Exercises And Treatments For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Like many other diseases or syndromes you can take steps to prevent the onset of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and alleviate its symptoms.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by repetitive motion such as typing on a keyboard all day.  Soreness and numbness in the hands and fingers are an indication of this illness.

The best way to prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is to perform some simple warm up exercises prior to the repetitive behavior.

Warm-Up Exercises

1. Limber Up: Begin by gently massaging your hands.  Hold you fingers and bend your wrists back gently.  Stop before there is any soreness.  Hold your wrist back for about 4 seconds.  Release the position and relax.  Next pull your thumb back towards your wrist.  Once again do not cause yourself any discomfort.  Hold this position for 4-5 seconds.  Lastly, clench your fist and release fanning out your fingers as you do so.  Do this exercise 5 times.
2. Stretching: In a standing position raise your arms and bend your wrists up and back as if you were getting ready to do a handstand.  Hold this position for 5 seconds and relax.  Next straighten your wrists and relax your hands.  Make a fist with your hands and bend your wrists down toward the floor and hold for 5 seconds.  Straighten and relax for 5 seconds.  These exercises should be repeated 10 times.
3. Rotations: Keep your elbows close to your waist and extend your forearms out parallel to the floor.  Keep your palms down.  Make a fist with each hand and then rotate in one direction ten times and then the opposite direction ten times.  Open your hands and relax your fingers.  Repeat one more time.

Treatment

1. Rest: Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome should begin with rest. Try to avoid the activity that is causing you discomfort for at least 2 weeks.  Immobilizing the wrists will also help alleviate symptoms.  Finally apply cold packs to the sore areas.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Agents: Nonprescription pain relievers such as ibuprofen and aspirin can help reduce the pain.  In some instances diuretics can decrease inflammation.  Steroids can help relieve the pain and can be administered orally or in an injection at the site of the swelling.  Always check with your doctor before beginning any drug regimen.
3. Vitamins: There have been some cases where Vitamin B6 has been effective.  Pyridoxine (B6) has been known to ease the pain and swelling associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
4. Optional Treatments: Other treatments that might be effective include acupuncture and yoga.  While acupuncture has not been proven to be effective, the same cannot be said for yoga.  These exercises have been shown to lessen pain by strengthening the grip.