Stretching For Carpal Tunnel Pain Relief
In today’s modern and hi-tech world, carpal tunnel syndrome is a growing condition that affects the wrist, and by extension, a person’s lifestyle and livelihood. Symptoms range from numbness to pain to stiffness in the fingers and hand. In order to prevent carpal tunnel or relieve the pain, individuals can perform a few routine stretches throughout the day.
Don’t overdo it
A word of warning before proceeding with the stretches: carpal tunnel syndrome stretches aren’t supposed to hurt. If the stretching begins to make the symptoms worse or causes any pain or discomfort, individuals should not continue. Only stretch as much as comfortably possible without worsening the symptoms. Going all-out can actually worsen symptoms and cause permanent damage.
1. Flex the wrist
One of the best ways to get a good stretch is for an individual to extend the arm out in front with the palm facing the floor. With slightly spread-out fingers, the individual can use the other hand to gently press the hand down to provide a wrist stretch as much as comfortably possible. Individuals can hold the position for 20 to 30 seconds and repeat as needed a couple of times on each side every hour or so.
2. Shake it off
As if shaking the negative energy away, an individual can shake the hands as if drying the hands when wet. After shaking the hands and wrists for a couple of minutes, the stretch prevents compression of the median nerve and flexor muscles.
3. Thumb o’s
Individuals looking for an easy and foolproof way to flex the wrist can perform some thumb touches. Individuals can touch the tip of each finger with the tip of the thumb to form an ‘O’ shape. Repeat as necessary a few times to flex and strengthen the wrist.
Is surgery needed?
Surgery is the last treatment option considered if the symptoms are frequent and the pain and discomfort increase despite conventional treatment efforts. If a splint and corticosteroid injections aren’t enough to ease the pain, surgery may be warranted. Many carpal tunnel injuries occur gradually over time. Acute carpal tunnel syndrome is a rare and sudden injury that can result in extreme pain after an injury. For acute carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery may be the only way to fully treat the issue, especially if performed as soon as possible.
Life after surgery
Carpal tunnel surgery can result in a significant decrease in symptoms. The level of improvement after surgery depends on how badly the nerve was injured. Generally, pain levels decrease quickly after surgery. However, patients may experience abnormal sensations that take longer to subside. All in all, a significant majority of carpal tunnel patients report improvement in symptoms and live completely symptomless lives years after the surgery. For more information about carpal tunnel treatment, speak with a healthcare provider.
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“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
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