Carpal tunnel syndrome refers to a painful condition caused by a major nerve compression, where it passes over the carpal bones via a pathway in front of the wrist. Marked by hand pain, the condition results from repetitive movements in prolonged time periods or fluid retention. The following are the causes, signs and symptoms, and home remedies for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Causes
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, according to National Institute of Health. As per the publication, the problem is secondary to various factors that decrease the available space for the nerve and not the nerve itself. Examples of such space reduction include injury or trauma to the wrist like fracture or sprain, causing swelling in the area; rheumatoid arthritis; an underactive thyroid gland; or an overactive thyroid gland. It can also be due to mechanical problems in the wrist joint, work stress, fluid retention during pregnancy, or cyst or tumor development in the tunnel.
Signs and Symptoms
Carpal tunnel syndrome has various symptoms. According to Web MD, these include numbness, weakness, tingling, or pain in the hand or fingers. As per the publication, a person with the condition can feel the pain in their arm, hands and elbow.
Home Remedies
While pain medications are part of the effective medical regimen for carpal tunnel syndrome, home remedies also serve as natural means to manage the condition.
Cold Application
Applying coldness to the hand is one of the remedies for carpal tunnel syndrome. According to experts, as cited by Everyday Health, applying ice on the wrist helps relieve pain from the condition. Carpal tunnel syndrome presents swelling that results to the compression of the median nerve and pain, so applying ice on the area helps decrease inflammation; thus, it relieves pain.
Splint
A splint can help a person relieve pain from carpal tunnel syndrome. According to Best Health Magazine, the person may bend his hand and wrist under his pillow; this applies pressure on the wrist while holding the fingers in a neutral position. As a result, the person will not be awakened by the pain due to pressure on the median nerve. As per the publication, splints are available in a pharmacy or medical supply store, so it is vital to check with the doctor or physical therapist to ensure that it suits the size of the hand.
Elevation and Rest
Two ways to naturally relieve one’s pain from carpal tunnel syndrome are elevation and rest of the hand. According to Health Communities, these measures help reduce swelling in the area. As per the publication, the person lies down and elevates his arm with pillows so that it is above his heart. Then, resting the hands cut their activity, allowing the swelling to subside and the hand to recover. It is added that good posture, hand relaxation, and keeping the wrists straight aid relieve pain from the condition.
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the person’s hands and fingers, disabling him from doing his activities of daily living and making him slightly dependent to others. Thus, it is best to coordinate with a health care professional or doctor for proper assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation.
