Carpal tunnel syndrome develops in the wrist and hand of people who perform repetitive hand movements, such as typing on a computer for long periods of time, playing a musical instrument or working on an assembly line. Carpal tunnel can be painful and debilitating, making use of the hands extremely painful. Many treatments are available to ease the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome and to repair the inflamed ligaments and tendons that contribute to the condition.
Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies
Lifestyle modifications allow the body to heal carpal tunnel syndrome on its own. These can include resting the affected hand, propping the arm with pillows during sleep, changing the workspace to make it more ergonomic and making an effort to use the other hand more. In addition to these methods of avoiding further damage, people who have carpal tunnel syndrome can apply ice to the wrist to reduce inflammation. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, massaging and stretching the wrist may also help relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Medication
The main type of medication available for the treatment of carpal tunnel is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include common over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen. NSAIDS are usually used for temporary relief of pain, not as a long-term treatment for carpal tunnel.
Injections
Corticosteroid injections directly into the wrist are a treatment option for some sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. These shots reduce inflammation and relieve the pressure on the nerves in the wrist for a period of one to six months. Side effects include nerve irritation and ruptured tendons. Most doctors will not give a patient more than three shots of corticosteroids in a single year.
Splints
According to Medline Plus, a night splint that prevents the wrist from bending may relieve symptoms of carpal tunnel after several weeks of use. For more persistent cases of carpal tunnel, the affected person may try wearing the splint during the day also.
Surgery
MayoClinic.com describes two types of surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, each aimed at cutting the carpal ligament to reduce the pressure on nerves in the wrist. In open surgery, the wrist is cut open to reveal the ligament, which is then cut. The wrist is stitched back together and the patient usually goes home the same day. In endoscopic surgery, the ligament is cut through a small incision while the doctor visualizes the surgery using a tiny camera threaded into the wrist. Recovery time for either type of surgery is typically a few days to resume light use and a few weeks or months for full recovery.
