How to Ease Carpal Tunnel Pain
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.