Relieving pain and reducing swelling caused by carpal tunnel syndrome

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Relieving pain and reducing swelling caused by carpal tunnel syndrome

Steps to relieve pain and reduce swelling include:

Applying ice to the palm side of the hand and wrist for short periods. Alternating cold- and warm-water soaks may help. Experiment to see what works best for you.
Avoid sleeping on your hands. Wearing a wrist splint at night is often helpful.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can help reduce swelling and relieve pain, 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.

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Author	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	David Pichora, MD, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery
Last Updated	October 29, 2008

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Last updated:	October 29, 2008
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, David Pichora, MD, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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