Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatments
If you are dealing with the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome, then you are undoubtedly hoping to get relief so that you can function normally again. The pain, tingling, and numb sensations that come with this problem can range from a mild annoyance to debilitating pain. Fortunately, there are many treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Because carpal tunnel syndrome can be related to other conditions, your doctor will likely run tests for conditions like low thyroid function, arthritis, and certain other problems. If you are diagnosed with one of these problems, you’ll need to receive immediate treatment.
If they find one of these conditions, the first step will be arranging treatment for them. If there is any existing inflammation of the surrounding tissues in your wrist, your doctor will prescribe NSAIDS or other medications that will help the swelling go down. Sometimes just reducing the swelling will relieve the sensations you are feeling as the nerve gets more space.
Your doctor will try to figure out what is causing your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Together you can identify if there are activities you need to avoid or do differently to help you heal. You will also learn how to prevent this problem from recurring. The important thing is to try and prevent permanent nerve damage from occurring.
Provided your symptoms do not indicate a severe problem, your doctor is like to try non-surgical treatments. First, you may need to use a wrist brace to support your wrist in a neutral, stable position and to minimize the pressure on your median nerve. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may only need to wear the brace at night. Some people find they achieve more symptom relief if they wear the brace in the day time too.
Another common treatment for the condition involves injections of corticosteroids to reduce the pain and inflammation. This treatment can be very effective in relieving pain, but if you are diabetic you should exercise caution, since corticosteroids may have an effect on insulin levels.
Corticosteroids can interfere with your insulin levels. You will be told to avoid some tasks that may be causing symptoms, or at least to take frequent breaks to let your wrists get some rest. After several weeks of this, you may be re-evaluated to see if you are getting any relief from the symptoms.
If you are seeing a change for the better, your doctor will probably recommend more of the same. If your symptoms are getting worse, you may go through further testing to evaluate you for surgical treatment. Carpal tunnel release surgery cuts the ligament that forms the top of the tunnel your median nerve runs through. This will release the pressure on the nerve and ease your symptoms.
The surgery usually solves the problem, but sometimes there is residual numbness or pain due to permanent nerve damage. After surgery, you’ll need to take several weeks off of work to let things heal. If you want to avoid surgery, you may want to ask about exercises and stretches that you can try.
You may also want to see about physical therapy to treat the problem.
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