Carpal tunnel treatment involves addressing a condition wherein the nerve extending from the forearms into the palm, called the median, is pinched at the wrist by the surrounding synovium tissue. The pressure that is applied by the synovium due to swelling can cause a tingling and numbing pain that shoots up one’s arms.

Sometimes, weakness as well as failure to feel any sensation especially near the base of the thumb is also reported. In a sense, carpal tunnel syndrome treatment is needed for a form of repetitive injury that progresses into a painful condition over time.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The development of CTS can be attributed to many factors. One is heredity wherein people are naturally born with smaller carpal tunnels. Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, hormonal imbalance, and diabetes are closely associated with its occurrence.

Over-activity of the hand wherein a repetitive movement causes trauma to the median nerve is another contributor of carpal tunnel syndrome. A common example of these activities includes unnatural positioning of the hands when using an electronic mouse. This condition is also more common in women and the elderly.

Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

As soon as you experience carpal tunnel syndrome, getting medical attention is important to address the condition as early as possible. Depending on the severity, how to treat carpal tunnel can be done via non-surgical or surgical procedures. Below are the different methods employed by doctors for CTS sufferers:

Rest. This is an effective way how to prevent carpal tunnel when the early symptoms manifest. Taking a break from time to time to rest the hands from repetitive motions that can strain them is advised.

Medications. Anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen and aspirin that do not contain steroids, can be used as carpal tunnel treatments to relieve the pain. These drugs can be taken orally although injection of corticosteroids or lidocaine into your wrist is also an alternative.

Brace or splint. Maintaining a neutral position for the wrist via splints worn before sleeping or when performing activities that may worsen the condition is also an effective form of treating carpal tunnel.

Exercise. A physical therapist usually supervises exercises geared on strengthening or stretching the arms as treatment for the condition.

Acupuncture. Alternative carpal tunnel syndrome treatments like acupuncture supposedly increases the flow of energy in the points of the affected body part like arm, thumb, and wrists. This can be accomplished with the use of thin needles inserted into these points. The treatment may involve several sessions before CTS symptoms clears up. Nowadays, there are laser acupunctures that reportedly treat the condition within a few weeks.

Vitmain B6. Previous studies point out that low levels of vitamin B6 in the body coincide with CTS. People who have incorporated vitamin B6-rich foods in their meals showed positive results of using it in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Acupressure. Pressure applied on specific body points is said to stimulate the flow of blood to the affected area, easing swelling in the process.

Surgery. Surgical procedure to reduce the pressure on the affected nerve is another of the treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome.  Correction can be made via two methods: open release surgery or endoscopic surgery. Incisions are made in the palm or wrist to severe the carpal ligament, making the carpal tunnel bigger. Recovery can take months to ensure that infection or nerve damage is avoided after the carpal tunnel treatment.

Carpal tunnel surgery is generally a popular treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. In order to understand how it works, you must first be acquainted with the disease itself.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be defined in a variety of ways. For the academes, the word carpusis derived from the word karpos, a Greek word meaning wrist. This makes sense considering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a disorder of the wrist and hand characterized by pain, numbness, and weakness. For the casual folks, it is otherwise known as secretary’s disease, taking into irony the nature of their jobs.

The goal of carpal tunnel syndrome surgery is to take pressure off the median nerve. Typically, this surgery is done on an outpatient basis wherein the patient can go home after the procedure. Continue reading

Carpal tunnel exercises may be recommended by some doctors to their patients who are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. The type of exercises you will be asked to perform will depend on the severity of your condition and on your doctor.

This article takes a look at the benefits of carpal tunnel syndrome exercises and gives examples that you can practice even at home.

How can exercises for carpal tunnel syndrome help you?

Most carpal tunnel stretches are designed to stretch the muscles and to relieve tension from the tendons that are connected to the carpal tunnel. Continue reading