26 Home Remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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.