In order to know how to get rid of carpal tunnel syndrome, you must first understand what causes it. If you have been experiencing chronic hand or wrist pain and have recently lost the strength in your hand, you may suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, also known as CTS. There is a band of fibrous tissue surrounding the wrist that provides support for the joint. The space between this tissue and the wrist is called the carpal tunnel.http://www.medicinenet.com/carpal_tunnel_syndrome/article.htm One of the main nerves to your hand runs through this passageway. If there is pressure or something that causes the nerve to shift position, it causes the pain, numbness and hand weakness that are associated carpal tunnel syndrome.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/DS00326

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by a number of different things that can include rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, hormonal disorders, menopause, thyroid disorders, repetitive motion, fluid retention during pregnancy, deposits of amyloid, abnormal protein produced by cells in your bone marrow or a narrow carpal tunnel.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/DS00326/DSECTION=causes Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated. It is just a matter of finding the treatment that works best for the severity of the carpal tunnel syndrome that you are experiencing. Your doctor can help determine the treatment that is best for your situation.

Carpal tunnel syndrome develops gradually over time, caused by repetitive movements of your wrist and hand. People that spend a lot of time performing tasks with their hands that require small or awkward hand movements are especially prone to carpal tunnel syndrome. If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, this could be a sign that you have carpal tunnel syndrome. Consult with your doctor to receive a proper diagnosis and learn about the treatment options that are available to you. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can include:

1. Tingling sensations in the hands and fingers
2. Pain and numbness in the hands and wrist
3. Decreased muscle strength in the hand and wrist, causing your grip to weaken. This may result in dropping objects that you are carrying or the inability to form a fist.
4. Loss of feeling in the hands and fingers
5. A burning feeling in the forearm
6. Aching in the upper shoulders and neck regions
7. Poor circulation
8. Cold hands and a warm forearm
9. Waking up with numbness and pain in your hand at night
10. Hands falling asleep oftenhttp://www.mycarpaltunnel.com/symptoms-carpal-tunnel-syndrome.shtml

If you believe you are suffering from the gradual onset of carpal tunnel syndrome, there are things that you can do at work or home to help alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. If the symptoms continue to be bothersome or worsen, you should consult with your physician. Here are some of the things you can do to help reduce the pain and other symptoms:

1. Use over-the-counter pain medications such as aspirin or Advil
2. Apply cold compresses to the painful areas, usually the wrist
3. Take breaks from whatever routine you are engaged in, especially if it causes tension in your wrist. Numerous mini-breaks are preferable to longer breaks.
4. Start using an ergonomically designed keyboard. These are intended to provide support to your body, reducing stress on your arms and wrist.
5. Perform hand exercises. You can simply move your hand around for several minutes, ultimately restoring circulation in your hands and relieving some of the stress placed on your wrist. You can also open and close your hand several times to stretch out the muscles in your hand.
6. Use a wrist brace for support
7. Practice yoga
8. Take Vitamin B supplements
9. See a chiropractor or an acupuncturist

If the discomfort in your wrist continues to escalate, causing pain that you can no longer treat on your own, then you need to consider seeing a specialist. Sometimes the only way to address the problem is to have a doctor give you an official diagnosis. The physician may run tests like an Electromyogram or a nerve conduction study in order to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. If you are diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome the doctor may use one of the methods below to treat it. These methods can include:

1. Prescribing Corticosteroids, which can include Prednisone
2. Inject your wrist with Lidocaine, which will relieve pressure on your median nerve. This may only provide relief to those with mild or moderate symptoms.
3. Suggest you undergo an operation. Carpal tunnel release is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States.
4. Splint your wrist. This can help relieve your symptoms, especially at night, but may only be beneficial to those with mild or moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/DS00326/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
5. If you have another condition that is causing the carpal tunnel syndroome, the doctor may prescribe medications to treat the primary condition. They may also prescribe medication or recommend things you can do to aleviate the carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.