If the thumb side of your hand feels like it’s going to sleep for no apparent reason, you may be experiencing carpel tunnel syndrome in New Orleans. The good news is that there are numerous methods you can try at home to ease your pain. And if those don’t work, surgery can be a highly-effective treatment option.
What Is Carpel Tunnel Syndrome In New Orleans?
Carpel tunnel syndrome is a relatively common condition that affects the hand and wrist. Symptoms include numbness and tingling and pain, typically in your thumb and the first three fingers of your hand.
Carpel tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm to your hand through a narrow space called the carpel tunnel, is compacted or pinched. The nine tendons that flex the first three fingers and thumb also run through the carpel tunnel.
Any occurrence that makes the carpel tunnel smaller and pinches the median nerve can result in carpel tunnel syndrome. These can include:
• Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes;
• Repetitive hand movements, especially if the wrist is being bent so that your hands are lower than your wrists;
• Pregnancy.
Home Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in New Orleans
While this condition can be uncomfortable and/or painful, there are some ways to treat it at home. The first phase is to stop the activity that is causing the compression. Consider the activities that may be causing numbness and pain in your wrist and try to stop or decrease them until your symptoms improve.
Here are five ways you can treat your carpal tunnel syndrome at home.
1. Put ice on your wrist or soak it in an ice bath for 10 to 15 minutes once or twice per hour.
2. Alleviate nighttime pain by gently shaking your hand and wrist or hanging your hand over the side of the bed.
3. Purchase a wrist splint to keep your hand properly aligned. It may help to wear the splint during the night to keep you from overstretching your wrist while you are asleep.
4. Take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve pain. Before you do, however, consult with your primary care physical regarding any possible interactions with other drugs you are currently taking and be sure to take these medications with food.
5. Immerse your hand in warm water with a temperature between 92 and 100 degrees and gently move or flex your hand and wrist three to four times a day.
When It’s Time To See The Doctor for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in New Orleans
If these home treatments don’t alleviate your pain in one or two weeks, it might be time to see an orthopedic physician, who specializes in the treatment of bones, joints and muscles. He or she may recommend surgery if severe damage has occurred to your median nerve or to prevent permanent sensory or functional loss.
The surgery involves cutting the band of tissue in the wrist that crosses the median nerve to lessen the pressure. Over time, this type of surgery may be the best route to permanent relief.
If you feel that you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome in New Orleans, call our office today to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your options for recovery.