How to Get Rid of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The bones that form your wrist and hands are called the carpal bones. A canal adequately separates the sheath of tendons that creates movement in your hands from these carpal bones. This canal is called the carpal tunnel. Nine different tendons move in and out of this canal and the median nerve also moves in and out of this canal.

Your problem with carpal tunnel syndrome happens when something causes the canal to swell or otherwise become restricted. Sometimes the tendons can get places on them that will cause them to not move through the canal with the ease that they should. Whenever something causes the movement through the carpal tunnel to be restricted then there is pain and a decreased amount of mobility in the wrist.

This condition is frequently experienced by people who do office jobs that require them to do a large amount of typing or any task that applies pressure to the hands and the wrist. Obesity and smoking can also both play a key role in the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Take Frequent Breaks

In order to stop the carpal tunnel syndrome from occurring or from becoming worse you should take frequent breaks when you are doing repetitive tasks with your wrists and hands. You will benefit a great deal if you take a break at least once an hour for a two minute time period when you allow your hands to stretch and be released of the tense position they have been in.

Apply Cold Compresses for the Pain

Whenever your wrist is being painful you can relax and apply cold compresses to help alleviate the pain and the swelling associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. You can also take over the counter pain medications that are designed to help reduce swelling. These medications can bring a great deal of relief but carefully follow the manufacturer’s prescribed doses to avoid complications from taking too many of this type of medication.

Ergonomic Solutions

You can purchase computer keyboards and a mouse for the computer that has an ergonomic design. The ergonomic designed components are supposed to position your hands in such a manner that you can relieve some of the pressure and stress you are placing on the carpal tunnel. Many employers will help you to purchase the necessary items to alleviate this condition.

Surgical Solutions

For many people the only solution to the discomfort they are feeling from carpal tunnel syndrome is surgical correction. Surgeons can correct the pressure that is being placed on the median nerve and it can also help to alleviate the syndrome completely.

There are actually two different surgeries that can be done to help people with this condition. One surgery requires a much larger incision than the other surgery does. Only the surgeon in charge of your operation can determine which of these surgeries will best benefit you. The average person makes a full recovery after surgery. Or ninety percent of the people that have had the surgery report no problems afterward.