Have you felt tingling or numbness in your hands or arms? Has this feeling persisted for several months or gotten worse over time? If so, you may be experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome in Louisiana.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can occur when a nerve in your wrist is pinched as the result of a typical everyday activity, including the frequent use of vibrating hand tools, playing a musical instrument or manual labor. There’s some debate over whether typing or computer work can cause carpal tunnel syndrome in Louisiana.
This condition typically starts out slowly and gradually. It may affect just one or both of your hands. You may feel numbness or tingling in your fingers, particularly in your index fingers and thumbs. You may also feel an uncomfortable sensation or weakness in your wrists.
If you experience mild carpal tunnel syndrome in Louisiana, you may be able to get relief from your symptoms with lifestyle changes and medication. Here are eight home remedies for carpal tunnel relief.
1. Take breaks from repetitive tasks. Whether you’re typing, playing guitar, or using a hand drill, try setting a timer for 15 minutes. When time’s up, stop what you’re doing and wiggle your fingers. Stretch your hands and move your wrists to improve blood flow to these areas.
2. Wear splints on your wrists. Keeping your wrists straight can relieve the pressure on your median nerve. Symptoms are more common at night, so wearing a splint in the evening may help ease your symptoms before they start. If you have issues with repetitive tasks at work, wear wrist splints during the day.
3. Lighten up. If you find yourself forcing tasks such as writing, typing, or using a cash register, relax your grip or reduce the force you’re using. Try using a soft-grip pen or tapping keys more lightly.
4. Mind your flexion. Avoid activities that make your wrists flex to the extreme in either direction. Try keeping your wrists neutral as much as possible.
5. Stay warm. Keeping your hands warm can help with pain and stiffness. Consider wearing fingerless gloves or keeping hand warmers nearby.
6. Stretch it out. You can do quick wrist exercises while you’re standing in line at the grocery store or sitting at your desk at work. For example, make a fist and then slide your fingers until they are straight again. Repeat this action five to 10 times.
7. Elevate your hands and wrists when possible. This home remedy is particularly effective if your carpal tunnel syndrome in Louisiana is caused by pregnancy, fractures or other issues with fluid retention.
8. Try over-the-counter (OTC) medications. OTC pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen may be helpful to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Traditional Treatments For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome In Louisiana
More serious cases of carpal tunnel syndrome may require your Louisiana orthopedic surgeon’s help to recommend corticosteroids to lessen your pain and inflammation. This therapy may be particularly effective if your carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Your orthopedic surgeon may also recommend surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve. This typically involves making one or two incisions in the area affected and cutting the ligament involved. This will release the nerve and increase the space around the nerve.
The bottom line is that carpal tunnel syndrome can be painful and disruptive to your daily life. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms for some time, ask about ways you can relieve the pain and pressure.
If at-home remedies don’t work, find out more about the other treatment methods available to you. Early diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome in Louisiana is the best way to prevent permanent nerve damage.