Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the uncomfortable sensation in your hand caused by excess pressure on the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, when your wrist is bent. It is characterized by tingling, numbness or pain in parts of the hand. At times it may be difficult to move your thumb or first two fingers. You may notice that the symptoms are worse when knitting or using the computer, or at night when sleeping – basically, anytime that the wrist is bent.
Many people who have CTS syndrome experience mild or moderate symptoms that come and go. The good news is that many simple adjustments can offer relief without going the route of more serious interventions such as corticosteroid therapy or surgery.
Some remedies to try:
- Wear a wrist splint at night for a few weeks to keep the wrist in a neutral, unbent position
- Do hand motion exercises that keep the joint from tensing up and causing muscles to weaken
- Massage the wrist to increase blood circulation in the hands
- Do yoga exercises that help mobilize the median nerve
- Chiropractic and osteopathic therapies may offer further help
If you decide to try a wrist brace, check out Nightingale’s assortment of wrist braces here. Whether you experience carpal tunnel syndrome through daytime, nighttime or during pregnancy, wearing a wrist brace can help alleviate your symptoms – so you can get back to living life freely.
