Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment: Best Options & Tips

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment: What Works?

If your wrist feels numb, tingly, or weak, you might be dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The good news is there are many ways to ease the pain without jumping straight to surgery. Below you’ll find the most common treatments, how they work, and when to think about moving to the next step.

Non‑Surgical Approaches

Wrist splints. Wearing a splint at night keeps your wrist straight while you sleep. Most people notice less tingling after a few weeks. If you need a splint for work, choose one that limits wrist extension but still lets you type.

Ergonomic tweaks. Adjust your keyboard height, use a mouse pad with a wrist rest, and keep your elbows close to your body. Small changes can lower the pressure on the median nerve dramatically.

Targeted exercises. Gentle stretches, like the “wrist flexor stretch,” and strengthening moves, such as squeezing a soft ball, improve flexibility and support the muscles around the nerve. Do them 2‑3 times a day, holding each stretch for about 30 seconds.

Anti‑inflammatory meds. Over‑the‑counter ibuprofen or naproxen can cut swelling that squeezes the nerve. Use them only as directed and talk to a pharmacist if you have other health issues.

When to Consider Surgery

If splints, ergonomics, and exercises don’t bring relief after 6‑12 weeks, or if you notice muscle weakness in your hand, it’s time to talk to a doctor about more advanced options.

Steroid injections. A doctor can inject a small dose of cortisone directly into the carpal tunnel. This often reduces inflammation fast and can postpone the need for surgery.

Carpal tunnel release surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon cuts the ligament that’s pressing on the median nerve. Most patients recover fully within a few months and regain normal hand function. Follow‑up physical therapy speeds up the healing process.

Ask your doctor about the risks, recovery time, and success rates before deciding. Even though surgery sounds scary, many people return to daily activities quickly and experience lasting relief.

Bottom line: start with simple, low‑cost methods like splints and ergonomic changes. If those don’t help, move on to medical treatments and keep an open line with your healthcare provider. With the right approach, you can get your hand feeling normal again and avoid long‑term damage.