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.
Carpal tunnel syndrome often occurs in conjunction with other underlying conditions, so your doctor will check for problems like arthritis, low thyroid function, and other ailments. If it turns out that you have one of these conditions, treating them will be the first step.
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 make a thorough examination to get to the root cause of your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. You can discuss with your doctor the activities you regularly perform in order to come up with a plan in case you need to make adjustments to your daily routine to let your wrist heal. You'll also learn prevention strategies to keep the problem from flaring up in the future.
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.
Another common treatment for the condition involves injections of corticosteroids to reduce the pain and inflammation. This treatment can be very effective in relieving pain, but if you are diabetic you should exercise caution, since corticosteroids may have an effect on insulin levels.
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.
If you are seeing a change for the better, your doctor will probably recommend more of the same. If your symptoms are getting worse, you may go through further testing to evaluate you for surgical treatment. Carpal tunnel release surgery cuts the ligament that forms the top of the tunnel your median nerve runs through. This will release the pressure on the nerve and ease your symptoms.
The surgery usually solves the problem, but sometimes there is residual numbness or pain due to permanent nerve damage. After surgery, you'll need to take several weeks off of work to let things heal. If you want to avoid surgery, you may want to ask about exercises and stretches that you can try.
If you prefer to avoid surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, you can try stretches and exercises to relieve your symptoms. You might also consider enlisting the help of a physical therapist to coach you in additional treatment techniques.
Carpal tunnel syndrome often occurs in conjunction with other underlying conditions, so your doctor will check for problems like arthritis, low thyroid function, and other ailments. If it turns out that you have one of these conditions, treating them will be the first step.
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 make a thorough examination to get to the root cause of your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. You can discuss with your doctor the activities you regularly perform in order to come up with a plan in case you need to make adjustments to your daily routine to let your wrist heal. You'll also learn prevention strategies to keep the problem from flaring up in the future.
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.
Another common treatment for the condition involves injections of corticosteroids to reduce the pain and inflammation. This treatment can be very effective in relieving pain, but if you are diabetic you should exercise caution, since corticosteroids may have an effect on insulin levels.
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.
If you are seeing a change for the better, your doctor will probably recommend more of the same. If your symptoms are getting worse, you may go through further testing to evaluate you for surgical treatment. Carpal tunnel release surgery cuts the ligament that forms the top of the tunnel your median nerve runs through. This will release the pressure on the nerve and ease your symptoms.
The surgery usually solves the problem, but sometimes there is residual numbness or pain due to permanent nerve damage. After surgery, you'll need to take several weeks off of work to let things heal. If you want to avoid surgery, you may want to ask about exercises and stretches that you can try.
If you prefer to avoid surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, you can try stretches and exercises to relieve your symptoms. You might also consider enlisting the help of a physical therapist to coach you in additional treatment techniques.
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 suffering from CTS, click on 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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