Best Home Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects more than 3 million people per year. Women are 3x more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome than men, perhaps because the carpal tunnel is smaller in women than in men. The dominant is usually more affected. With modern technology- computers and smart phones, the use of our hands for work and home is ever increasing. And so does the likelihood of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. This is why I want to tell everyone the best home treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is an irritation to the median nerve in the wrist that leads to tingling, numbness, pain or weakness in the hand.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

1. Repetitive hand use – repeated hand and wrist motions done over a prolonged period of time can irritate the tendons on the wrist causing inflammation and swelling.
2. Hand and wrist position – repeated activities with the hand and wrist in extreme flexion and extension over a prolonged period of time can cause increase pressure on the nerve.
3. Pregnancy – fluid build-up and swelling caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase pressure on the nerve.
4. Other health conditions – diabetes, arthritis, fractures and dislocations are conditions associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause tingling, numbness, pain or weakness on the fingers or hands. Some people may feel pain on their forearm. Symptoms occur on the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger. The little finger is usually not affected because a different nerve supplies the little finger. You may first notice symptoms at night and relieved by shaking your hands.

Home Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

1. Take frequent breaks when doing repetitive tasks- rest your wrists and hands or stretch every 30 minutes or even every 15 minutes if severe.
2. Keep your wrists in neutral position if possible during activities.
3. Wear wrist splints– resting splints keep your hands in neutral. Night splinting has been shown to be very effective in mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.
4. Use ice for 10-15 minutes 2-3x a day if the wrist is warm and swollen can help decrease the inflammation.
5. Try over the counter Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) to relive pain and inflammation.
6. Wrist extension stretch– extend your arm in front of you with your palm facing down. Use the unaffected hand to bend the wrist up while keeping the elbow straight on the affected side all the time. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat 3 times.
7. Wrist flexion stretch– extend your arm in front of you with your palm facing down. Use the unaffected hand to bend the wrist down while keeping the elbow straight on the affected side all the time. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat 3 times.
8. Finger intrinsic isometrics– put your hands together in a prayer position. Then move your palms away from each other while keeping your fingertips together. Push your fingers against each other while keeping them rigid. Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 15 times.

Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If the above home remedies are not enough to relieve your carpal tunnel syndrome, Don’t Worry! We can design a specialized program that has shown great results at relieving your pain quickly. This program can consist of using different modalities including the revolutionary Laser treatment, manual therapy techniques and exercises. Call Restore Plus today for more information or to schedule an appointment! (800) 905-0513.

Restore Plus Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
33-10 Queens Blvd. Suite 301
Long Island City, NY 11101
(800) 905-0513
RestorePlusNY.com