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.
  • Taking 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.

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.

Related Information

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerHerbert von Schroeder, MD, MSc, FRCSC - Hand and Microvascular Surgery
Last RevisedOctober 2, 2012
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: October 2, 2012
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Herbert von Schroeder, MD, MSc, FRCSC - Hand and Microvascular Surgery

© 1995-, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.



Topic Contents

    Healthwise. For every health decision