What to Do About Your Carpal Tunnel Problems
Tingling and numbness in your hands or arms may indicate carpal tunnel syndrome. This occurs when you have a pinched nerve in your wrist, usually from daily activities. If you play instruments, have a manual labor job, or do a lot of typing on the computer, you’re more prone to this syndrome.
When you have carpal tunnel, it may be uncomfortable, but you can do a few things to relieve your symptoms.
Take Frequent Breaks
When you’re doing repetitive tasks, it’s helpful to take breaks regularly. Every 15 minutes, aim to wiggle your fingers and stretch your hands. This will improve blood flow and bring you some relief.
Try Wearing a Splint
If you keep your wrists straight, it can relieve the pressure on the affected nerve. Most people with carpal tunnel syndrome complain their symptoms are worse at night. Wearing a splint in these less active hours can help you rest your wrists.
Use a Lighter Grip
Symptoms also worsen when you strain your wrists and force yourself to do your every day tasks. Try relaxing your grip or reducing the force you exert. This may help to minimize the tingling and numbness.
Keep Your Wrists More Neutral
Flexing your wrists in either direction to the extreme can make things worse. If you keep your wrists more neutral, you’ll avoid agitating them and have less disruptions when doing tasks.
Engage in Warmth
Pain and stiffness in your wrists from carpal tunnel will be worse when your wrists are cold. In this chilly climate, it helps to keep your hands warm. Fingerless gloves or hand warmers are an excellent way to soothe your wrists.
Do Stretches
Performing quick wrist exercises can also help things out. Try making a fist and then sliding your fingers out until they are in a straight position. There are other exercises you can do to help strengthen and stretch your wrists while relieving the pressure.
Try Physiotherapy
With the help of a physiotherapist, you can treat carpal tunnel syndrome. They will create a treatment plan that usually involves modification of activities, anti-inflammatory medications, and splints. They can also help teach you exercises to stretch your wrists.
If you have to have surgery to correct carpal tunnel syndrome, a physiotherapist will also be instrumental in your recovery. It’s a good thing you won’t have to wait around in a waiting room to see one when you use In Your Home Therapy. Our expert physiotherapists come to you in your home to help you recover. Contact us today to set up an appointment!
