Other Treatment

Other treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Physical therapy. This includes ultrasound, stretching, and range-of-motion exercises. In some clinics, these therapies may be done by an occupational therapist.
• Wrist splints.
• Retraining (learning new ways of doing things), and ergonomic considerations (such as having your body in the correct posture and position and using equipment that is right for your strength and ability).

Wrist Care: Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Complementary and alternative treatments

Complementary and alternative treatments are sometimes used to help with the symptoms of tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain felt in the fingers or hand. Some of these treatments include:²

• Acupuncture. It has been suggested as a useful treatment for some of the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Yoga. It can be helpful in relieving pain in the hand.
• Manipulation therapies, such as chiropractic. These involve realignment of joints and bones by twisting, pulling, or pushing movements in the wrist and in the forearm, upper arm, shoulder, upper back, and neck.
• Vitamin B6, which may help prevent or reduce carpal tunnel symptoms. Small studies have produced mixed results. Some studies have found that 200 mg to 300 mg a day is effective in the treatment of carpal tunnel symptoms. Other studies found no link between vitamin B6 levels and carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms or their improvement.² High doses of vitamin B6 can cause nerve problems (neuropathy). Talk to your doctor before you use vitamin B6 supplements.