Skip the Pain of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Whether you work on a computer, or with outdoor equipment, chances are you will experience the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome. The symptoms usually include tingling, numbness and pain radiating from the palm to the fingers, which are caused by the performance of repetitive tasks that use the hands and wrists. These repetitive tasks place increased pressure on the median nerve, which is located inside the narrow passageway (i.e., carpal tunnel) spanning the palm side of the wrist.

While your doctor may perform surgery to relieve pain, you have other options, too. Just be sure to discuss these options with your doctor at any of the Healthpointe clinics (such as the Temecula clinic, near Murrieta, Fallbrook, Wildomar, Canyon Lake, and Sun City).

Perform Stretching Exercises

By taking mini breaks and stretching your body, you will find that the duration, frequency and severity of your carpal tunnel syndrome pain can be lessened.

• Find an empty corner in your home or office.
• Place your palm and forearm on each wall; choose a height slightly above your shoulders while your elbows should be at a 90-degree angle.
• Place one foot in front of the other, bring your body forward and hold the position for 10 seconds; you should feel a slight stretching of your chest.

Do the exercise every 45-60 minutes.

Use a Brace at Night

When sleeping, you may be flexing your wrist, which places added irritation to the median nerve as well as pressure on the carpal tunnel. You will more likely wake up with the characteristic tingling, numbness and pain of carpal tunnel syndrome upon waking up.

You can use a wrist brace at night, which can alleviate your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. But you have to ask your doctor for recommendations, too, as not all wrist braces are designed with carpal tunnel syndrome relief in mind. You can use the wrist brace for a maximum of 6 hours per day; use it to work, too, if you can.

Go for Acupuncture

You can also try a short-term acupuncture treatment, which may provide long-term relief. Your doctor may or may not prescribe oral steroids to control the pain depending on your health condition, among other factors.

In the end, your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms should be brought to your doctor’s attention.

Come to any of the Healthpointe clinics, such as the one at Los Angeles (near Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Inglewood, Hawthorne, Huntington Park, South Gate, Lynwood, Montebello, Monterey Park, Alhambra) for more information about carpal tunnel syndrome and occupational therapy.

About Healthpointe:

Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Los Angeles, which is conveniently located by Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Inglewood, Hawthorne, Huntington Park, South Gate, Lynwood, Montebello, Monterey Park, and Alhambra. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.