Easing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Pain

Easing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Pain Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a relatively common condition that causes pain, tingling and finally numbness in the hand and fingers. It occurs when the median nerve becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The median nerve lies inside the narrow passageway called the carpal tunnel which spans the palm side of the wrist.

The pain and sensations associated with the condition develop gradually and become worse during the night. They tend to affect the thumb, index finger and middle finger. The typical symptoms of this condition include – 

A dull ache in the hand or arm

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Thumb weakness

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Pain and other sensations traveling up the arm towards the shoulder

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Wrist pain

Also known as repetitive stress injury, this condition is triggered by increased activity that uses your hands and wrists like typing. The median nerve gets easily aggravated in people who perform such tasks on a continuous basis.

Measure to Ease CTS Pain 

Take adequate rest – The first step towards recovery is to give your hand adequate rest. You should avoid using the affected hand or wrist for a couple of weeks as this would give the inflamed tissue inside the carpal tunnel a chance to heal more quickly.

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Wear a wrist splint – Using a strap or splint (braces) to rest your wrist would reduce stress on the injured arm. A splint immobilizes the wrist in a neutral (unbent)

position and reduces discomfort and can be worn even while sleeping or throughout the day. An unbent wrist maximizes the size of carpal tunnel, thereby reducing pressure on the median nerve and relieving symptoms. 

Take regular breaks at work – Changing positions or taking breaks can help relieve CTS symptoms, particularly if you work at a job that places stress on your wrists.

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Try yoga – Yoga exercises are designed to stretch and strengthen the joints in the upper body. Practicing yoga may show improvement in wrist pain and CTS symptoms.

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Ice or heat application – Applying heat and ice packs provides short-term relief for pain and numbness. Ice packs reduce muscle spasm and swelling, whereas heat application provides muscle relaxation.

If the condition does not improve with these simple and natural methods, consulting a physician at a multi-specialty healthcare center is a practical solution. The physician would first do a thorough evaluation to review your symptoms and conduct one or more tests such as X-ray, electromyogram and nerve conduction study to confirm CTS diagnosis.

At a professional healthcare center, customized pain management treatment would usually include a combination of the following – 

Physical therapy exercises help increase the strength of the muscles in your fingers and forearm. Gliding exercises can help to relieve CTS symptoms. Moving your fingers in a particular pattern may help your tendons and nerves glide more smoothly. Exercises may also include wrist bend (forward and backward), wrist lift and flex, hand squeeze and wrist stretch with finger bend.

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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) – Low voltage electric simulation

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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin

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Pain management injections

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Using a hand traction unit or device that decompresses the wrist joint

It is estimated that about 1 out of 20 Americans suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).

Most people get relief from pain with simple measures and these treatment modalities.

Surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve by releasing the ligament pressing on the nerve is recommended only if symptoms become severe and chronic.

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