Carpal Tunnel Treatment
You know the feeling; the uncomfortable, continuous tingling in your hand and fingers, numbness and pain has all of the earmarks of carpal tunnel; treatment of which you’ve been avoiding, but now seems inevitable. What should you expect?
Most people make the mistake of putting off treatments for the disorder, thinking perhaps it is just temporary and will go away with time. When it doesn’t go away, and indeed seems to be increasing in frequency, quite often the individual is experiencing a great deal of discomfort. The good news is that treatment does exist, with a high success rate for those who receive a carpal tunnel treatment.
First, let’s take a look at common carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Since the disorder affects the median nerve which lies at the base of each hand, it is the fingers, hands and arms which feel the effects first. Symptoms begin with tingling of these areas, developing into numbness, pain of the hands and arms, cold hands, loss of hand grip and strength. If allowed to continue without carpal tunnel treatment, the pain and numbness will increase. Sleeplessness will also occur, as the numbness of hands and arms wake the individual with the need to shake the limb to “waken” it.
Once you are resigned to the fact that the symptoms you have been experiencing are indeed carpal tunnel, the next step is to immediately seek carpal tunnel treatment. Two tests used to diagnose the disorder are the Tinel and the Phalen tests. Once the positive diagnosis is made, carpal tunnel treatment will begin.
Resting the hand or arm for a few weeks is the general course of action taken. The individual is cautioned to use the affected arm as little as possible during that time, especially steering clear of any activities or motions that would worsen the symptoms. Wrist splints to hold the area stable is also a common carpal tunnel treatment, as are application of ice packs.
Doctors may prescribe medications to assist carpal tunnel treatment. Ibuprofen and aspirin are well known relievers of swelling and inflammation, so are viable means of treatments that also ease the discomfort. Under some cases, doctors may also recommend diuretics, also known to decrease swelling. Taking medications should always be used only on the recommendation of physicians, and used strictly according to their instruction.
Exercising the hand or arm has proven to be an extremely beneficial carpal tunnel treatment used once the initial symptoms have lessened. The exercises are done under the guidance of a physical therapist trained in treating physical impairments. Yoga is another excellent means of regaining strength and decreasing pain.
Be assured that most patients that receive a carpal tunnel treatment experience full recovery of the symptoms. Do not delay; seek medical care to begin treatments and achieve well being once again.