How To Manage Your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Without Surgery
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that affects your hand and wrist, causing pain, numbness, and tingling sensations. This condition is often caused by repetitive hand movements or prolonged use of the wrist in a bent position. It occurs when one of the major nerves in the hand (the median nerve) is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist.
In some cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery is a common treatment option that neurologists may recommend. However, what if you do not wish to go under the knife? Are there other treatment options available? The answer is yes! Let us explore the alternatives to manage your carpal tunnel syndrome effectively.
Option #1: Visit a specialist
Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually exacerbated by repetitive hand or wrist-intensive activities like typing, weightlifting, or tennis. The positioning of your wrist also plays a crucial role, as it can place undue pressure on the median nerve, causing you to experience discomfort in the wrist. Fortunately, these issues can be rectified with the guidance of our specialists at Orchard Health Clinic.
Our team takes a holistic approach to treating carpal tunnel syndrome. We can assess your lifestyle and identify any activities contributing to your problem. Subsequently, we can guide you in modifying these activities and your ergonomics, emphasising the importance of maintaining proper posture. We may also suggest ways to alter your workstation to prevent your wrist from being flexed or extended, thus minimising the stress placed on the median nerve.
Learn More: How A Chiropractor Can Help With Your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Option #2: Physiotherapy
At Orchard Health Clinic, our specialists are also well-versed in physiotherapy. Beyond recommending lifestyle changes, our specialists can develop a personalised exercise programme to manage carpal tunnel syndrome. These exercises can help strengthen your hand and wrist muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance blood circulation, thus alleviating pain and improving the overall functionality of your wrist.
Option #3: Wear a wrist brace
One of the lifestyle changes that our specialists may recommend is to wear a wrist brace to provide stability and support to the affected wrist. It can help keep your wrist in a straight or neutral position, thereby reducing pressure on the median nerve. This, in turn, can alleviate pain, numbness, and tingling sensations caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.
Wearing a brace at night can prevent you from bending your wrist while you sleep, thus worsening the symptoms. You may also consider wearing it during the day when performing activities that could aggravate your condition.
Option #4: Cryotherapy
Tendon inflammation is a significant cause of median nerve compression and carpal tunnel syndrome pain. When this happens, your wrist will be warm, red, and swollen. To ease the inflammation, our specialists may recommend cryotherapy to relieve median nerve compression and alleviate the symptoms. Applying cold temperatures to the affected area can effectively minimise swelling, as it can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Managing carpal tunnel syndrome without surgery is indeed possible. With ample rest and by incorporating these non-surgical approaches into your daily routine, you can effectively alleviate symptoms and improve the functionality of your wrist, thus regaining control of your hand and wrist health. Remember to consult our specialists at Orchard Health Clinic to tailor these approaches to your specific condition. Do not hesitate to contact us today to schedule an appointment with our clinic.
