HowStuffWorks.com offers an article titled 26 Home Remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that provides a list of things you can do to prevent and treat hand problems.
For most people, the key to beating carpal tunnel syndrome is prevention: making changes before CTS becomes a problem. If you’re already experiencing some minor tingling, numbness, and burning associated with CTS, you may be able to prevent further damage and promote healing by making a few simple changes in your lifestyle.
Here’s a quick summary of the most important tips:
- Stay in shape - You’re less likely to suffer injury if your body is physically fit
- Pay attention to how you sleep, particularly the position of your hands
- Lose weight - Excess weight can compress the median nerve in the wrist
- Take breaks while you work - When your wrist, hand, or fingers feel fatigued or achy, take a break
- As you work, keep your body and your wrists in a comfortable, neutral position
- Give your dominant hand a break whenever possible; try using your other hand to do some tasks
- Be aware of pressure points as you work
- If you use vibrating tools, take frequent breaks
- Adopting ergonomically-designed tools and workstations to reduce stress on the body
- If you have symptoms of repetitive strain injury, use ice packs to reduce swelling and inflammation, and avoid heating the affected areas, as this causes tissues to swell, further restricting movement
- Beware of improperly-fitted wrist splints
- Over-the-counter medication can reduce pain and inflammation
- Perform regular hand exercises
See the full article for the complete list.