| Before we discuss carpal tunnel syndrome | | | | must be applied appropriately. We recommend |
| treatment it is first important to learn how | | | | applying cold therapy in 10 to 20 minute |
| this condition occurs. The carpal tunnel is a | | | | increments. Do not apply ice directly to the |
| narrow passage of both bone and ligaments in | | | | skin. This cannot only cause pain and |
| your wrist. The median nerve passes through | | | | discomfort due to the cold, but could |
| this passage. For most people there is never | | | | eventually lead to damage. There are numerous |
| a problem with this nerve passing through | | | | ways to avoid this direct contact. The most |
| this small tunnel. However, continuous wrist | | | | common technique is to use a towel to serve |
| and hand movement puts stress on the tendons, | | | | as both a container and a barrier. However, |
| and may even cause them to swell. This | | | | this method does not treat the entire wrist, |
| swelling logically limits the space in the | | | | can be messy and will involve another hand or |
| tunnel and can eventually put pressure on the | | | | some bandage to hold it in place. Not a big |
| median nerve. The pressure has the undesired | | | | deal, but it will prevent you from |
| effects of numbness, pain and limited | | | | accomplishing anything else, and may take |
| movement. There are many activities that | | | | more time if you decide to rotate the ice |
| contribute to these overuse injuries. | | | | around each side of the wrist. Fortunately, |
| | | | companies have finally started to make sports |
| Overuse injuries are very common in | | | | medicine cold pack therapy products just for |
| occupations that include keyboarding, playing | | | | this condition. I recommend purchasing one of |
| musical instruments or even workers on an | | | | these ice wraps made especially for the |
| assemble line. It is the repetition with the | | | | wrist. They are very inexpensive, often less |
| hand and wrist that exposes oneself to this | | | | than $25. |
| sort of inflammation and discomfort. The most | | | | |
| common form manifests itself in the wrist. | | | | Custom ice wraps are extremely comfortable |
| Additional symptoms include pain, weakness, | | | | and provide effective carpal tunnel syndrome |
| burning, numbness or even tingling in the | | | | treatment. The concept is very simple. |
| hand. If you are experiencing any of these | | | | Manufacturers begin with gel ice packs. This |
| feelings then you need carpal tunnel syndrome | | | | gel is a special substance that freezes |
| treatment. The good news is that there is | | | | quickly and feels comfortable when applied. |
| help that you can do from home as long as | | | | The packs are then sealed in plastic or |
| your pain and discomfort are only moderate. | | | | rubber before being placed in a special |
| This moderate discomfort accounts for the | | | | material that is perfect for many physical |
| vast majority of all cases. However, without | | | | therapy applications. Once such material is |
| a lifestyle change and any treatment your | | | | neoprene, but there are others. Neoprene adds |
| pain and mobility can progress to severe. For | | | | the perfect amount of insulation and padding |
| more severe cases you will need to consider | | | | without preventing the cold pack therapy |
| surgery or even physical therapy treatment. | | | | process from working. Now you have a finished |
| | | | ice wrap that is a perfect carpal tunnel |
| For moderate cases cold pack therapy will | | | | syndrome treatment. They can be put right |
| provide just the relief you need. Gel ice | | | | back into the freezer for multiple |
| packs will not only lessen the pain they will | | | | applications. The nice thing about these ice |
| also help reduce the swelling and pressure on | | | | wraps is that they may be used over your |
| the median nerve and provide immediate, | | | | clothes without creating a mess when the ice |
| temporary relief around the wrist. Of course | | | | thaws. |
| this form of carpal tunnel syndrome treatment | | | | |