Carpal tunnel, which is also called CTS,is characterized by symptoms that may include numbness, tingling, burning, and aching in the thumb, index and middle fingers. In severe cases, pain may shoot from the wrist up the forearm and possibly into the shoulder, the numbness in the fingers and thumb may become constant, and the thumb muscles may waste away, causing a loss of grip strength and coordination.
To understand carpal tunnel it is best to understand how the wrist works. The carpal tunnel is actually a narrow passageway that runs through the wrist. It is only about the size of a quarter but it is packed with nerves, blood vessels, and nine different tendons that control finger movement. Certain repetitive motions and or medical conditions, such as pregnancy, can cause the tendons to swell, squishing the median nerve and decreasing blood flow.
The main and most important remedy for carpal tunnel is actually prevention.Making changes before carpal tunnel becomes more serious of a problem. If you already experience minor tingling, burning or numbness, that could be carpal tunnel syndrom, you may be able to prevent more serious and unreversible damage and even promote healing by making a few changes in your lifestyle. However if you wait until it gets to a more serious stage you could loose all muscle function and need surgery, so it is best to treat symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrom as soon as it is suspected.
On this page I have included some well known home remedies and home excersizes that can significantly help your carpal tunnel syndrom. However, if symptoms are severe or if they do not subside after two weeks of self care, or if they are accompanied by fever, swelling,rash, or any loss of function, contact your docter.
Remedy #1 Keep your wrists flat at night while sleeping. Carpal tunnel symptoms may occur more and worse at night and even wake you from sleep. This can be because your sleeping with wrists curled or crunched up in akward positions. When you lay down at night, try to lay your wrists flat. You can even wear a wrist splint, prescribed by your docter.
Remedy #2 Keep your wrists as comfortable as possible while working, straight, not bent or hunched over. Be constantly aware of your carpal tunnel syndrom, even if symptoms are not showing at the moment, what you do now will affect how bad your symptoms are later.
Remedy #3 Get the right grip on it. Most of us have a tendency to grip with only the thumb, index, and middle fingers, which can increase pressure on the wrist and cause irritation of the corresponding tendons. If you have to grip or twist something, such as the lid of a jar, use your palm or your whole hand to distribute the load.
Remedy #4 Alternate hands. Give your dominant hand a break whenever possible. Try using your other hand to do some tasks.
Remedy #5 Keep certain tools to a minimum. People who use vibrating tools, such as sanders, jackhammers, chisels, chain saws, grinders, riveters, and drills for extended periods appear to be at increased risk of developing wrist problems. If you are one of these folks, take frequent breaks and, when possible, operate the tool at the speed that causes the least vibration.
Remedy #6 Ice it. If you have CTS symptoms, reduce swelling and inflammation by placing an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth on the wrist and forearm for 5 to 15 minutes two or three times a day. At the same time, however, be sure to take steps to eliminate the cause of the trauma to your wrist.
Remedy #7 Pitch flimsy splints. Some splints, from the pharmacy or local department store, can actually make symptoms worse. Opting for a specially prescribed splint from your doctor is the best option.
Remedy #8 Keep carpal tunnel syndrome in check with exercises. Excercizing the trouble area can loosen tendons,strengthen muscles, and promote healthy blood flow. If excersize makes your symptoms worse, you should stop that particular excersize and try a different one.
Here is a list of doctor recomended excersizes to help your carpal tunnel syndrom.
Wrist Circles: With your palms down and your hands out, rotate both wrists five times in each direction.
Thumb Stretch: Hold out your right hand, and grasp your right thumb with your left hand. Pull the thumb out and back until you feel a gentle stretch. Hold for five to ten seconds, and release. Repeat three to five times on each thumb.
Five-Finger Stretch: Spread the fingers of both hands far apart and hold for five to ten seconds. Repeat three to five times.
Finger-Thumb Squeeze: Squeeze a small rubber ball tightly in one hand five to ten times. Afterward, stretch the fingers. Repeat with the other hand. (If you have high blood pressure, consult your doctor before regularly engaging in this exercise.)
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