Lifestyle changes may help ease some symptoms.
Sleep with wrists flexed upward or in a straight position instead of bent downward. This will ease pressure in the carpal tunnel. Pharmacies have carpal tunnel splint braces. The braces can position wrists the correct way for sleep.
Avoid or limit doing the same motions over and over with the wrists and hands, when possible. This may include changes at work to ease pressure on the wrists. For example, moving a person's computer keyboard at their work station.
Avoid or limit using tools that vibrate, such as jackhammers and floor sanders. There may be other tools or safety steps that can be used.
References
Carpal tunnel syndrome. American Society for Surgery of the Hand website. Available at: https://handcare.assh.org/Anatomy/Details-Page/ArticleID/27950/Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome. Accessed May 3, 2022.
Carpal tunnel syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/carpal-tunnel-syndrome. Accessed May 3, 2022.
Carpal tunnel syndrome fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/patient-caregiver-education/fact-sheets/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-fact-sheet. Accessed May 3, 2022.
Clinical Practice Guideline on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: https://www.aaos.org/quality/quality-programs/upper-extremity-programs/carpal-tunnel-syndrome. Accessed May 3, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD
- Review Date: 03/2022
- Update Date: 05/03/2022