The tingling, numbing feeling you get in your hand and wrists can sometimes cause weakness and even pain if carpal tunnel is the culprit. Carpal tunnel syndrome develops over time when your hand movements are often the same. The condition is mostly seen for writers and those who are frequent users of the computer. Diabetes, hypothyroidism, arthritis, and even pregnancy can cause for carpal tunnel as well.
Pay Attention to the Symptoms and Signs
It is important that you pay mind to the symptoms that are occurring. This way, it can help to pinpoint whether or not it is carpal tunnel that you are suffering from. Most of the time, the fingers will experience a numbing sensation and weakness. The smallest finger is the only finger that remains unaffected. This is one way to tell if it is carpal tunnel syndrome that you are suffering.
Often times, the forearm will ache and the pain could extend itself all the way up to the shoulder. The wrist will remain weak and in pain, as well as all of the fingers on that hand. Carpal tunnel is quite easy to spot. Unfortunately, there isn’t too much that can be done to correct the persistent issue without surgery.
How Can I Relieve the Pain?
There are ways you can go about easing the pain whenever carpal tunnel flares up. The odd sensation is caused by the nerves within the arm, hand, and fingers. When pain becomes a problem, try a few tricks below to help ease some of the hurt.
- Shake the hand and wrist. Carpal tunnel might feel as though your arm fell asleep. By shaking the hand and wrist, you are creating a different movement. This will temporarily help relieve some of the pain.
- If the carpal tunnel is caused by inflammation, then anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, will lighten the amount of pain and inflammation.
- Cortisone shots are steroid injections that temporarily aid in relief. The shot is directly injected into the carpal tunnel passage for a quick relief.
- Yoga, wrist stretches, finger exercises, massaging and chiropractic treatment will also help ease pain if carpal tunnel is already an issue.
- Wear a splint to work or during times of the day where you are using your hands and fingers most. By keeping the wrist poised and straight, carpal tunnel is less likely to flare up.
- Take several small breaks throughout the day. Even if you stop what you’re doing for just a few minutes here and there, it will lessen the pain.
- Consider surgery or alternative therapies if the pain remains persistent and it begins to hinder you from performing your best at work or in other areas of your life. Most surgeries for the syndrome are outpatient and can be done rather effectively.
While most of the pain relievers are only temporary fixes, you will find that they are useful tools to help you get through the day. Remember that there are surgeries and other alternatives to look into if carpal tunnel grows in persistence over the years. Look for trusted medical professionals to further explain the options for permanent and long term corrections.
Author Bio
Allen Harper has been in the health industry since 1990. He has had splendid experiences working in the field of health. He specializes on fat injection treatment and other skin rejuvenation treatments. Born and brought up in Toronto city, Allen Harper completed his graduation in the same field at the university of Western Ontario. For more information, follow him on twitter.
