Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Reducing Pain and Swelling
Topic Overview
If you have pain, tingling, and other problems in your hand because of carpal tunnel syndrome, you can take steps to help the pain.
Steps to relieve pain and reduce swelling include:
- Applying ice to the palm side of the hand and
wrist for short periods.
- Avoiding sleeping on your
hands or with your wrists bent. Wearing a
wrist splint at night is often
helpful.
- Asking your doctor if you can take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which may
help reduce swelling and relieve pain. They may be helpful for some people, although
they are not generally thought to be effective for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
Other lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting
smoking, reducing the amount of alcohol you drink, and controlling medical
conditions, such as
diabetes, may help relieve your symptoms of carpal
tunnel syndrome related to swelling.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Herbert von Schroeder, MD, MSc, FRCSC - Hand and Microvascular Surgery
Current as ofMarch 21, 2017
Current as of:
March 21, 2017