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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. Wearing a wrist splint at night is often helpful.
  • Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can 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

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer David Pichora, MD, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery
Last Revised January 11, 2012

Last Revised: January 11, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & David Pichora, MD, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery

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