Whether you spend your workdays sitting behind a keyboard, behind the controls of a front end loader, or in a stockroom hoisting heavy items from one shelf to another, you may find yourself struggling with severe pain in your hands and wrists caused by the compression of delicate nerve endings in this area. This condition, called carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), can be debilitating and, unlike other overuse injuries, is unlikely to cure itself over time. Read on to learn more about your best treatment options for CTS that is interfering with your quality of life or ability to perform your basic job functions. 

Cortisone Injections

One relatively non-invasive way to relieve the pain and stiffness caused by carpal tunnel syndrome is to have periodic injections of cortisone into the joint. This cortisone has both lubricating and anti-inflammatory properties, can help improve your range of motion in the joint, and allow you to perform basic activities (like typing, buttoning buttons, or lifting moderately heavy items) without the stabbing or burning pain you may normally experience when doing these things. 

These cortisone injections have a fairly low rate of complications, and if you've previously used topical hydrocortisone creams without any adverse reaction, you should have no problem with cortisone injections. The effectiveness of these injections does wear off after a few months, so this may not be the best long-term solution unless you're planning surgery or other treatment options in the future; however, it can be a great way to relieve your symptoms while you're deciding what to do.

Physical Or Chiropractic Therapy 

Another option to relieve the pain of carpal tunnel (perhaps permanently) is to undergo physical or chiropractic therapy. Often, the delicate nerve endings in the hands and wrists can be compressed by using improper form when performing repetitive activity. By seeking physical therapy to essentially re-learn how to perform these acts, you'll ensure you're not doing any more damage to your wrists and may ease the pain and pressure you're currently experiencing. 

In some cases, chiropractic treatment may be more effective than physical therapy alone. This treatment involves the re-alignment of various joints, vertebrae, and connective tissue; just like physical therapy can help you use the right form while using your wrists, chiropractic treatment can ensure you're in perfect alignment and not placing undue pressure on the wrong parts of your body. You may notice an improvement in your symptoms within just a few chiropractic adjustments. 

Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

Seen as the "option of last resort" by many who are reluctant to commit to a long recuperation, carpal tunnel release surgery is one of the most surefire ways to eliminate your carpal tunnel symptoms for good. 

During this surgery, a surgeon will make a thin incision in your wrist, then use a fine blade to remove any scar tissue or other tissue constricting the nerves in this area. By "releasing" these nerves, the compression you've been feeling will be all but eliminated, allowing you to recuperate and begin performing your normal activities without pain and stiffness.

Recovering from carpal tunnel surgery can be tough for those who have a hard time relaxing; being unable to use your hands or even wrists to open doors, fix meals, and perform other basic tasks can leave you feeling helpless. For this reason, many opt to have this surgery performed one hand at a time, leaving the other hand free to perform basic activities until the surgical incision has fully healed. This staggered surgery can also help prevent reinjury by ensuring you're not trying to do too much during your recovery. 

For more information, contact a professional in your area or visit a website like https://www.towncenterorthopaedics.com/.