If you have to deal with the pain associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, then you know you want to try everything to make it go away. This condition is brought about by compression of the median nerve that is located inside the carpal tunnel. This tunnel is a narrow passageway made of bones and ligaments. Sometimes problems arise inside this tunnel, leading to irritation and swelling of the tendons as well as compression of the median nerve.
Patients will experience numbness in the hands and fingers. This numbness can stretch from the wrist up to the arm. The condition is caused by a number of things, with the leading cause being nonspecific flexor tenosynovitis. The effectsof the condition, apart from the pain and numbness, include decreased grip strength affecting agility of the hand. Another effectof the condition is degeneration of the muscle.
However, it is possible to get treatment and managethe symptoms of this condition. You can seek the help of your doctor, especially in diagnosing the cause of your condition and getting the right medication for effective treatment. Additionally, you can manage the condition on your own in other ways.
Exercises
There are a few recommended exercises to help manage this condition. These exercises, coupled with the treatment you get from the doctor, should help reduce thesymptoms, especially the pain. The exercises vary in their effectiveness depending on the ones you pick. Some help in increasing the blood flowing into the median nerve. The increased blood flow reduces the feeling of tingling and pain as the nerve is less compressed. Stretching exercises reduce the tension in the fingers and hands. Wrist stretches are useful in stretching the right muscles and tendons. Other exercises such as using stress balls will help increase your hand’s mobility.
Precautionary measures
It pays to reduce the repetitive action of your hands and wrists. The pain may increasewhen you carry out some activities. You should look for ergonomic solutions that help alleviate the pain these motions bring, especially if you cannot avoid them. Some tools you use, such as those that vibrate, can also cause more discomfort. Things such as wrist splints can give you the needed support, thus reducing the pain at night when the symptoms intensify. You should give your wrist and fingers rest from too much action.
Pain relief
You should make aneffort to reduce the pain that arises from the compressed nerve. Putting ice on the nerve hourly can help reduce the pain that you feel. You can also use heat compresses for relief. Your doctor should also recommend the best type of painkillers that will help you manage the pain. The painkillers should have anti-inflammatory action. Again, here, exercising your hand and wrist can help provide pain relief as it targets the tension and compression of the nerve. Easingthe pain does not mean the problem is solved,so you should ensure you get the right treatment from your doctor.
