In our last post, we talked a little bit about what doctors do to test for carpal tunnel syndrome. But once you have determined that it is indeed that condition which is causing your problems, what do you do about it? 

Usually the answer depends on how bad your symptoms are. When a doctor diagnoses your condition, he or she will typically suggest the most simple therapy first and then move on until they find something that works. For those with mild symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, the first course of actions is usually just rest.

For example, if your symptoms are brought on by a certain work activity such as hammering or typing, you may be advised to take periodic breaks to allow your wrist to relax and avoid swelling. Appling cold backs to your wrist may also be advised to reduce swelling and take some of the pressure off the median nerve.

If simply taking breaks and resting does not improve your condition, nonsurgical treatments such as splinting, an anti-inflammatory drug, or corticosteroids may be used. Wrist splinting involves wearing a split at night in order to hold the wrist in a relaxed position and help avoid the numbness and tingling that affect many people when they try to sleep.

In some circumstances, physicians will recommend the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sometimes called NSAIDs, to relive swelling and inflammation that puts pressure on the carpal tunnel. Common drugs included in this group include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, which are all available over the counter.

For those with more severe symptoms, injections of corticosteroids might be used to relieve pain. Cortisone is the most common of these steroid hormones and can be injected or taken orally. These drugs also work by reducing inflammation and taking the pressure off the median nerve in the wrist. There are some dangers with long-term use of some of these drugs, therefore, if they prove ineffective, an individual may have to consider surgical options for treatment.

Related Resources: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Mayo Clinic)