Carpal Tunnel Syndrome typically starts slowly and symptoms gradually worsen. Most often there is a numbness or tingling sensation in your hands. This feeling can persist for several months and typically worsens with time. If this sounds familiar, you may have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome happens when the median nerve, which runs from your palm to forearm, becomes pinched. This is a very common injury because even typical everyday activities can cause the nerve to become pinched. If you’re someone that works with your hands a lot you are at higher risk. There is speculation whether computer work or excessive typing can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, but what we do know is manual labor and other common tasks can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
Even mild symptoms can be very uncomfortable and debilitating as it progresses. Making some lifestyle changes can make a world of difference. Here is a list of home remedies for carpal tunnel relief:
1. Take a break
Many kinds of repetitive tasks can trigger your carpal tunnel syndrome. If you’re a musician playing guitar or a handy man working with power tools, it is important to give yourself a break. Stop what you are doing, move your fingers around, stretch out your hand and just take a break. It’s important to get blood flowing back into these areas.
2. Use a splint
Wearing a splint will help keep your wrist straight, which will result in less pressure on your median nerve. Try using the splint while you work and at night time when you sleep. It is more common to experience symptoms at night. Wearing the splint in the evening may help in preventing the symptoms before they start.
3. Relax your grip and lighten up the load
There is no need to strain yourself. Staining and forcing tasks will put you at a greater risk of triggering your carpal tunnel syndrome.
4. Be mindful of your wrist flexion
It is important to avoid activities that might have your wrist flex too extreme. It’s best to try and keep your wrists neutral.
5. Stay warm
The cold can worsen the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome. Often joints will become stiff and painful from the cold. If you have to work outside in the cold use gloves or pocket warmers. At home consider keeping your house a little warmer.
6. Elevate your hands
If you’re at home and have the time to relax, keep your hands elevated. Keeping your hands elevated can help with inflammation, which will ultimately release the pressure on your median nerve.
7. Medication and creams
Using anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin can be extremely effective for an over the counter medication. Reducing inflammation will relieve the pain. Over the counter medication in combination with topical creams can offer great relief while at home.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be very painful and disruptive while trying to tackle daily tasks. Home remedies are great tricks to use when necessary or even for preventative measures in mild cases. However, as conditions worsen over time you might need to seek the help of a medical professional. Early diagnosis and treatment is the best way to prevent nerve damage. Your doctor may consider corticosteroids, injections or surgery to lessen your pain and inflammation. If you experience any of the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, contact Arizona Center for Hand to Shoulder Surgery for a consultation. Our caring staff will be honored to take care of you. Make an appointment today.
