How to cure carpal tunnel syndrome is a question that many people suffering from this painful condition desperately search for. If you’ve been experiencing tingling, numbness, or discomfort in your wrist or hand, you are likely dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s an ailment that can make even simple tasks feel impossible, but the good news is that there are effective ways to treat it and find relief. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best methods to cure this condition and get your hands back to feeling their best.
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when there is pressure on the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of your hand. This can result in symptoms like pain, numbness, and weakness in your fingers, hand, and wrist. It’s commonly caused by repetitive motion, poor posture, or even underlying health conditions. However, with the right knowledge and treatment, you can reduce the pain and prevent further damage. Keep reading to learn all about how to cure carpal tunnel syndrome effectively and improve your quality of life.
How To Cure Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
In order for the symptoms that appear did not increase severe, you should avoid activities that make the fingers and hands too much work.
If symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome didn’t immediately improve in the past few weeks, there are several treatment techniques that can be done to relieve pressure on the median nerve occurs. The technique used is drugs, therapy, and surgery. The procedure is carried out, among others:
The treatment for CTS depends on the severity and duration of the symptoms, and the underlying cause of the condition. The main goals of the treatment are to relieve the pressure on the median nerve, reduce the pain and inflammation, and restore the function and mobility of the hand. The treatment options for CTS include:
Non-surgical treatments
Medications and Steroid Injections
In some cases, medications can help provide relief from the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can reduce inflammation and relieve pain. For more severe cases, steroid injections may be recommended. These injections help reduce swelling and inflammation around the median nerve, providing temporary relief from pain and discomfort.
When to consider medications or injections:
- If pain and inflammation are severe and don’t improve with rest.
- If wrist splints and physical therapy don’t provide sufficient relief.
- Steroid injections can provide fast relief, but they are not a long-term solution.
Splints or braces
Wearing a splint or brace on the affected wrist can help keep it in a neutral position and prevent it from bending or twisting. This can reduce the pressure on the median nerve and alleviate the symptoms of CTS. You may need to wear the splint or brace at night, during the day, or both, depending on your doctor’s advice.
Wrist splitting.
Wrist splints are one of the most common and effective ways to manage and cure carpal tunnel syndrome. These devices help to keep your wrist in a neutral, straight position, which is essential for reducing the pressure on the median nerve that causes pain, tingling, and numbness. When you wear a wrist splint, you’re giving your wrist the support it needs to rest and heal properly, especially during the night when you might unconsciously bend your wrist in a way that worsens the condition.
Why Wrist Splints Work:
- Stabilizing the Wrist to Reduce Nerve Pressure: Wrist splints are designed to immobilize the wrist, which helps to minimize unnecessary movement. When your wrist is constantly moving, it can put pressure on the median nerve, making the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome worse. By keeping the wrist in a stable, neutral position, wrist splints prevent this additional strain. This simple yet effective measure ensures that the nerve is not compressed, allowing for pain relief and promoting healing.
- Preventing Bending that Aggravates Symptoms: A common reason carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms worsen during the night is due to improper wrist positioning while sleeping. Many people unknowingly bend their wrist into a position that compresses the median nerve, making the pain and discomfort even more severe. Wearing a wrist splint at night ensures that your wrist remains in a neutral position, even as you sleep, preventing further strain on the nerve and reducing the likelihood of painful flare-ups in the morning.
- Promoting Proper Alignment and Healing: Wrist splints do more than just provide support—they also help in promoting the correct alignment of your wrist and hand. Proper alignment is key in easing the pressure on the median nerve and encouraging faster healing. Over time, the more you wear the splint, the more the wrist and nerve have a chance to recover. It helps in reducing inflammation and allows the wrist tissues to heal without the risk of further irritation. This gradual improvement can make a noticeable difference in managing symptoms effectively.
Types of Wrist Splints:
There are different types of wrist splints available, including soft braces for mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome and rigid splints for more severe symptoms. Soft wrist splints are often more comfortable and are worn during the day to prevent any movement that might trigger pain. Rigid splints are typically recommended for overnight use, as they offer stronger support to maintain proper alignment while you sleep.
By integrating wrist splints into your treatment plan, you can significantly reduce the pain, numbness, and tingling that come with carpal tunnel syndrome. Whether you’re using them to support healing during the day or to prevent damage while sleeping, wrist splints are a low-cost and highly effective way to alleviate discomfort and aid in recovery.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy can be extremely helpful for treating carpal tunnel syndrome. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises designed to strengthen the muscles around the wrist and improve flexibility. These exercises help alleviate pressure on the median nerve and can reduce the pain associated with the condition. In addition to strengthening exercises, your therapist may also teach you techniques to improve posture and hand movements.
Physical therapy benefits:
- It reduces pressure on the median nerve.
- It strengthens muscles and improves flexibility in the wrist and hand.
- It can prevent future flare-ups by teaching you proper hand and wrist care.
