wrist splint at night to keep your wrist in a neutral position and reduce the pressure.
Brace Yourself…
Wrist splints and wrist braces are the real heroes here. A brace and a splint are two distinct types of wrist support, both ideal for alleviating CTS symptoms.
A wrist brace is designed to provide compression to the wrist joint and relieve discomfort. It fits snugly against the hand and wraps around the wrist, offering flexibility while preventing excessive movements that could cause further damage.
A wrist splint, however, is designed to immobilize the wrist completely, usually extending from the palm of the hand to the forearm. This keeps the wrist in a neutral position, reducing pressure, numbness, and inflammation (a lifesaver at bedtime).
The choice of which to use depends on the severity of the condition and the level of support needed, but we recommend keeping at least one on hand (literally). Check with your healthcare provider for the right size and fit.
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Exploring Treatment Options
What we’re not gonna do is go on about our days all willy-nilly as if these symptoms don’t exist.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to a lack of hand and finger coordination and even permanent nerve damage if left untreated.
There are a variety of treatment options ranging from conservative approaches to surgical interventions. In most cases, CTS can be treated without surgery; however, the choice of treatment is based on severity and individual circumstances, so it’s important to discuss your options with your healthcare provider to determine the best route for you.
Remember, early intervention is key to preventing long-term damage, so don’t ignore the red flags. The next time you feel that familiar twinge in your wrist, yep, that’s probably carpal tunnel. But now that you’re armed with info, you’re ready to take action and free yourself from the grasp of CTS.