How to Explore Alternatives to Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Surgery to correct carpal tunnel syndrome can be fairly expensive. It also isn't guaranteed to fix all of your hand problems, although it has been proven quite successful in most cases. You can explore alternatives to carpal tunnel surgery fairly easily to help you decide your best course of action.

Instructions

Learn Alternatives to Carpal Tunnel Surgery

• 1

  Explore possible causes of your carpal tunnel syndrome with your doctor. One of the most common causes is incorrect posture while using a keyboard. Some people also get carpal tunnel syndrome from using hand tools for too long without a break.

• 2

  Correct your computer ergonomics. Ideal posture should involve straight wrists and a 90-degree or greater angle at your elbows. Your neck should also be straight.

• 3

  Buy an ergonomic keyboard and mouse. These two tools help relieve stress on your hands while you work at the computer. They are available for a modest cost at most computer stores.

• 4

  Learn more about computer ergonomics at various websites, including Fitness Programs for Life (see Resources below).

• 5

  Take anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling in your wrist. Correcting your posture will often prevent recurrence of carpal tunnel, but you need to get rid of it first. You can use an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory or your doctor might prescribe one for you.

• 6

  Talk to your doctor about exploring the use of a brace or splint to immobilize your wrist. Some people find that an immobilized wrist helps prevent inflammation due to carpal tunnel. You may want to wear a splint while you sleep if you often sleep on your hands and wake up with wrist pain. Splints are generally great alternatives to surgery.

• 7

  Ask your doctor about cortisone injections if regular anti-inflammatory aren't working for you. Cortisone can be an effective way to reduce inflammation, but it's not great for long-term use.

• 8

  Explore iontophorisis treatment if you don't want cortisone injections. This new procedure issues a small electrical charge to push ionized cortisone cream into your wrist. Treatment can take up to an hour so it's slower than an injection, but it's less invasive than a needle.