5 Tips for Treating Carpal Tunnel
House Call Doctor’s simple treatments for CTS.
For most people, some simple measures are sufficient to help alleviate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome once it’s diagnosed. Here are 5 Quick and Dirty Tips to halt your CTS in its tracks:
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Use a wrist splint designed for CTS which will keep the wrist in a straight and neutral position. It’s easy to find one in drug stores and sporting goods stores.
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Take a break from your usual repetitive activities for a few months, and try to refrain from sleeping on your forearm and wrist.
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Take a course of anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, to help calm down the nerve for a specified time period. It can also help with the pain and swelling. Please be aware that people who have stomach ulcers or take blood thinners can’t take anti-inflammatories. Ask your doctor if it’s okay for you to take these.
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Have your doctor inject cortisone, which is another type of anti-inflammatory that will help decrease inflammation, swelling, and pain.
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If steps 1-4 aren’t working, ask your doctor to suggest a physical or occupational therapist.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock
About the Author
Dr. Sanaz Majd is a board-certified Family Medicine physician who graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. Her special interests are women’s health and patient education.
