- Physical therapy exercises to relieve symptoms
- Exercise 1
- Exercise 2
- Exercise 3
- Signs of improvement
- Signs of worsening
Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome can be done with medications, compresses, physiotherapy, corticosteroids and surgery, and should normally be started when the first symptoms appear, such as tingling in the hands or difficulty holding objects due to a feeling of weakness in the hands.. Know other signs that indicate the presence of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Generally, mild symptoms can be relieved only with rest, avoiding activities that overload the hands and worsen symptoms. However, treatment with:
- Cold compresses on the wrist to reduce swelling and relieve the pricking and tingling sensation in the hands; Rigid splint to immobilize the wrist, especially while sleeping, reducing the discomfort caused by the syndrome; Physiotherapy, where devices, exercises, massages and mobilizations can be used to cure the syndrome; Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen, to reduce inflammation in the wrist and relieve symptoms; Corticosteroid injection in the carpal tunnel to reduce swelling of the site and relieve pain and discomfort during the month.
However, in the most severe cases, where it is not possible to control symptoms with these types of treatments, it may be necessary to have surgery to cut the carpal ligament and relieve pressure on the affected nerve. Learn more at: Carpal tunnel surgery.
Physical therapy exercises to relieve symptoms
Although they can be done at home, these exercises should always be guided by a physical therapist to adapt the exercises to the symptoms presented.
Exercise 1
Start with your hand outstretched and then close it until your fingers touch the palm of your hand. Next, bend your fingers into a claw and return to the position with your hand stretched, as shown in the image. Do 10 repetitions, 2 to 3 times a day.
Exercise 2
Bend your hand forward and stretch your fingers, then bend your wrist back and close your hand, as shown in the image. Repeat 10 times, 2 to 3 times a day.
Exercise 3
Stretch out your arm and bend your hand back, pulling your fingers back with your other hand, as shown in the image. Repeat the exercise 10 times, 2 to 3 times a day.
See other tips in the following video on how to relieve wrist pain:
Signs of improvement
Signs of improvement in carpal tunnel syndrome appear around 2 weeks after the start of treatment and include a decrease in tingling episodes in the hands and relief of the difficulty in holding objects.
Signs of worsening
Signs of worsening tunnel syndrome usually include difficulty holding small objects, such as pens or keys, or moving your hand. In addition, it can also cause difficulty sleeping because the symptoms worsen at night.
