This edition of Hood Health 101 talks about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and how to relieve some of its symptoms
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that affects more than 3 million people a year. Numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in the fingers or the hand are common symptoms carpal tunnel. Â This is the due to pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. It is the pressure on this nerve that is created from certain illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis, pregnancy, or repetitive hand movements making the carpal tunnel smaller.
To relieve mild symptoms of carpal tunnel
- Rest your wrist: Try to rest your wrist for as long as you can between activities. It will also help to elevate your wrist as well.
- Ice: You can place ice on your wrist or hand for a period of 10 -15 minutes up to 2 times within an hour
- Pain relievers: Anti-inflammatory drugs that do not contain steroids such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen (Motrin, Advil, Aleve) are safe to take for relief.
- Wrist splint: A wrist splint can provide support when needed to relieve the pressure that is on the median nerve.
- Simple exercises: Take small breaks and rotate your wrists and stretch your palms and your fingers.
As with most conditions, there are alternative methods that can be used to bring relief. Any of the following suggestions can be used in conjunction with your regular health regimen
- Yoga: Yoga postures are great for strengthening, stretching and balancing each joint in the upper and lower body. This could help to reduce the pain and improve the grip strength with people who have carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Hand Therapy: Physical hand therapy techniques could help to improve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Ultrasound Therapy: High-intensity ultrasound can be used to raise the temperature of a particular area of body tissue, causing it to reduce pain and promote healing. A series of ultrasound therapy sessions over a period of several weeks may assist in improving the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is something that affects a great deal of people annually. While there are no proven methods to prevent carpal tunnel, you can take preventative measures to reduce the chances of it flaring up. Remember to give your hands and wrists a break, watch your posture, and keep your hands warm. Do not substitute the information in this article as medical advice. Always seek a diagnosis from your healthcare professional.
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– Nakeasha Johnson (@NakeashaJ)
