Carpal Tunnel Exercises for the Wrist

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a progressive neurological disorder caused by pressure on the median nerve in the forearm and hand. The disorder is first characterized by feelings of itchiness, numbness or tingling in the palms of the hands and progresses to burning sensations, shooting pains and cramping. A medical professional can recommend certain exercises to help alleviate some of the pain and discomfort associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Finger Pointing

• Sit on a chair with your feet apart. Begin by making a fist. Open the fist and bring the fingers upward so that they point straight up. Repeat this exercise up to 10 times with each hand.

Finger Fans

• Sit on a chair with your feet apart and bring your hand into a fist. Relax your hand and point your fingers straight out into a fan. Stretch your fingers as much as is comfortable. Repeat this exercise up to 10 times.

Elastic Bands

• Wrap an elastic band around your fingers. Gently stretch your fingers open so that they resemble a fan, then bring them closed again, keeping the rubber band in place. Repeat 10 times.

Wrist Flexes

• Hold one arm out in front of you. Grasp the outstretched hand with your other hand and bend your wrist back. Hold the position for 10 seconds and repeat the exercise 10 times, five times with each wrist. Repeat the above exercise, only pressing the wrist down instead of up.