9 Home Remedies For Pain And Numbness Of Different Parts Of The Hand Caused By Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a medical condition due to compression of the median nerve as it travels through the wrist at the carpal tunnel. This may cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling, in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and the thumb side of the ring fingers. The symptoms typically start gradually and during the night. Also, the pain may crawl up to the arm. Weak grip strength may also occur and after a long period of time, the muscles at the base of the thumb may waste away. In more than half of cases, both sides are affected.
CTS occurs when a nerve in your wrist is pinched and the possible causes of this are frequent use of vibrating hand tools, playing a musical instrument, or manual labor. There’s some debate over whether typing or computer work can cause CTS.
This medical condition starts out slowly and gradually and it may affect not just one hand but both of them. You may feel an uncomfortable sensation or weakness in your wrists and you may feel numbness or tingling in your fingers, particularly in your index fingers and thumbs.
If you experience mild CTS, you may be able to ease your symptoms with lifestyle changes and medication. Here are nine home remedies for carpal tunnel relief:
1. Biofreeze for pain relief
Researchers discovered that applying topical menthol greatly reduced pain during workday. In a study on slaughterhouse workers with CTS used Biofreeze but be very careful and read the package directions or ask your doctor how much to use.
2. Wear splints on your wrists
Keeping your wrists straight can help relieve the pressure on your median nerve. Symptoms are more common at night, so wearing a splint in the evening may help relieve your symptoms before they start. If you have issues with repetitive tasks at work, you can also wear wrist splints during the day.
3. Lighten up
If you find yourself straining or forcing tasks such as writing, typing, or using a cash register, relax your grip or reduce the force you’re using. Try using a soft-grip pen or tapping keys more lightly.
4. Mind your flexion
Avoid activities that make your wrists flex to the extreme in either direction. Try keeping your wrists neutral as much as possible.
5. Stay warm
Wear fingerless gloves because by keeping your hands warm can help with the pain and stiffness.
6. Stretch it out
Make a fist and then slide your fingers until they are straight again. Repeat this action five to 10 times. This can help relieve any pressure on your wrist. This is convenient because you can do it almost anywhere.
7. Elevate your hands and wrists whenever possible
This home remedy is particularly effective if your CTS is caused by pregnancy, fractures, or other issues with fluid retention.
8. Try over-the-counter (OTC) medications
OTC pain relievers such as aspirin (Bufferin) and ibuprofen (Advil) may be beneficial. They can reduce inflammation around the nerve and can relieve any pain you are feeling.
9. Take breaks from repetitive tasks
When doing something like typing, playing instruments, or using hand tools, try setting a timer beforehand for 15 minutes. When the timer rings, stop what you're doing and wiggle your hands then stretch them after that move your wrists to improve the flow of blood to these areas.
If none of these methods don't work try consulting to a doctor and ask for advice. They can teach you more advanced exercises to relax your hands and relieve your symptoms.
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