Additional Information

Home Treatments:

The most common way to treat mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome is to use the rest, ice, compression and elevation principle. Resting the wrist and applying ice and heat treatment to it will allow the inflammation to decrease and reduce the pressure on the nerve.

Professional Medical Treatments:

Along with anti inflammatory medication, a doctor may recommend a cortisone injection to help alleviate the pain and inflammation. A brace or splint may be advised to be work during the night, keeping the wrist straight thus reducing pressure on the nerve. Surgery is an option for cases that do not respond to conservative treatment.

Physical Therapy and Exercises:

Physical therapy may include range of motion techniques such as circular rotation of the wrist to exercises such as the fist flexion. Additionally, wrist flexion and extension exercises can be done with the hand submerged in a pool of warm water.

Exercise Techniques to Prevent Injury:

Basic wrist flexion and extension exercises will help reduce the chance of carpal tunel syndrome from occurring. Doing these exercises with weights will also improve the strength of the wrist and forearm. Avoiding strenuous overuse of the wrist in activities that require repetitive wrist movement will also aid in prevention.