How to treat carpal tunnel syndrome in the right hand

In general, right-hand carpal tunnel syndrome may be caused by long-term repetitive wrist movements, excessive wrist flexion or extension, soft tissue strain in the wrist, rheumatoid arthritis, or cysts within the carpal tunnel. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve symptoms under a doctor's guidance through conservative treatments, medications, and other methods. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Long-term repetitive wrist movements: Prolonged repetitive activities with the right hand—such as typing or playing the piano—cause repeated friction and compression of tissues within the carpal tunnel, leading to the syndrome. Symptoms include numbness and pain in the fingers. Reduce repetitive right-hand movements and wear a wrist splint during work or activities to maintain the wrist in a neutral position.

2. Excessive wrist flexion or extension: Keeping the right wrist in an overly flexed or extended position for long periods—such as when looking down at a mobile phone with the wrist悬空 (unsupported)—can compress the nerves within the carpal tunnel and trigger the syndrome. Adjust posture and avoid keeping the right wrist in extreme positions for prolonged durations.

3. Soft tissue strain in the wrist: Chronic loading or frequent forceful use of the right wrist can lead to strain and swelling of soft tissues such as tendons and synovium within the carpal tunnel, compressing the median nerve and causing pain and numbness. Patients should follow medical advice to use anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, or celecoxib capsules to relieve symptoms.

4. Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid factors attacking the right wrist joint can cause synovial proliferation and inflammatory exudation within the carpal tunnel, compressing the median nerve and triggering the syndrome, often accompanied by wrist joint stiffness and swelling. Patients should follow medical guidance to use disease-modifying drugs such as methotrexate tablets, leflunomide tablets, or sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablets to control the condition.

5. Cysts within the carpal tunnel: A cyst in the right carpal tunnel occupies space within the tunnel, compressing the median nerve and causing the syndrome, along with wrist swelling and tenderness upon pressure. Smaller cysts may be relieved by aspiration and fluid drainage; larger cysts or tumors require surgical excision via carpal tunnel mass removal to eliminate the lesion and relieve nerve compression.

Daily care includes keeping the right hand warm and avoiding cold exposure; using ergonomically designed mice and keyboards to minimize wrist injury. During free time, perform grip-strengthening and stretching exercises with the right hand to enhance wrist muscle strength and maintain wrist health.