Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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Home treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome:

  • Can ease pain and prevent further or permanent damage to your median nerve.
  • May completely relieve your symptoms if you start treatment when symptoms first occur.

If you have mild symptoms, such as occasional tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in your fingers or hand, follow these steps to reduce inflammation:

  • Rest your fingers, hand, and wrist. Stop activities that you suspect are causing numbness and pain.
  • Ice your wrist for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, as often as once or twice an hour, and take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Studies have not shown NSAIDs to be effective for carpal tunnel syndrome, but they may help relieve your symptoms.
  • Wear a wrist splint at night to keep your wrist in a neutral position and relieve pressure on your median nerve. See a picture of a wrist splint Click here to see an illustration..
Click here to view an Actionset.Wrist Care: Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

When your pain is gone, begin exercises for flexibility and strength for your arm and wrist. Learn the best positions and posture for hand and wrist movements.

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: October 21, 2010
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
David Pichora, MD, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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