Lifestyle changes
Resting the affected wrist is one of the most important steps in treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Avoid activities that worsen the symptoms, such as excessive typing or repetitive hand movements. It’s essential to give your wrist a break to reduce strain on the median nerve. You may also want to consider making ergonomic changes to your workstation, such as adjusting your chair, keyboard, and wrist position to avoid added pressure on the wrist.
Key tips for lifestyle changes:
- Avoiding or modifying the activities that trigger or worsen CTS: You should try to avoid or limit the repetitive or forceful hand motions that cause CTS, such as typing, sewing, or playing musical instruments. If you cannot avoid them, you should take frequent breaks and change your position or posture. You should also use ergonomic tools and devices, such as keyboards, mice, or gloves, that can reduce the strain on your wrist and hand.
- Managing your health conditions: If you have any medical conditions that can contribute to CTS, such as diabetes, arthritis, or thyroid disorders, you should follow your doctor’s instructions and take your medications as prescribed. You should also monitor your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, and maintain a healthy weight and diet.
- Set up your work area to keep your wrist in a neutral position.
Applying home remedies
- Applying ice or heat: You can apply an ice pack or a heating pad to your wrist and hand for 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day, to reduce the pain and swelling of CTS. You should wrap the ice or heat source in a towel or cloth to protect your skin from burns or frostbite.
- Massaging or rubbing: You can gently massage or rub your wrist and hand with your fingers or a soft object, such as a tennis ball or a foam roller, to improve the blood circulation and relax the muscles and tendons in the area. You can also use some oils or creams, such as lavender, peppermint, or arnica, to enhance the effect and soothe the skin.
- Taking supplements or herbs: You can take some supplements or herbs that can help with the symptoms of CTS, such as vitamin B6, omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, ginger, or chamomile. However, you should consult your doctor before taking any supplements or herbs, as they can have side effects and interactions with other medications.
Surgical treatments
These are the last-resort treatments for severe or chronic CTS, or when the non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief.
They involve making a small incision in the wrist and cutting the transverse carpal ligament, which is the band of tissue that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel. This can create more space for the median nerve and reduce the pressure and compression on it. The surgical treatments for CTS include:
- Open carpal tunnel release: This is the traditional and most common type of surgery for CTS. It involves making a 2-inch incision in the palm of the hand and cutting the transverse carpal ligament. The wound is then stitched and bandaged. The recovery time for this surgery is about 4 to 6 weeks, and the patient may need some physical therapy and pain medication afterwards.
- Endoscopic carpal tunnel release: This is a newer and less invasive type of surgery for CTS. It involves making one or two small incisions in the wrist and inserting a thin tube with a camera and a blade at the end. The camera allows the surgeon to see the carpal tunnel and the transverse carpal ligament on a monitor, and the blade allows the surgeon to cut the ligament. The incisions are then closed with stitches or glue. The recovery time for this surgery is about 2 to 4 weeks, and the patient may need less physical therapy and pain medication afterwards.
The success rate of both types of surgery for CTS is high, and most patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms.
However, there are some risks and complications associated with any surgery, such as infection, bleeding, nerve damage, scar tissue formation, or recurrence of CTS. Therefore, you should discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the surgery with your doctor before deciding to undergo it.
People Also Ask
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about CTS:
How common is CTS?
CTS is one of the most common nerve disorders, affecting about 3% to 6% of the adult population, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). It is more common in women than in men, and in older adults than in younger ones.
How can I tell if I have CTS?
The most common and characteristic symptom of CTS is numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers, especially at night or in the morning.
You may also experience pain, burning, or weakness in the hand and wrist, and difficulty in performing fine motor tasks, such as buttoning, writing, or holding objects. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.
Can CTS be cured?
CTS can be cured or improved with proper treatment, depending on the severity and duration of the condition, and the underlying cause of it.
The treatment options for CTS include medications, splints or braces, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and surgery. The sooner you start the treatment, the better the outcome and the lower the risk of complications.
Can CTS cause permanent damage?
CTS can cause permanent damage to the median nerve and the muscles and tissues in the hand and wrist, if left untreated or treated inadequately.
This can result in loss of sensation, function, and mobility in the hand and fingers, and affect your quality of life and productivity. Therefore, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible if you have any signs of CTS.
Can CTS affect other parts of the body?
CTS can affect other parts of the body, such as the arm, shoulder, neck, or back, if the median nerve is compressed or irritated at other locations along its course.
This can cause similar symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected areas. This condition is called double crush syndrome, and it requires a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.
Can carpal tunnel syndrome go away on its own?
In mild cases, carpal tunnel syndrome may improve with rest and lifestyle changes. However, more severe cases often require medical treatment or surgery.
How long does it take to recover from carpal tunnel syndrome surgery?
Recovery time varies, but most people can return to normal activities within a few weeks. Full recovery might take a few months, depending on the severity and type of surgery.
Bottom Line
How to cure carpal tunnel syndrome effectively involves a combination of rest, physical therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgery. The key is to address the symptoms early, making the necessary lifestyle changes to avoid further strain, and seeking medical treatment when required. If you’re suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, it’s important to act quickly and explore the options available to you. With the right treatment plan, you can relieve pain, regain hand strength, and improve your quality of life.
