12 Best Tips for Finding Carpal Tunnel Relief

by Jessica Hegg October 20, 2016 0 Comments

carpal tunnel relief

Searching for the light at the end of the carpal tunnel?

Let us guide the way!

Have you ever experienced pain or numbness in your fingers, wrists, and up to your forearms? If so, you may be developing a case of carpal tunnel.

First, we always recommend that it’s best to consult with your doctor to determine a proper regimen, but we've got some valuable tips that will help you find your way to carpal tunnel relief!

1. Relax Grip

Avoid tasks that force you to strain the ligaments and muscles located in your wrist. Writing, typing, and knitting/sewing are activities that you should avoid if you're experiencing pains associated with carpal tunnel.

2. Take Breaks

If your job or daily activities require you to utilize fine motor skills that apply strain, make sure you take breaks throughout the day. Try pausing every 15-20 minutes to stretch and wiggle your fingers.

3. Focus on Arm Placement

This is important if you type at a desk for work. Avoid resting your wrists on a hard surface and keep them at a neutral level, or even to your body.

4. Carpal Tunnel Brace or Compression Sleeve

A carpal tunnel brace or compression sleeve is ideal for support and circulation. They will help to keep your wrist stabilized, but still allow you to partake in your daily activities.

These are perfect to wear as a precautionary measure. Carpal tunnel can cause pains that come and go without warning. Wearing a carpal tunnel wrist brace keeps symptoms at bay while protecting against further damage to the affected area.

Searching for your carpal tunnel brace? This may be the one!

5. Incorporate Stretching

It is good to stretch out your hands, arms, and wrists periodically throughout the day. Try making a fist then slowly extend your fingers out straight. Repeat and perform on both hands.

6. Use Both Hands

Ok, so I know not everyone is ambidextrous, butttt....if you're able to, try switching it up. Especially when it comes to tasks that require repetitive motions. By giving your dominant hand a break you can lessen the symptoms you are feeling from carpal tunnel

7. Proper Tools

The use of properly sized tools can really have an impact on your discomfort associated with carpal tunnel. Oversized tools or ones that are too small may force you to over compensate the strain in your grip making your wrist, hand, and forearm work harder.

8. Change Positions

If your hands, arms, and wrist stay in relatively the same position all day you risk becoming stiff. This will only worsen the pains you experience. Switch it up and move around to keep the tendons pliable.

9. Strengthen Wrists

Don't worry, I'm not asking you to go to the gym. You can work to strengthen your wrists at home, on the couch! If you please :) Check out some tendon gliding exercises below. These are known to help reduce swelling and increase carpal tunnel relief.

10. Achieve Healthy Weight

If you’re overweight, working to lose a few pounds can really relieve pressure on your joints. Try incorporating brisk walks into your daily routine and be conscious about your eating choice.

11. Hot and Cold Therapy

Utilizing both hot a cold therapy can really speed up carpal tunnel treatment. Cold helps to reduce pains caused by swelling and inflammation. Using heat will keep your muscles, tendons, and ligaments loose and pliable.

12. Over-the-Counter Medication

Over-the-counter,anti-inflammatory medications; such as ibuprofen or Tylenol, will help to reduce pains and swelling associated with carpal tunnel. Remember to consult with your doctor first :)

Carpal Tunnel 101:

So What is Carpal Tunnel?

Carpal tunnel is characterized by a numbness or tingling located in the hand and arm as result of a pinched nerve.

Symptoms Include...

Increased pain while moving your hand or wrist that radiates towards forearm.
Decrease in strength of your thumb.
Difficulty gripping objects
Numbness sensation in hand, wrist
Pain that awakens you while sleeping at night.

Characteristics of Carpal Tunnel:

Most common among those who work with computers or those who consistently utilize fine motor skills

More prevalent in women than men.

Can occur as result of injury, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or thyroid disease.

Women who are pregnant run a higher risk

Take Control of Your Carpal Tunnel Treatment

With the growing occurrence of carpal tunnel, we really shouldn't downplay the signs and symptoms. It's easier to find relief when you're proactive. Make the steps to relieve pain and take advantage of specially designed carpal tunnel braces and compression sleeves for ultimate protection. When symptoms become unbearable the condition becomes more difficult to treat and sometimes the only remaining solution is surgery.

Jessica Hegg

Jessica Hegg is the content manager and at ViveHealth.com. With vast product knowledge and understanding of individual needs, she aims to share valuable information on making smart buying choices, overcoming obstacles and overall improving the quality of life for others. Avid gym-rat and nutrition enthusiast, she’s interested in all things related to staying active and living healthy lifestyle.

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