Make sure to keep your wrist watch and any bracelets loose around your wrists — having them too tight may irritate the median nerve. In most cases of CTS, a single cause is hard to identify. CTS is typically caused by a combination of factors, such as repetitive wrist strain combined with arthritis or diabetes. Wrist anatomy can make a difference — some people have naturally smaller tunnels or oddly shaped carpal bones.

Alternatively, grab the fingers of the affected hand and pull back until you feel a stretch in the front of your wrist. Wrist stretches may temporarily trigger more CTS symptoms, such as tingling in the hand, but don’t stop them unless you actually feel pain. The symptoms will diminish with time. In addition to hand tingling, other symptoms commonly associated with CTS include: numbness, throbbing pain, muscle weakness and/or color changes (too pale or red).

CTS symptoms most often occur (and begin) in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger, which is why people who have the condition often drop things and feel clumsy. The little finger is the only part of the hand not affected by CTS because its not innervated by the median nerve.

You may need to wear wrist supports for several weeks (day and night) to get significant relief from CTS symptoms. However, for some, supports only provide negligible benefit. Wearing wrist splints at night is a good idea if you’re pregnant and have CTS because pregnancy tends to increase swelling in the hands (and feet). Wrist supports, splints and braces can be bought at most pharmacies and medical supply stores.

As noted above, wearing wrist supports while sleeping is helpful for preventing aggravating positioning, but it may take some time to get used to. Don’t sleep on your stomach (prone) with your wrists compressed under your pillow. People who have this habit often wake up with numbness and tingling in their hands. Most wrist supports are made of nylon and fasten with velcro, which can irritate your skin. Therefore, cover your support with a sock or thin cloth to reduce skin irritation.

Put thin cushioned pads underneath your keyboard and mouse to reduce the impact on your hands and wrists. Have an occupational therapist review your work station and suggest ergonomic changes tailored to your body. People who work on computers and registers (such as cashiers) for a job are at much higher risk of CTS. [10] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source

NSAIDs and analgesics should be considered short-term strategies for controlling pain. There isn’t any evidence that these medications cure or improve CTS in the long run. [12] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source Taking NSAIDs for too long (or too much at any time) significantly increases your risk of stomach irritation, ulcers and kidney failure. Always read the labels for dosage information. Taking too much acetaminophen or taking it for too can cause liver damage.

Electro-diagnostic tests (EMG and nerve conduction) are often done to confirm the diagnosis of CTS by measuring the function of the median nerve. [14] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source You might be asked to perform specific tasks that are difficult with CTS, such as making a tight fist, pinching your thumb and forefinger together and moving small objects with precision. [15] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source Your doctor may also inquire about your job as some are high risk for CTS, such as carpenters, cashiers, assembly-line workers, musicians, auto mechanics and people who use computers extensively.

Physical therapist. Most of the time, carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms can be treated conservatively. A physical therapist will asses your joints, muscles and ligaments to see the underlying cause of your carpal tunnel symptoms. Treatments may include modalities such as ultrasound for reducing inflammation and promoting healing, exercises to increase flexibility and strengthen the associated muscles, and ergonomic education to assess your workplace or daily activities while providing modifications to reduce any stresses. Massage therapist. In some instances, carpal tunnel syndrome type of symptoms can be associated with Myofascial Pain Syndrome, a condition associated with the presence of trigger points, or more commonly known as muscle knots. Research has shown that trigger points are common in those with carpal tunnel symptoms. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source In addition, a study found that treatments on these knots have led to improvements. [18] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

Other common steroid medications used for CTS are prednisolone, dexamethasone and triamcinolone. Possible complications associated with corticosteroid injections include local infection, excessive bleeding, tendon weakening, muscle atrophy and nerve damage. Thus, injections are usually limited to two per year. If steroid injections don’t significantly reduce your CTS symptoms, then surgery should be considered.

Endoscopic surgery involves using a thin telescope-like device with a tiny camera on the end (endoscope), which is inserted into your carpal tunnel through an incision in your wrist or hand. The endoscope allows the surgeon to see into the tunnel and cut the problematic ligament. Endoscopic surgery usually results in the least amount of pain and side effects, as well as the quickest recovery. In contrast, open surgery involves a larger incision in your palm and over your wrist in order to cut through the ligament and liberate the median nerve. Surgery risks include: nerve damage, infection and scar tissue formation — all of which can potentially make CTS become worse.

Most people’s CTS symptoms get better after surgery, but recovery is often slow and gradual. Hand strength typically returns to normal about 2 months after surgery. [23] X Research source CTS recurs about 10% of the time post-surgery and may require follow-up surgery many months or a few years later.