If you are dealing with the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome, then you are undoubtedly hoping to get relief so that you can function normally again. The pain, tingling, and numb sensations that come with this problem can range from a mild annoyance to debilitating pain. Fortunately, there are many treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome.
There are many ways to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Since carpal tunnel syndrome can be associated with other underlying causes, your doctor will do some tests for illnesses like arthritis, low thyroid functioning and other issues.
If they find one of these conditions, the first step will be arranging treatment for them. If there is any existing inflammation of the surrounding tissues in your wrist, your doctor will prescribe NSAIDS or other medications that will help the swelling go down. Sometimes just reducing the swelling will relieve the sensations you are feeling as the nerve gets more space.
Your doctor will try to figure out what is causing your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Together you can identify if there are activities you need to avoid or do differently to help you heal. You will also learn how to prevent this problem from recurring. The important thing is to try and prevent permanent nerve damage from occurring.
It's important to treat the condition to avoid permanent nerve damage. If you have experienced a loss of muscle strength in your hand, you will be given an exercise regimen to help rebuild strength after you have gotten relief from your symptoms.
Unless your symptoms are very severe, your doctor will first try a number of non-surgical treatments to correct the problem. The first step is often a wrist brace, which helps keep your wrist immobile and in a neutral position to avoid pressure on the median nerve. Some people only wear the brace in the night time, while others experience marked relief from pain if they wear it during the day as well.
In most cases, you will be advised to adjust your activities and avoid tasks that may exacerbate your symptoms. If you cannot avoid these activities entirely, you'll need to take breaks often so that your wrists get rest from the continual strain.
After several weeks of your treatment plan, your doctor may re-evaluate your condition and assess your current symptoms. If your symptoms seem to be improving, you will likely continue in the same course of treatment. If the problem seems to be worsening, you may have additional testing and evaluation for surgery.
Carpal tunnel release surgery is performed by cutting the ligament that comprises the top of the tunnel that the median nerve runs though. This alleviates the pressure on the nerve to end your painful symptoms. While the surgery is usually a success, you may experience residual numbness and pain if you have already suffered irreversible nerve damage. After the surgery, it's important to rest your wrist for several weeks to let it heal.
You may also want to see about physical therapy to treat the problem.
There are many ways to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Since carpal tunnel syndrome can be associated with other underlying causes, your doctor will do some tests for illnesses like arthritis, low thyroid functioning and other issues.
If they find one of these conditions, the first step will be arranging treatment for them. If there is any existing inflammation of the surrounding tissues in your wrist, your doctor will prescribe NSAIDS or other medications that will help the swelling go down. Sometimes just reducing the swelling will relieve the sensations you are feeling as the nerve gets more space.
Your doctor will try to figure out what is causing your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Together you can identify if there are activities you need to avoid or do differently to help you heal. You will also learn how to prevent this problem from recurring. The important thing is to try and prevent permanent nerve damage from occurring.
It's important to treat the condition to avoid permanent nerve damage. If you have experienced a loss of muscle strength in your hand, you will be given an exercise regimen to help rebuild strength after you have gotten relief from your symptoms.
Unless your symptoms are very severe, your doctor will first try a number of non-surgical treatments to correct the problem. The first step is often a wrist brace, which helps keep your wrist immobile and in a neutral position to avoid pressure on the median nerve. Some people only wear the brace in the night time, while others experience marked relief from pain if they wear it during the day as well.
In most cases, you will be advised to adjust your activities and avoid tasks that may exacerbate your symptoms. If you cannot avoid these activities entirely, you'll need to take breaks often so that your wrists get rest from the continual strain.
After several weeks of your treatment plan, your doctor may re-evaluate your condition and assess your current symptoms. If your symptoms seem to be improving, you will likely continue in the same course of treatment. If the problem seems to be worsening, you may have additional testing and evaluation for surgery.
Carpal tunnel release surgery is performed by cutting the ligament that comprises the top of the tunnel that the median nerve runs though. This alleviates the pressure on the nerve to end your painful symptoms. While the surgery is usually a success, you may experience residual numbness and pain if you have already suffered irreversible nerve damage. After the surgery, it's important to rest your wrist for several weeks to let it heal.
You may also want to see about physical therapy to treat the problem.
About the Author:
Carpal tunnel syndrome is often the result of a combination of factors that increase pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel, rather than a problem with the nerve itself. If you think you might be developing from CTS, follow this link to learn some simple carpal tunnel exercises that can help stop the progression of CTS and ease existing symptoms.
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