If you think you have symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, see your doctor for a diagnosis. They will perform tests to check your pain levels when your wrists are flexed and extended. They will also check for nerve sensitivity and fine motor skills. Once you are diagnosed with this condition, it will be time to begin treating it.
If your doctor finds you have an underlying illness such as diabetes or arthritis, these should be addressed first. They can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome and make it worse.
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.
One thing that can help you is the use of a wrist brace. Using a brace to keep your wrist steady can help your wrist have time to heal, and you can get one from the pharmacy or even have one custom made at a physical therapist. You may find that you get the most use from it when you are sleeping or by wearing it when you are awake. In either case, it can be far better than nothing at all.
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 the pain issue has been dealt with (and it can take a while, depending on your case) you’ll discover that stretching and exercise is important when you want to keep your carpal tunnel from compressing. A physical therapist can help, and some time learning about the disorder and what happens is important.
What makes carpal tunnel a repetitive stress disorder? It is a RSD in that it is caused by performing 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 exercises.
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