8 Home Remedies for Carpal Tunnel Wrist Pain Relief
Carpal tunnel syndrome: what you need to know
Do you feel tingling or numbness in your hands or arms? Is this feeling persistent or getting worse over time? If so, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Pinched nerves in the wrist can cause CTS. It is often caused by a typical everyday activity. This includes playing a musical instrument, using vibrating hand tools frequently, or performing manual labor regularly.
In most cases, this disorder develops slowly and gradually over time. One or both of your hands may be affected. Your fingers may feel numb or tingly, especially your thumbs and index fingers. It is also possible to feel an uncomfortable sensation or weakness in your wrists. Lifestyle changes and medication may ease mild CTS symptoms. The following home remedies can help alleviate carpal tunnel syndrome:
1. Do not perform repetitive tasks for long periods of time
If you're typing, playing guitar, or using a hand drill, set a timer for 15 minutes beforehand. When the alarm goes off, stop what you're doing and wiggle your fingers. Improve blood flow to these areas by stretching your hands and moving your wrists.
2. Wear a wrist brace
You can reduce the pressure on your median nerve by keeping your wrists straight. As symptoms tend to appear at night, wearing a splint in the evening may help prevent them from occurring. Wearing wrist splints during the day can also be helpful if you have repetitive tasks at work.
Buy a wrist brace online now.
3. Take it easy
When you're straining or forcing a task, such as writing, typing, or using a cash register, relax your grip or use less force. Consider using a soft-grip pen or tapping the keys lightly.
4. Be mindful of your flexion
You should avoid activities that cause your wrists to flex excessively in either direction. Keep your wrists neutral as much as possible.
5. Keeping warm is important
Pain and stiffness can be relieved by keeping your hands warm. You may want to consider wearing fingerless gloves or keeping hand warmers nearby.
6. Stretch it out
As you stand in line at the grocery store or sit at your desk at work, you can do quick wrist exercises. Make a fist, then slide your fingers until they are straight again. This action should be repeated five to ten times. It can help relieve wrist pressure.
7. When possible, elevate your hands and wrists
When pregnant, fractured, or dealing with fluid retention, this home remedy is especially effective.
8. Over-the-counter medications may help
It may be beneficial to take OTC pain relievers such as aspirin (Bufferin) and ibuprofen (Advil). This can be helpful for relieving pain and also reducing inflammation around the nerves.
Consult a physical or occupational therapist if these tips and tricks aren't helping your symptoms. Your therapist can show you more advanced exercises to relieve your symptoms and relax your hands. Visit our website to see our wrist brace collection.