Carpal tunnel pain can be a frustrating and debilitating condition. It is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, which can cause numbness, tingling, and even pain in the hand that can travel up the wrist and into the arm.
Carpal tunnel pain can severely limit your daily function. That’s why finding relief is typically a priority for sufferers. You may be wondering if there is a way to manage carpal tunnel syndrome naturally. Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome usually includes non-pharmacologic and non-surgical techniques. Learn more below.
Rest Your Hands
One of the best ways to reduce carpal tunnel symptoms is simply giving your hands a break. Whatever activity caused the symptoms to arise, whether it’s cleaning the house or typing on your computer, you are going to have to take a break or change the way you are using your hands. Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are usually triggered by small movements of the hand and repetitive motions.
If you have an office job that requires frequent typing or mouse use, take a break, stretch your hands, and find a workaround. For instance, switch to an ergonomic keyboard and mouse, and use wrist support before engaging in an activity that requires heavy use of your hands. After using your hands for work, try to avoid spending a long time on your phone afterward, since that also requires the use of your hands.
Wear A Wrist Splint
Wear wrist supports when you work, then switch to a wrist splint at night. A wrist splint is made of a stiffer material that prevents excessive movement of the wrist as you sleep. You may not notice it as you sleep but you could be bending your wrist or your hand in awkward positions throughout the night, and that’s not good, especially if you already have swelling around the median nerve. Make sure you get one that fits properly, so it won’t slip off during sleep.
Do Stretching Exercises
Stretching helps improve blood flow and ease pain from carpal tunnel syndrome. Below are two examples of good stretches for relief:
- Wrist Flexion Stretch: Extend one arm out in front of you with your palm facing up and use your other hand to gently pull back on your fingers until you feel a gentle stretch in your forearm and wrist area. Hold for 15-30 seconds, then switch arms and repeat.
- Wrist Extension Stretch: Extend one arm out in front of you with your palm facing down and use your other hand to gently push forward on the back of your hand until you feel a gentle stretch in the forearm and wrist area. Hold for 15-30 seconds, then switch arms and repeat.
Apply Heat or Cold Therapy
Cold therapy can be applied directly over the affected area for up to 15 minutes at a time. This helps reduce swelling and inflammation in the wrist and hand muscles that are causing pressure on nerves in your wrist. Hot packs can also be used for up to 15 minutes at a time to help boost circulation and relax the tight muscles in the upper extremities, which reduces pain and discomfort associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
If carpal tunnel symptoms continue to bother you, it’s time to consult a hand surgeon for your treatment options. While natural methods can be part of a comprehensive treatment program, doctor-provided treatments are often needed to achieve lasting results.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Maryland
The board-certified and fellowship-trained hand surgeons at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder focus on treating upper extremity conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. We regularly treat patients with work-related injuries. We can perform an Electromyography (EMG) test and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test to accurately diagnose your condition, assess its severity, and plan out your treatment.
We take pride in helping injured workers get back to their job in better form. To schedule an appointment with our doctors, call our office today at (410) 296-6232 or use our convenient online request form.
