When you are looking into carpal tunnel disorder, remember that many people suffer it, just to a greater or lesser degree. This most often manifests as pain or tingling in the fingers and wrists, and it can be merely annoying or extremely painful. Some people are even forced to miss work as a result of their issues, and though surgical treatment is recommended for severe cases, it is far from the only way to alleviate the problem. This is where a variety of treatments can come into play and some of them may work very well for you.
When notice symptoms that you think might be related to carpal tunnel syndrome, you'll need to talk to talk to your doctor for a diagnosis. Some of the tests that they will perform include flexing your hands and wrists to test for pain and also tests for motor control and nerve sensitivity. Then treatment can begin.
It is worth noticing that if your doctor finds diabetes or arthritis that these issues should be addressed first, as carpal tunnel at that point is a symptom, not the issue at hand.
The first way to treat carpal tunnel syndrome is through rest. You are going to need to thoroughly rest your wrists for upwards of two weeks, and you need to stay away from activities that make the condition worse. This may mean that you have to stay away from computers, from sewing or even your job. Ask your workplace for alternative work to alleviate the stress.
You may need to immobilize your wrist in a brace to prevent further damage. Wrist splints can be purchased in the pharmacy without a prescription, or you can go to a physical therapist and get a prescription brace made just for you. Some people get the help they need from the brace when they wear it while sleeping; others need to wear it during the day to prevent further injury.
If your doctor finds inflammation in your wrist, he may suggest you take anti-inflammatory drugs called NSAIDS. These are typical over-the-counter medications like aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen. They may ease swelling and pain. Some doctors suggest diuretics. These may or may not be effective, depending on your individual case. Corticosteroid injections such as prednisone and lidocaine may be used to relieve the pain. This will provide temporary relief. People with diabetes or who may develop diabetes should use this option with caution as it makes it difficult to regulate your levels of insulin. Studies have shown that vitamin B6 may also help ease the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. When you are at home, you can also ice down your wrist as often as needed to bring down swelling and reduce pain.
Alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care have also been known to help, as has yoga, which is intended to help you reduce pain and to improve your grip strength. Find a class or office that will guide you forward on therapies like this and see what you are most comfortable with.
Once you've dealt with the pain issues, stretching and exercise is very effective at keeping the carpal tunnel free from compression. You may need to meet with a physical therapist who can teach you the exercises. In some cases, you may need to do a course of treatment with a physical therapist.
When notice symptoms that you think might be related to carpal tunnel syndrome, you'll need to talk to talk to your doctor for a diagnosis. Some of the tests that they will perform include flexing your hands and wrists to test for pain and also tests for motor control and nerve sensitivity. Then treatment can begin.
It is worth noticing that if your doctor finds diabetes or arthritis that these issues should be addressed first, as carpal tunnel at that point is a symptom, not the issue at hand.
The first way to treat carpal tunnel syndrome is through rest. You are going to need to thoroughly rest your wrists for upwards of two weeks, and you need to stay away from activities that make the condition worse. This may mean that you have to stay away from computers, from sewing or even your job. Ask your workplace for alternative work to alleviate the stress.
You may need to immobilize your wrist in a brace to prevent further damage. Wrist splints can be purchased in the pharmacy without a prescription, or you can go to a physical therapist and get a prescription brace made just for you. Some people get the help they need from the brace when they wear it while sleeping; others need to wear it during the day to prevent further injury.
If your doctor finds inflammation in your wrist, he may suggest you take anti-inflammatory drugs called NSAIDS. These are typical over-the-counter medications like aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen. They may ease swelling and pain. Some doctors suggest diuretics. These may or may not be effective, depending on your individual case. Corticosteroid injections such as prednisone and lidocaine may be used to relieve the pain. This will provide temporary relief. People with diabetes or who may develop diabetes should use this option with caution as it makes it difficult to regulate your levels of insulin. Studies have shown that vitamin B6 may also help ease the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. When you are at home, you can also ice down your wrist as often as needed to bring down swelling and reduce pain.
Alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care have also been known to help, as has yoga, which is intended to help you reduce pain and to improve your grip strength. Find a class or office that will guide you forward on therapies like this and see what you are most comfortable with.
Once you've dealt with the pain issues, stretching and exercise is very effective at keeping the carpal tunnel free from compression. You may need to meet with a physical therapist who can teach you the exercises. In some cases, you may need to do a course of treatment with a physical therapist.
About the Author:
What makes carpal tunnel syndrome a repetitive stress disorder? It is a RSD in that it is caused by a reptitive motion, such as typing, or working on an assembly line repeating the same action over and over again. There are many different levels of treatment in trying to relieve the pain of CTS, but one easy, effective treatment is simply practicing carpal tunnel syndrome exercises.
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