Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that can affect anyone. However, people who perform repetitive movements with their hands are more likely to experience this condition and its symptoms. Typical signs are wrist pain, numbness and weakness, among others signs that might prevent you from continuing your lifestyle as usual. Finding relief for carpal tunnel syndrome is of utmost importance to keep doing your tasks like you normally would and to maintain your quality of life. That’s why in our clinic in Webster, Texas, we provide treatments for CTS, keep reading to learn more about our options.
Why Does CTS Cause Discomfort?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common entrapment neuropathy, affecting around 3.8% of the population. CTS occurs when the median nerve is inflamed due to repetitive motions that put pressure and cause its compression. The median nerve runs through the arm and it’s in charge of controlling the movements of the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger. When the median nerve is compressed, symptoms of discomfort start showing up gradually. To list some:
- Tingling like pins and needles
- Numbness in the fingers or hand
- Weakness in the hand
- Burning pain
Related content: What are the Symptoms and Early Signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Relief Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The ideal treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome may vary depending on diverse factors, like the cause, severity of the CTS and the patient’s particular situation. Preferably, treating the condition with non-surgical options before resorting to surgery is the way to go.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or also known as NSAIDs, refers to medications like ibuprofen or aspirin—to mention some. NSAIDs can be helpful to relieve pain by reducing inflammation in the affected area. These types of medications are oftentimes more effective in mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, since its effects are only for the short term and don’t cure the condition. Oftentimes RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) alongside NSAIDs are enough to treat a mild case of CTS.
Steroid Injections for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Steroids are another way to treat mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. When it comes to this treatment, corticosteroid injections tend to be more effective than taking steroids as tablets. Corticosteroids injected around the affected area are a minimally invasive treatment option that helps by reducing inflammation, which relieves pressure in the median nerve and, subsequently, soothes symptoms like pain, numbness or tingling.
Read more: How Our Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Clinic in Webster, Texas, Stands Out.
Regenerative Injection Therapy in Our Clinic
Prolotherapy, also known as regenerative injection therapy (RIT), is a type of regenerative medicine. This non-surgical and minimally invasive treatment option involves an injection into the affected area, creating a “soft injury”. Said injury serves the purpose of activating the body’s healing cells and stimulating the natural healing process. RIT has proven to be a regenerative medicine approach that provides results and improvements for patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy in Webster, Texas
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or platelet-rich plasma injection, is a new type of regenerative medicine. PRP, another non-surgical and minimally invasive solution, takes advantage of the natural healing effects of blood. To prepare this injection, a specialist draws the patient’s blood and places it in a machine to extract the plasma. This concentrated shot, created with the patient’s own blood, will be injected into the affected area, where it will promote healing by reducing inflammation and repairing tissue.
Find Relief in Our Clinic in Webster, Texas
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be an uncomfortable condition that causes you to limit your activities or movements due to pain and general discomfort. Living with those symptoms is not something that you have to get used to.
At Space City Pain Specialists we know that damaged nerves can be repaired with proper treatment and care. If you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome and want to work on your recovery, contact us and schedule a consultation in our clinic in Webster, Texas to start that healing journey.
1. Get Enough Sleep
It’s well known that fibromyalgia could be accompanied by insomnia or restless legs syndrome, causing problems to fall asleep or remain asleep during the night. However, sleep deprivation could also worsen your symptoms of fatigue and pain. If you have problems sleeping try to develop sleeping habits or working on your sleep hygiene through practices like:
- Keep a consistent sleep schedule and routine.
- Do relaxing activities like reading or meditating before sleeping.
- Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before going to sleep.
- Arranged a quiet, dark and comfortable environment fit to sleep.
2. Learn to Manage Stress
Stress affects us in different ways, but for people with fibromyalgia syndrome, stress has the same result, it triggers or worsens the symptoms. For this reason, if you have fibromyalgia, relaxing and stress relief techniques are going to be your best allies to prevent the symptoms. Managing the emotional aspect of the condition not only helps to keep the symptoms from appearing or worsening, but also prevents other problems related to fibromyalgia like depression or anxiety.
There are several ways to manage stress, whether it’s by doing something you love or by learning techniques to do so. To list some:
- Breathing exercises.
- Practicing meditation or mindfulness.
- Therapy or counselling.
- Doing exercises.
- Reading or listening to music.
Related content: Top Signs You Should Visit a Pain Management Clinic in Webster, Texas.
3. Dr. Alvarez Advice on Exercise
People with fibromyalgia also benefit from exercising. Moreover, exercise is going to help with symptoms like fatigue and sleep problems by improving your energy. It’s likely that pain discourages you from practicing exercises, but there are many exercises suitable for you that will certainly make you feel better. Start by practicing gentle exercises like swimming or stretching, and ask your healthcare provider about it to develop the right exercise plan for you.
4. Allow Yourself Time to Rest
Learning when to keep going and when to take a rest is going to be one of the most important abilities to manage your symptoms. Remember to be kind with yourself by allowing you some time to enjoy the things that you like and bring you happiness. Always make sure to listen to your body and stop when you need it, along with talking about it or even asking for help if necessary.
Related content: Fibromyalgia, a Balancing Act.
Reach Out for Help Managing Your Pain
Fibromyalgia causes on-going pain and fatigue, making it difficult for people with it to navigate their lives and daily activities. The best way to improve and live your life despite your diagnosis, is by finding a healthcare provider who can help you manage your pain and symptoms. At Space City Pain we specialize in pain medicine, with innovative treatments and a bilingual team committed to your care. Contact us and schedule an appointment to start improving your quality of life.
