Methods Of Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Avoid Sleeping On Hands

Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome are routinely advised to avoid sleeping on their hands. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome often worsen at night, and sleeping on the hands exacerbates numbness and tingling. To reduce the chances of this, doctors often suggest patients wear a wrist brace while sleeping. The brace will keep their wrist in proper alignment during the overnight hours. Most braces have straps and velcro, and sleeping on top of the brace would be very uncomfortable. If the patient did accidentally try to sleep on their hand with the brace, they would likely wake up due to the discomfort this would cause. Placing a pillow underneath the affected arm will also reduce the risk of accidentally sleeping on it during the night, and it will minimize movement during sleep as well. If these measures are ineffective, patients could try sleeping in a recliner or other padded chair for a few days.

Physical Therapy For Hands

Physical therapy for the hands helps strengthen the muscles and tendons in the wrist, and it can relieve pain and other symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. During a physical therapy session, the therapist may teach the patient nerve gliding exercises. These help the median nerve move more smoothly and freely within the carpal tunnel. Patients will be guided in these exercises during their therapy sessions, and they will also be asked to repeat them several times a day at home. Depending on the severity of the patient's symptoms, some physical therapists may use ultrasound therapy, heat, ice, massage, or acupuncture during a session. Other therapists might also use gentle TENS stimulation to help with pain relief. Patients may need to continue with physical therapy sessions for several months, and they should always inform their therapist of any new or worsening symptoms.