Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the wrists of people who make repetitive hand movements on a daily basis. Working in a factory or doing excessive amounts of typing can result in carpal tunnel syndrome. Natural cures include resting, applying cold packs, positioning your wrists correctly and wearing a wrist brace.
Resting
The carpal tunnel in your wrist is composed of the carpal ligament and bone, and contains the median nerve and tendons. Making repetitive movements causes your tendons to rub against the same area of your carpal ligament, resulting in irritation and inflammation. As the inside of your carpal tunnel swells, it compresses the median nerve, resulting in the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Resting your wrists allows the swelling to go down, which stops the symptoms.
Applying Cold
Placing cold packs on your wrists helps numb the area, which reduces the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition, alternating the cold packs with mild heat helps reduce wrist swelling. Try filling one sink with ice water and another with warm water. Then place your wrists in one sink for five minutes, then the other sink for five minutes. Use this warm and cold treatment several times per day.
Correct Positioning
When typing, you should use correct wrist positioning in order to prevent wrist strain. Try to keep your wrists straight to avoid further irritation within the carpal tunnel. Resting your wrists on your desk when typing can result in compression of the carpal tunnel, so using cushioned wrist supports can help.
Wrist Braces
Wearing a wrist brace keeps you from flexing your wrist, which prevents irritation in the carpal tunnel. Using the brace while doing the activity that causes carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms helps you avoid the wrist movements that are causing problems. Wearing the braces at night also helps, because many people flex their wrists during sleep.
Tags: your wrists, carpal tunnel, tunnel syndrome, carpal tunnel, carpal tunnel syndrome, cold packs, carpal ligament