Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) accounts for 90% of all neuropathies. People that use computers or certain construction equipment for long periods are more at risk. However, anyone can develop CTS.

If you’re in this group, you’re likely wondering how to relieve carpal tunnel pain. CTS can make certain activities more difficult, but there are steps you can take to find relief.

Start with these tips.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Pain?

There are different ways to manage carpal tunnel pain: at-home remedies, corticosteroids, and surgery.

First, it’s important to speak with your doctor, as they can diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome and advise you on ways to ease your pain. Book an appointment if you experience the following symptoms:

• Pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the thumb and fingers
• Weakness when gripping objects
• Swollen feeling
• A “pins and needles” sensation
• Tingling or burning
• Pain or numbness at night

There are several contributing factors to CTS, though you may not be able to pinpoint one exact cause. Possible reasons you may develop CTS include:

• Frequent and repetitive small movements
• Certain movements associated with sports
• Bone or joint disease
• Fluctuations or changes in blood sugar levels
• Family history of CTS
• Wrist or hand injuries

How to Relieve Carpal Tunnel Pain

Your doctor may recommend certain at-home carpal tunnel pain treatments. If home remedies do not help, they could recommend corticosteroid injections or surgery.

Try some of these treatments.

Ice the Area

Use an ice pack on your wrist to help reduce swelling. Make sure you’re not placing the ice directly on the skin. Use a cold compress bag or wrap a cold pack in a towel.

Use Wrist Splints

A wrist splint helps keep your hand properly aligned. Wearing one while you sleep prevents you from overextending your wrist or flexing it, which helps to relieve strain.

Additionally, you may need to adjust your work position if you work at a computer. Change the positions of your keyboard and your wrists or buy an ergonomic mousepad that helps keep your hands and wrist aligned.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help if you’re experiencing pain due to CTS. Certain medications may interact with NSAIDs. Make sure to speak with your doctor to avoid any drug interactions.

Corticosteroids

Injections of corticosteroids reduce inflammation, and they can help if you struggle with CTS pain.

There are systemic and localized corticosteroids. Localized steroids can be applied to the skin or other parts of the body and include creams, drops, and inhalers.

Systemic corticosteroids move through the bloodstream. They can be delivered through the body as an injection, IV, or oral medication.

Surgery

For severe symptoms, surgery might be an appropriate course of action.

Surgeons can cut the ligament that’s pressing against the median nerve. There are two different techniques: endoscopic and open surgery.

Endoscopic surgery involves using a tiny camera or an ultrasound to find the correct place to cut the ligament. Open surgery involves making an incision in the palm and cutting the ligament.

Find Relief Today

You don’t have to suffer with carpal tunnel pain. If you’re wondering how to it, try these remedies and speak with your doctor as soon as you can.

At Victory Medical, we offer a variety of treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome. Our team is here to help you. If you’re in the Austin, Westlake Hills, Cedar Park, or Marble Falls area, call us or book an appointment today.