Carpal tunnel pain relief: What are the options?

Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause pain, tingling and numbness and may prevent you from completing daily tasks. Top of mind for people managing this condition is carpal tunnel pain relief. Getting an accurate diagnosis and properly treating the condition are essential for recovery. Some facts about this condition, including how many people it affects in the U.S., whether or not heredity plays a role in risk and more information about Carpal Tunnel syndrome can be found here.

Delaying treatment can lead to permanent nerve damage, so it’s important to consult with a hand specialist when symptoms begin. Several treatment options are available depending on the duration and severity of your carpal tunnel symptoms, including:

Rest

Take frequent breaks to rest the hands and avoid activities that trigger symptoms. Raising the wrist above the head can improve symptoms by reducing fluid retention, particularly if your carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by fluid retention due to pregnancy or a fracture. Avoid extreme flexing of the wrist in either direction and maintain a neutral wrist position as often as possible.

Splinting

Wrist splinting, particularly during activities that require repetitive wrist movement and at night while sleeping, should begin within 3 months of the onset of symptoms. With proper splinting, some patients report improvement within days. Apply a cold compress or soak the wrist in an ice bath to help reduce inflammation.

Medications for Carpal Tunnel Pain Relief

Non-prescription pain medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen may provide short term carpal tunnel pain relief and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter topical menthol analgesic gel may also help to reduce pain. In some cases, your physician may prescribe prescription strength corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drugs and/or steroid injections.

Exercises

Physical therapy, including ultrasound therapy, stretching and range-of-motion exercises can help to strengthen the wrist and increase mobility. There are a variety of carpal tunnel yoga stretches aimed at strengthening, stretching and balancing joints that can also improve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome involves an incision in the palm. The transverse carpal ligament is released, relieving pressure on the median nerve.

If you’re curious about the risks for developing Carpal Tunnel, click here. If your carpal tunnel symptoms are not responding to treatments, do not delay taking further action. Long-term compression of the nerve can cause permanent muscle atrophies and nerve damage.

The team at Midwest Hand Surgery specialize in treating conditions of the hand and wrist, including options for Carpal Tunnel pain relief. All MHS physicians are plastic surgeons with advanced fellowship training and extensive experience in hand and wrist surgery. Our two Chicagoland offices are conveniently located in Elmhurst and Palos Heights. Request an appointment by clicking here or calling 630-359-6888.

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