How to relieve the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) manifests in different ways but its symptoms are always unpleasant, even disabling: tingling, acute pain or sudden loss of grip strength… How to relieve the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome? EPITACT^® tells you everything about day and night carpal tunnel pain relief.

For mild and moderate cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, the treatment to ease carpal tunnel pain and tingling is based on rest, medicines and wrist braces and splints. Surgery is only performed in advanced stages of the disease. But each case is unique and what will work for one person may not necessarily work for another. See your general practitioner for a precise diagnosis and treatment.

Getting pain relief from carpal tunnel at night

Relieving pain from carpal tunnel syndrome is first based on wrist rest. Wrist splints or immobilisation braces help to get carpal tunnel pain relief at night and any moment of the day you do not use your hands. Your wrist is held in a neutral position; in other words, it holds the wrist lined up with the forearm. This position relieves the pressure on the median nerve and consequently eases the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Contrary to what one might think, the wrist doesn’t rest at night! While sleeping, we bent it or put the hand under the pillow. As a result, pressure on the median nerve increases and makes the position painful. With a rigid brace, the joint can rest.

The night wrist brace CARP'IMMO™* by EPITACT^® has been developed for this purpose. Its semi-rigid anatomical reinforcements comfortably hold the wrist in a neutral position. This brace contributes to muscle relaxation and then reduces stresses on the wrist. A way to find peaceful and restful sleep again!

For optimal comfort, it is recommended to wear the EPITACT^® rigid brace for 3 months.

Relieving pain from carpal tunnel syndrome during your activities

Wearing a splint that immobilises the wrist is effective in relieving pain from carpal tunnel but does not allow to continue activities. This is exactly why EPITACT^® has also created a flexible wrist support you can wear during the day.

For carpal tunnel pain relief during activities, try the flexible wrist support CARP’ACTIV™* developed by EPITACT^®. As opposed to rigid braces, it does not impede joint mobility.

This type of brace favours sensory stimulation. It means it helps you unconsciously correct the risky movements related to carpal tunnel syndrome you do during daily activities. This is called micro-orthopaedics, based on proprioception.

Flexible and comfortable, the day wrist support by EPITACT^® protects your wrist during the day. Its patented pattern helps the wrist to rest. Lateral movements, thumb motion or natural hand opening are preserved to allow normal tasks. CARP'ACTIV™* accompanies you in all your activities.

You can use it for long periods on a daily basis to relearn the right movements that don't overuse your wrist and median nerve.

Medicines to ease carpal tunnel pain

Drug therapy is a common treatment for carpal tunnel pain relief, at night and day. Analgesics like paracetamol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (for limited periods) can relieve the pain from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Moreover, homeopathic treatment can be associated with other solutions to reduce pain. Phytotherapy also helps to control symptoms naturally. In addition, massages with wintergreen oil, composed of 99% of methyl salicylate, can relieve you. This essential oil, similar to aspirin, has both analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Corticosteroid injections to relieve pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome

To alleviate the symptoms of CTS, your GP may prescribe you corticosteroid injection. The objective is to reduce swelling in the carpal tunnel. This injection is preferably performed close to the carpal tunnel rather than within it.

The effects are noticeable after one week. If they’re positive, it makes some room for the median nerve and eases carpal tunnel pain. However, this does not treat the cause of inflammation and only provides temporary relief!

This treatment proves to be quite efficient when symptoms are recent and triggered by a manual activity you know is causing the pain. This activity should be limited to soothe the joint permanently. Injections (2 to 3) can be repeated over a few weeks for a more lasting carpal tunnel pain relief.

It is rare that only one solution relieves the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome in the long term. But, by combining several options, you can ease the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. If therefore pain increases, your GP will probably recommend surgery.

*CARP'IMMO™ and CARP’ACTIV™ are class I medical devices that bear the CE marking under this regulation. Carefully read the instructions before use. Manufacturer: MILLET Innovation. 11/2021