Finding the Cause
The first step in treating / preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is understanding what caused it. Many general causes of repetitive stress injuries can be contributing factors for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Performing repetitive finger and wrist motions or using vibrating equipment also heightens your risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Here are more causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome..
Use the method outlined in Things to Do if You've Been Diagnosed with a Repetitive Stress Injury to identify the tasks causing the pain. Using a Visual Analog Pain Scale will help pinpoint the major and minor causes.
Stopping the Stress
The next step in your treatment / prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is to stop performing those tasks or correct your posture when you do. If it is working at a computer set up an ergonomically sound computer work station. If it is another tool or setup follow sound ergonomic principles ensuring you keep a natural wrist position when working and take frequent breaks. If vibration is a factor use a vibration absorbing pad or glove or change the grip on the tool to one that better fits your hand.
Maintain a Healthy Wrist
The next step in treating / preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is to use proper body mechanics in all wrist related activities. These Tips to Prevent Wrist Repetitive Stress Injuries are a good basic guide to maintaining a healthy wrist.
Playing with different muscles than those you work with can also provide relief to an ailing wrist.
You also need to stay healthy and fit. Maintain a healthy weight and good cardiovascular health. Strong bodies are more resilient against the stressors that cause these conditions.
Professional Treatment
When preventative measures are not enough your health care professional may recommend these treatments. Only follow these treatments when instructed to by a health care professional. Treatments include:
- Wearing wrist splints to immobilize the wrist
- Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This is mainly for pain management.
- Physical therapy and exercise
- Surgery
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the rare repetitive stress injuries where surgery may be the only option for relief. Since Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by irritation of items passing through the carpal tunnel, having a small carpal tunnel will cause problems.
If you are genetically disposed to having a small carpal tunnel you may simply not have enough room for everything to fit. If that is the case, or if nerve damage has or will occur, then surgery is a viable option. The surgery in this case involves opening op the carpal tunnel by cutting the Transverse Carpal Ligament, thereby relieving pressure on the median nerve.
