I remember when I was 28, I woke up with the worst hand and arm pain I had ever experienced. It felt like someone was giving me constant electrical shocks. When I went to the doctor, I found out that I had carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by a pinched nerve in your wrist and is more common in women. This is probably because women have smaller carpal tunnels. The most common cause seems to be working on a computer or other job where you’re constantly flexing your wrist.
The median nerve runs from your forearm through a passageway in your wrist (carpal tunnel) to your hand. It provides sensation to the palm side of your thumb and fingers, except the little finger. It also provides nerve signals to move the muscles around the base of your thumb (motor function).
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or arthritis you are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Smoking, eating a high salt diet, being overweight, and leading a sedentary lifestyle may also increase your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
You may need surgery in the future but there are some things you can do at home to reduce your symptoms:
Wear Splints When You Sleep
I have been wearing splints to bed since I was in my late 20s, and they hold my wrists still while I sleep. It isn’t the most fun thing to do, but if I skip it, my wrists are tingling and achy. Ask your insurance if splints are covered under your health plan. Mine covers 100% so I can get a new pair every year.
If you’re at work, you might have to be more discreet, but in addition to your regularly scheduled breaks, stretch your fingers and palms. Most bosses know that you need to stretch, so it shouldn’t be that much of a problem.
Take a Pain Reliever
Sometimes you just want the pain to quickly go away, and taking an Ibuprofen or Advil can really make a difference. Talk to your doctor about the correct dosage and how often you should take it. It can make you sleepy, so be careful when you are at work.
My doctor is trying to get me to stop taking ibuprofen because it can cause heart attacks, and I also had a spine specialist tell me the same thing. Hopefully, we can find something comparable that will relieve my pain.
Sleep on Your Back or Side
When you sleep on your stomach, you may be gripping your pillow, and that can cause pain and numbness in your hands and wrist.
Use Ice Therapy
You can place ice cubes in a towel and hold them on your wrist for ten to fifteen minutes once or twice an hour. It may be easier to use an ice bath where you can completely submerge your wrist.
I had to have surgery on both wrists. There was a five-year span between the two surgeries. It will come back if you continue to do a job where you are always flexing your wrist.
Summary
Take control of your carpal tunnel syndrome. Try these lifestyle tips, but if the pain is too much to handle, consult your doctor to see about the next steps.
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