If your hands are tingling and numb, particularly after using your hands or bending your wrists, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, says the Mayo Clinic. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the main nerve in the wrist presses against the carpal tunnel, which protects the nerve. When pressure is put on the nerve, pain, numbness and tingling may occur. Carpal tunnel sufferers may be given stretching exercises to help reduce the discomfort.
Finger Stretch
Stretching your fingers will help allow the nerves in your wrist to relax and may reduce pain and tingling. Make a fist with your right hand, says Donna Rae Siegfried in Arthritis Today. Hold the fist for several seconds, then release as you stretch your hand as wide open as possible. Fan your fingers out to stretch them. Release, relaxing your hair completely. Repeat between five and 10 times on the right hand, then repeat the exercise on the left hand, says Siegfried.
Fist Isometrics
Hold your right hand with your palm facing the ceiling. Make a loose fist with your right hand while pressing down firmly on your fist with your left hand, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center. Keep your right fist in place by pressing gently against the left hand for five seconds, keeping both wrists straight. Twist your right fist so your palm is now facing the ground. Press against your right knuckles with your left palm for five seconds, then release. Hold your fist so your thumb is facing the ceiling, then press against the thumb with your left hand for five seconds. Repeat the exercise on the left side, recommends the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Wrist Circles
To loosen the wrist and help reduce some of the strain on the nerves inside the carpal tunnel, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends doing wrist circles throughout the day. Hold up your ring and middle fingers on your right hand and hold the other fingers against your palm. With your two extended fingers, make five clockwise circles. Next, make five circles counterclockwise, then relax your hand. Repeat the exercise on the left hand. Repeat as necessary throughout the day to reduce wrist tension.
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