The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway over the bones and ligaments that’s located on the palm side of your wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a median nerve compression that’s accompanied by swelling in the wrist. The condition can be provoked by diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, or an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis. 

Fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause and repetitive wrist movements are other possible culprits of carpal tunnel syndrome. If left untreated, this syndrome can contribute to nerve damage. 

The main symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include pain, numbness, and tingling. The symptoms usually develop slowly and may occur in the morning or when falling asleep at night. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, consider trying the following ways to ease the pain: 

1. Nighttime splints

Keeping your wrists straight can help alleviate the pressure on your median nerve. Symptoms are more common at night, therefore, wearing a splint in the evening might help prevent wrist pain. If you have problems with repetitive tasks at work, you can also try wearing wrist splints during the day. The goal of the splint is to keep the wrist in a neutral position to prevent pressure on the nerve. 

2. Conventional therapies 

Conventional treatment options are the most common ways to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. These include immobilizing the affected area to stop repetitive movements or surgically opening up the area to lower pressure. 

3. Rest 

The easiest way to relieve pain from carpal tunnel syndrome is through rest. Stop activities that you think might be causing numbness and pain. When symptoms get better, the activity can be resumed gradually. Evaluate your home and workspace ergonomics to recognize problems that could be leading to your symptoms. 

Consider switching to an ergonomic keyboard or mouse, changing the position of the keyboard and mouse to allow your wrists to be in a neutral position, or using a padded rest for the wrist.

4. Anti-inflammatory medications 

In the case of mild carpal tunnel syndrome, anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can effectively lower your pain. Some people find that other anti-inflammatory techniques such as acupuncture and natural anti-inflammatory compounds like turmeric and omega-3 can help mild cases. 

But persistent or worsening symptoms like burning or tingling that becomes chronic, the onset of persistent numbness, or the onset of weakness can become permanent if left ignored.

5. Cold and vibration 

You possibly know about icing the inflamed area for carpal tunnel treatment, but be careful, as this stiffens muscles and tendons and reduces the blood flow. Try massaging the area following icing to stimulate blood flow. 

6. Stretches 

Some exercises can help your wrist feel better. You can do simple wrist exercises throughout the day, whether you’re at your desk at work or waiting in line at the store. Make a fist and then slide your fingers until they are straight again and repeat this action 5 to 10 times. This exercise will help alleviate any pressure on the wrist. If you have problems with fluid retention caused by pregnancy or fractures, get into the habit of elevating your hands and wrists whenever possible.

If these methods don’t help relieve your pain, then it’s time to talk with your doctor about a steroid injection. The steroid injection lowers inflammation, which contributes to additional space in the tunnel and less pressure on the median nerve. The success rate is 90 percent. Most people get relief from their symptoms from steroid injections. 

In severe cases, surgery can cure carpal tunnel. Modern surgical options like mini-open surgery or endoscopic surgery allow doctors to give the vast majority of patients near-complete relief of their symptoms.