Table of contents:
- Treat sore wrists at home
- 1. Wrist strapping
- 2. Corticosteroids
- 3. Pain medication
- Treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome with surgical procedures
- 1. Endoscopic surgery
- 2. Open operation
- Discuss with your doctor first, which procedure is right for you
Office workers and factory workers are one of the groups of people who are prone to complain of wrist pain due to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The reason is, every day you have to type on a laptop, computer, or other electronic device such as a cellphone. Factory workers may also have to operate heavy or vibrating equipment. Not to mention the added hands that also have to hang on public transportation every time you commute to the office.
Apart from wrist pain, symptoms of CTS can also range from soreness and frequent tingling to a numb sensation that usually radiates to the fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome can get better on its own without treatment. But this doesn't mean you don't try to treat it, you know! If symptoms are allowed to continue to worsen, this syndrome can gradually cause nerve damage to the hands.
Quiet. There are several carpal tunnel syndrome treatments available out there, from using home remedies to surgical options at the doctor.
Treat sore wrists at home
Apart from office workers and factory workers, pregnant women are also prone to experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome. Some people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatism and obesity, are equally at risk for developing the typical CTS wrist pain.
Here are some home remedies for carpal tunnel syndrome pain relief:
1. Wrist strapping
Sometimes simple lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms. For example, using wrist pads when typing.
However, if it is inflamed, you may need to bandage your hands. The wrist brace aims to support the wrist and prevent it from bending. If the wrist is allowed to bend, it will put more pressure on the affected nerves, which can worsen the symptoms of CTS.
The best time to band the wrist is at night, but it could also be during the day (although this may hamper your activities). Monitor for four weeks to see if there is improvement in symptoms.
2. Corticosteroids
Corticosteroid drugs are usually used to treat complaints such as aches and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. This drug works to reduce inflammation in the body. Costicosteroids may be used if wrist strapping is not found to reduce symptoms of CTS.
Corticosteroids can be taken in tablet form or by injection given directly to the wrist. However, corticosteroids are not over the counter drugs. The use of corticosteroids must be in accordance with the doctor's instructions, both the dosage, the number of times to drink a day, and the length of time they are used.
If your doctor recommends that you get a corticosteroid injection, it is usually started with a one-shot dose. The number of injections may be increased when symptoms recur or get worse.
3. Pain medication
The painkiller ibuprofen can relieve pain in your wrist in the short term by reducing inflammation. Ibuprofen is also effective in treating the symptoms of rheumatism, osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, swelling due to sprains or sprains in the hands that may trigger symptoms of wrist pain due to CTS.
Treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome with surgical procedures
Surgical procedures are performed when other non-surgical treatments have failed to cure the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. This operation can be done on an outpatient basis so that the patient does not need to stay in the hospital.
CTS surgery can be performed using two different techniques, including:
1. Endoscopic surgery
Endoscopic surgery is a CTS surgical procedure that uses a long tube with a beam on one end and a camera lens at the other. This tube is inserted through a small incision in the wrist or palm, so it is easy for surgeons to view the carpal ligament through a monitor during surgery. This procedure provides less pain than open surgery.
2. Open operation
The open surgery procedure is initiated by applying local anesthesia to the patient's hand or wrist. This surgery is performed by cutting the carpal tendons to reduce pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. The median nerve itself is the nerve that controls the sense of taste and movement in the wrists and hands affected by CTS.
The recovery time for open surgery is usually slightly longer than the recovery time for endoscopic surgery. However, both of these methods have proven to be just as effective for treating carpal tunnel syndrome.
Discuss with your doctor first, which procedure is right for you
Before choosing which surgical procedure is suitable for your CTS condition, there are a number of things that need to be considered, including:
- How successful was the previous non-surgical treatment
- Possible postoperative complications that occur during recovery, including wound infection, scar tissue formation, postoperative bleeding, nerve injury, wrist pain, and even possible return of CTS symptoms
To maximize postoperative healing, it is recommended that you maintain the condition of the wrist by using bandages and arm supports or arm sling. To prevent your fingers and hands from experiencing swelling or feeling stiff, it is best to keep your hands up for two days.
Do light exercises on slowly moving your fingers, shoulders, and elbows to prevent stiffness. Also, avoid activities that involve excessive strength in your hands so that they don't cause pain.
