Suffering from Carpal Tunnel? Here Are Some Tips To Help You
You might have experienced numbness, tingling, or weakening in your hands if you spend a lot of time typing on a computer or manipulating a phone. This is especially likely if you spend a lot of time doing either of those things. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a problem that occurs when the nerve that controls the majority of your hand is squeezed. These symptoms are typically the signs of carpal tunnel syndrome.
This illness affects between 2.7 and 5.8 percent of the adult population in the United States, which translates to between 4 and 10 million people in the United States. Although being overweight, having arthritis, or being pregnant are all potential causes of this illness, the most common cause is engaging in repeated motions.
If your case of carpal tunnel syndrome was brought on by a move that you performed repeatedly, then there are a few precautions that your doctor may ask you to take before they try more invasive techniques on you. The fact that many of these may be done on one’s own with only a limited amount of assistance from a medical professional explains why these are typically the first rehabilitation alternatives considered.
Give your hands a break
Take regular breaks every 15 or 20 minutes if you are working in an environment where you are required to execute the same task repeatedly, such as operating office machinery or typing. This should help relieve the tension on your wrists and reduce the likelihood that you may experience another episode of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Wear a wrist brace
Wearing a wrist brace can assist keep your wrist in a neutral position and reduce pressure on the joint. Bracing your wrist can be accomplished by wearing a wrist splint or brace from BLITZU (blitzugear.com). You should make sure to wear the brace any time you are doing a move that is similar to it, as well as at night when your wrists flex naturally as you sleep.
Switch up your routine
Change up your routine. If you notice that you are always performing the same duties with your hands, try incorporating new activities into your routine that will allow you to reduce the amount of strain that is placed on your wrists for at least a portion of the day.
Over-the-counter medication
Medications available over-the-counter In the event that the pain is intolerable, you should think about taking over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Because these medications reduce inflammation in addition to relieving pain, using them can help ease many of the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. It is important to talk to your doctor about all of your drugs before taking them in order to prevent any negative interactions or side effects.
In the event that less invasive treatments for your carpal tunnel syndrome are unsuccessful in alleviating your symptoms, your doctor may suggest that you undergo surgical treatment. A carpal tunnel release is a surgical technique that is performed most frequently in the United States. This operation can decrease the discomfort and neurological symptoms that are linked with this problem. One of the ligaments in the wrist is cut during a carpal tunnel release procedure, which should relieve pressure on the median nerve.