How to Ease Carpal Tunnel Pain
Rest your wrist. Try to avoid activities that aggravate your symptoms, such as typing, writing, or using tools that require repetitive hand movements. If you need to use your hands for work or other activities, take frequent breaks to give your wrists a rest.
Apply ice. Ice can help reduce inflammation and pain. Apply an ice pack to your wrist for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
Use a wrist brace. A wrist brace can help immobilize your wrist and reduce pain. Wear a wrist brace when you're engaging in activities that tend to aggravate your symptoms.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help relieve pain.
Do wrist exercises. Wrist exercises can help improve flexibility and strength in your wrists. Here are a few simple exercises you can try:
* Wrist flexion: Hold your arm straight out in front of you with your palm facing down. Slowly bend your wrist up towards your body until you feel a stretch in your forearm. Hold this position for 10 seconds, then slowly release. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
* Wrist extension: Hold your arm straight out in front of you with your palm facing up. Slowly bend your wrist down towards your body until you feel a stretch in your forearm. Hold this position for 10 seconds, then slowly release. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
* Radial deviation: Hold your arm straight out in front of you with your palm facing down. Slowly bend your wrist to the right until you feel a stretch in the outside of your forearm. Hold this position for 10 seconds, then slowly release. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
* Ulnar deviation: Hold your arm straight out in front of you with your palm facing up. Slowly bend your wrist to the left until you feel a stretch in the inside of your forearm. Hold this position for 10 seconds, then slowly release. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
See a doctor. If your symptoms are severe or don't improve with home treatment, see a doctor. Your doctor may recommend further treatment, such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or surgery.