Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatments & Remedies

There are many treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – from yoga to surgery. But what works for one individual may not work for another.

The way to discover the best treatment for your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is typically to be diagnosed and assessed by an experienced hand and wrist doctor like Dr. Rehman. She has treated thousands of cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in her Shelby Township and Bloomfield Hills offices.

In this article we explain some of the many treatments that can help alleviate the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

If your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is mild or in the early stages, there are some natural “at home” remedies that may provide you with some relief. You may have to try out different approaches, in order to find what works for you. And, if your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is advanced you may require surgery to obtain the relief you need.

Natural, “At Home” Carpal Tunnel Remedies

To help ease the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, putting ice on your wrist, or soaking the wrist in an ice bath may help. Ice the wrist for 10 to 15 minutes, once or twice an hour.

Other people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may find relief by putting their hand in warm water (around 100 degrees F) – followed by gently flexing and extending the hand and wrist. Repeat this 3 or 4 times a day.

Gently shaking the wrist or hanging it over the side of your bed at night may also alleviate some of the tingling and numbness of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Some of our Bloomfield Hills patients have also reported that certain Yoga activities have benefitted their Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Other patients have had some luck with Acupuncture treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – however this can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance.

Non-Surgical Medical Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Over-the-counter medicines may ease Carpal Tunnel Syndrome pain, including anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Remember, however, that these don’t cure carpal tunnel syndrome, but only offer short-term relief.

Corticosteroids, including cortisone, can lessen swelling. These can be prescribed by pill, or can be administered by your doctor as a shot in your wrist that goes directly into the carpal tunnel. Again, while steroids give you temporary relief from pain and swelling, they are not a long-term solution.

Wrist Braces are typically the most helpful when you have mild to moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. However, they don’t work for everyone – and may take three to four weeks for your symptoms to improve. Typically, your doctor will suggest wearing the brace when you sleep – since most people bend their wrists when they are sleeping.

Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to raise the temperature in your hand and wrist – creating heat that may relieve pain and help with healing.

Physical and Occupational Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

An occupational or physical therapist can provide help for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in two ways. In addition to giving you exercises to stretch and strengthen your hand and wrist muscles, they can show you how to change your routine or repetetive motions to reduce stress on your hands and wrists.

Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If other treatments don’t improve your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms in six months, Dr. Rehman may suggest carpal tunnel release surgery. During Carpal Tunnel Syndrome surgery the surgeon cuts the ligament around the carpal tunnel to take pressure off the medial nerve – which relieves the symptoms. Post-surgery, the ligament comes back together, but leaving more room for the nerve to pass through.

Typically, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is cured completely by release surgery and does not come back.

Bloomfield Hills Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Doctor

If you think you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, contact Dr. Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. As with most medical conditions, early detection, awareness, and a prevention or treatment plan is the most effective way to combat the effects of conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.

Bloomfield Hills Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Doctor: 248.335.2638