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HealthInfo Aoraki South Canterbury

Living with carpal tunnel syndrome

There are several treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as things you can do yourself to help make it better.

What can I do about carpal tunnel syndrome?

See your GP

Talk to your GP about any underlying conditions that could be causing or aggravating it.This could include:

Avoid or reduce hand and wrist activities that may make it worse

Repetitive or heavy activities using your wrist – such as pruning, house building, wringing out wet clothes, or holding heavy trays and dishes – can make carpal tunnel syndrome worse. Try to avoid or cut down on these tasks if possible.

Check your general posture. Slouching, and how you hold your wrists when doing things like working at a desk or reading can make it worse.

Wrist splints

You may notice that your symptoms are worse at night. This is due to your wrist being curled up while you're sleeping, putting pressure on your median nerve. Some people find that a wrist splint helps prevent or reduce their night pain and numbness. The wrist splint holds their wrist in a neutral position, preventing the median nerve from being compressed.

You can buy a suitable wrist splint from most physiotherapists, pharmacies and sports shops. It’s the same brace that snowboarders and skaters use to protect their wrists. You can also buy one online by searching for "wrist splint for carpal tunnel NZ". Prices range from $20 to $60.

When buying a wrist splint, make sure it has a metal or plastic piece at the front to stop your wrist curling up. Also make sure it fits comfortably.

For a more specific splint, you may want to see a hand therapist who can make a splint for you. You'll need to pay for the consultation and materials.

Who can help?

General practice team

For general practices currently taking new patients, phone Primary and Community Services on (03) 687‑2307.

See Healthpoint for information about general practices and accident & emergency care in South Canterbury.

Your GP will be able to talk to you about treating and managing any underlying conditions that may be aggravating your carpal tunnel syndrome, and prescribe appropriate pain relief.

Your GP may also be able to give you steroid injections for carpal tunnel syndrome. Steroid injections often ease the pain and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. For some people the relief is long-lasting, especially if you have not had carpal tunnel syndrome for long, or you have a mild case. If you have had it for longer than six months or have severe symptoms, steroid injections are likely to give only temporary relief. Local specialists say that most people should have no more than three steroid injections.

If your GP is not experienced in giving steroid injections, they can refer you to another GP who is.

Timaru Hospital orthopaedic department

If appropriate your GP can refer you to the Timaru Hospital Orthopaedics Outpatients Department.

Or you could choose to pay to see a private orthopaedic surgeon.

Physiotherapist

If your surgeon or GP recommends you see a physiotherapist, you may be able to receive publicly funded treatment at Timaru Hospital.

Or you could choose to pay to see a private hand therapist or private physiotherapist.

On the next page: Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed June 2017. Last updated December 2018.

See also:

Preparing for your doctor's visit

Sources

Image courtesy of Praisaeng at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Page reference: 164297

Review key: HICTS-12821