Do you have a hobby or job where you need to move your fingers and wrists constantly? Then you might be a victim of carpal tunnel syndrome or CTS. CTS is usually caused when your everyday activity strains your hand and wrists. It is often caused by playing instruments, using vibrating hand tools, or manual labor.
CTS gives you a tingling or numbing feeling in your hands and arms for months. It may start by affecting only one of your hands but spread to both. Although you can take a few steps on your own to prevent its symptoms, you should consult with a doctor to treat your East Brunswick carpal tunnel.
Can CTS be managed with lifestyle?
CTS is caused when a nerve is pinched in your wrist. It can give you a numbing or tingling feeling, and this feeling may persist for months if not taken care of. Thankfully, the symptoms of CTS can be handled at home by making a few easy lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle changes to manage CTS:
- Take breaks from using your fingers and wrists.
If you play guitar or type a lot, try taking frequent breaks instead of doing that particular activity for hours straight. Keeping your hands and fingers in the same position for hours can result in poor blood circulation, which in return causes CTS. Take breaks every 15 minutes and stretch your arms and fingers.
- Wear wrist splints.
A wrist splint keeps your hand straight or in a slightly bent position. It reduces pressure on the median nerve and allows a period of rest from movements that can cause CTS. You can wear wrist splints either during the day or night or both if you require.
- Try a softer grip.
Pay attention to how much force you exert on your hands and fingers when typing or writing. Sometimes we use more force than required when doing specific jobs. For example, you may be pounding your keyboard with your fingers when soft keystrokes are enough. Softer grips will keep your hands at ease and reduce pressure.
- Stay warm.
Cold weather can make your hands and fingers stiff and cause the pain to worsen. Increasing the temperature in your room or wearing finger-cut gloves can help keep you warm and loose.
- Try OTC (over-the-counter) medications.
If the lifestyle changes mentioned above do not work for you, you can opt for pain killers found at your local pharmacy. Aspirin and ibuprofen can provide relief and reduce inflammation around the median nerve.
