Hand > Carpal Tunnel Syndrome > Treatments

   Rest, Splint, NSAIDs, Corticosteroid Injection, Activity Modification

Treatment Introduction

If you have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, you will need to rest the muscles in your wrists and forearms. Wrist splints, which are lightweight and usually fastened in place by Velcro straps, are helpful at keeping the wrist in a neutral position. You can try sleeping with them on, and even wearing them while doing the activity that may have led to your condition. Heat may relieve the pain in your wrist, while cold may reduce inflammation. Try both to see which relieves your symptoms most effectively. Many patients relieve pain by using a heating pad before activities that involve their wrist and then icing for about 20 minutes afterward. Your physician may prescribe over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) is also occassionally recommended. If these are ineffective in easing pain, your physician may suggest a corticosteroid injection directly into the carpal tunnel. This can be effectively reduce pain by reducing the swelling of the tenosynovium, which is the slippery material that covers the tendons.

If you have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, your physician or physical therapist may recommend exercises whose goal is to increase blood flow to your hands and relieve tension in your wrists. These exercises generally are simple to perform and can be done while you are working at your desk, watching television, or relaxing. It is particularly important to perform these exercises regularly as long as your work or leisure activities include repetitive motions that require you to flex or extend your wrist or hand.

One way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome is to watch your posture and your movements, and to make any necessary adjustments to avoid problems. For example, if your work requires you to use a computer, check to see if your office has keyboard wrist rests that can help keep your wrist in a neutral position. Other adjustments, such as raising or lowering the height of your chair while typing, can ease strain on your wrists. Physicians also advise limiting repetitive, hand movements. If you do plan on straining your hand and finger muscles, you should stretch your fingers and wrists and warm them up with some range of motion exercises. Your physical therapist can recommend these. When engaging in repetitive wrist activities, such as typing or hammering, give yourself frequent, short breaks to shake out and stretch your wrists.