with wrist rests.

    Job rotation. If you perform repetitive assembly line work, you should seek a different task every so often. Or ask your employer about rotating tasks. This will allow you to give your wrist a rest.

    Ice therapy. Cold therapy is an effective way to reduce pain and inflammation. A cold therapy session for 15 to 20 minutes can reduce pain signals. Use a towel or cloth to protect your skin. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.

    Wrist Exercise Tips for Carpal Tunnel

    There are some exercises for the wrist that have been shown to relieve pain. Try exercises, such as these:

    • Create a fist with your hand. Spread out your fingers. Make a fist, then fan out your fingers five to ten times.
    • Hold your arm in front of you straight. Make sure your palms are facing downward. Now, bend your hand until your fingers are facing downward. Exert gentle pressure to the back of your hand. Do this for 20 seconds and then switch hands.

    Also, see Hand & Wrist Stretches

    Additional Carpal Tunnel Advice

    NSAID medications. Anti-inflammatory pain medications ease inflammation and pain. And medication such as Ibuprofen or Advil is commonly used for carpal tunnel pain. However, it’s still a good idea to ask your doctor before taking any medicine. And, always take as directed to avoid side effects.

    Keep your hands warm. Cold weather can cause stiffness and worsen symptoms. Keep your hands warm with fingerless gloves to reduce pain from chilly conditions.

    Acupuncture. Some patients have found relief through acupuncture. Although, for this therapy to be effective, you need to use a licensed acupuncturist. Look for a professional that specializes in carpal tunnel syndrome.

    Talk to Your Doctor

    Your doctor may have other non-surgical treatments for you to try. They can prescribe medications, such as:

    • Cortisone injections
    • Oral corticosteroids such as prednisone

    Trying these tips for carpal tunnel can help relieve pain. However, if they do not work, talk to your doctor about surgery. The surgery known as carpal tunnel release has a high success rate.

    If you are experiencing carpal tunnel issues without relief, call 888-409-8006. Our hand specialist has offices located throughout South Florida.

    Tags: , Categories: Wrist

    drsahai

    drsahai

    Vivamus ullamcorper pretium ipsum, id molestie elit dapibus vitae. Vestibulum ut odio id sem ultrices convallis vel id diam.

    Leave a Reply