Lifestyle Modification

• Your doctor will more than likely suggest that you rest the hand or hands that are afflicted with carpal tunnel syndrome. While you may not be able to completely stop activities, you can help rest the area by adjusting the activities you perform that lead to pain. This includes modifying how your desk is set to reduce wrist bending when typing, relaxing your grip on pens or sports equipment and using proper posture.
  
  You will be encouraged to use pens with larger grips and to take many breaks while performing activities that lead to aggravation of the condition.
  
  

Splinting

• The most common non-surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is the implementation of splint use. Splints prevent the bending of the wrist and reduce pressure on the median nerve. This is an ideal solution for those who are unable to take a break to allow the wrist and hand to heal. It also prevents further injury while you work on changing work habits that caused the problem to begin with. Because they are non-invasive, splits are safe but may be a bit uncomfortable for very active individuals. Splits should be considered a short-term solution while you work on other cures.
  
  

Physical Therapy

• Your doctor may implement a physical therapy regimen to help reduce pain and swelling as well as increase flexibility and strength. Exercises that stretch the muscles in the forearm and fingers can be used. A physical therapist may also utilize gliding exercises where they guide the hand and wrist through range of motion while pressing on a tendon area to create a proper move. Strengthening exercises can be implemented once pain is reduced. Contrast baths where you soak your hand in alternating hot and cold baths prove to help some people, as does ultrasound to help reduce numbness and pain.
  
  

Medication

• Your doctor will most likely prescribe anti-inflammatory medication or suggest you use over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen to reduce swelling and pain. If your condition is not responding to any of the above treatments, you may receive a corticosteroid shot. Most people receive a cortisone shot directly into the carpal tunnel to reduce pain and swelling at the nerve location. These injections may provide relief that varies in patients from a few weeks to over a year. Too many injections may cause further nerve degeneration, and doctors will rarely do more than three shots within a 12-month period.
  
  

Surgery

• Surgery is the final option for severe carpal tunnel syndrome cases. There are two surgery options: open-release surgery and endoscopic surgery. Open-release surgery is often done with just local anesthesia in a procedure that takes approximately ten minutes. The second procedure is considered with patients who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or have an anatomical abnormality with the median nerve. This out-patient procedure doesn't require general anesthesia.