I am a blogger. So, I spend a majority of each day typing. That’s a lot of repetitive motion. Those fingers tap, tap, tapping on the keyboard more than Poe’s Raven. Like any machine, the human body has a mean-time before failure ratio.  We can only do so much before our body starts giving out.  All that typing sometimes takes a toll on my hands, and sometimes I experience the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Symptoms and Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Diagram of nerves in hand via Wikipedia
Diagram of nerves in hand via Wikipedia

Excessive repetitive motion can cause the tissues in the hand to swell and put pressure on the median nerve.

Repetitive motion isn’t the only cause, however. Diabetes, fluid retention, accidental injury, rheumatoid arthritis, and some other health complications can also cause the tissue inflammation which puts pressure on the median nerve.  If you experience pain, weakness, or tingling in your hands, wrists, or forearms, you should have a doctor evaluate you for carpal tunnel syndrome. The earlier you catch carpal tunnel syndrome, the more successful treatment may be.

In addition to repetitive motions such as typing, operating vibrating machinery for long periods of time can also cause these symptoms.

Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Permanent?

In most cases, Carpal Tunnel syndrome goes away when you mitigate the cause. Switching to ergonomic keyboards and desks that do not put pressure on the wrists can help. If a disease is causing CTS, treating the disease may also treat the CTS symptoms.

How have I treated my CTS symptoms?

Me - wearing a sleeve trying to stop the pain in my forearm.
Me – wearing a sleeve trying to stop the pain in my forearm in 2016.

So far, I’ve been treating my symptoms with various methods and results. When my hands hurt, I use OTC medications like ibuprofen. I’ve also tried wearing braces and sleeves made specifically for joint support.

Seriously! You should see my collection of bandages, braces, and other things I’ve tried.

Ibuprofen helped, but only when combined with giving my hands a break for several days.  I’m a blogger. I cannot just stop writing for several days. Plus, since I rarely leave the house, my computer is my link to the outside world.  Soaking my hands in warm water seems to help, but that interferes with everything else I have going on in my life. I cannot develop my next favorite recipe – or do a workout – if I am sitting on the couch soaking my hands.

Also, I don’t want to take medication constantly.  Even over-the-counter medications have side effects like an upset stomach.

Sometimes, carpal tunnel is helped with surgery, but I’d rather avoid that route if I can.  Surgery isn’t always effective. 10-30% of people that get the surgery continue to have problems with wrist weakness. And the CTS symptoms return for most people.

If your doctor recommends surgery, I am not trying to scare you.  This is just my personal decision. Be sure to discuss your options with your doctor.

What am I currently doing to treat my CTS symptoms?

CarpalAid Carpal Tunnel Symptom Relief
CarpalAid Carpal Tunnel Symptom Relief

This week, I am using CarpalAid. CarpalAid is an over-the-counter non-drug relief CTS relief option.  You can buy it at Rite Aid pharmacies, Amazon, or through their website. Since it doesn’t rely on drugs, CarpalAid has no side effects. It’s a small butterfly-shaped patch that adheres to your skin and gently lifts the tissues in the palm to relieve pressure on the median nerve.   So far, I’ve used this for a week.  It’s clear so it’s barely visible.

CarpalAid is clear and barely visible on the palm. It helps treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by gently lifting the tissues in the palm and relieving pressure on the median nerve.
CarpalAid is clear and barely visible on the palm.

I like that the patch does not interfere with my life. I am able to go about my daily life – unlike soaking my hand in hot water.  I can even wear it to bed. Also, CarpalAid doesn’t impinge movement like a brace does – and they don’t draw attention like braces or sleeves.  On nights that I’ve worn it to bed, I’ve noticed significant improvement the next morning. I’ve noticed some improvement during the day when I’ve worn it, but I’m still actively using my hand during that time.  I am hoping that, with time, I will continue to notice increasing improvement.

The adhesive is a medical grade adhesive. While I can easily pull the patch off, it has not come off with general wear and stays on overnight. I haven’t had any skin irritation.  While I can feel the CarpalAid patch on my palm, it’s not painful to wear and the tissue-lifting is almost unnoticeable.

CarpalAid Video

I made this video to show you how to put it on and talk a little about my experience with the product.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms and treatments.
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Happily married to the love of my life. It's just us, our 5 cats, and our beautiful woods. I'm loving living back in the Florida panhandle being close to family. I love cooking, living a healthy lifestyle, taking care of our cozy home, and trying new things.

We enjoy hosting parties and my husband and I are both avid gamers. You can find me on PS4 as SunshineFlaGirl. We also play tabletop RPGs and eurogames.

Alicia Taylor

Happily married to the love of my life. It's just us, our 5 cats, and our beautiful woods. I'm loving living back in the Florida panhandle being close to family. I love cooking, living a healthy lifestyle, taking care of our cozy home, and trying new things.

We enjoy hosting parties and my husband and I are both avid gamers. You can find me on PS4 as SunshineFlaGirl. We also play tabletop RPGs and eurogames.

49 Comments

  • Emily Fata

    February 21, 2018 - 9:21 am

    My mum suffered with CTS for YEARS and it was so awful to see how much pain that she was constantly in. Sometimes it gets aggravated and comes back, so I’ll have to forward this post along to her for ways to help out. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing!

  • Elizabeth O

    February 21, 2018 - 8:20 am

    I didnt know these type of products existed but i will definitely be saving this to come back to. I am on my computer a lot and had carpal tunnel in pregnancy so i found this so very helpful

  • Jen

    February 20, 2018 - 9:22 pm

    I have had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome for many years and it flares up mostly when I type for long periods of time. You have some great treatment suggestions on here and I am definitely going to give them a try!

  • Britney

    February 20, 2018 - 8:43 pm

    Whoa I’ve never seen anything like that! It’s so cool, I bet so many pregnant mamas would use it. I would have needed that when I taught gymnastics.

  • Angela

    February 20, 2018 - 8:30 pm

    I gotta know…how long can you wear one? I got the ones similar to these for my feet (it was a total GOD send – for less than 24 hours). Lost them in the shower and at the price they were I sure could not afford 7.00 a day. I have been excited to see what your opinion of the carpal tunnel patches turns up.

    • Alicia Taylor

      February 20, 2018 - 8:42 pm

      I have worn it overnight before. It doesn’t interfere with daily activities, so I’ve also worn it during the day. I do find them helpful. I still have to give my hands a break, but they aren’t designed for that much repetitive motion, so breaks are a good thing.

  • Jennifer Prince

    February 20, 2018 - 6:15 pm

    With all of the typing I do, I sometimes worry about this! Thanks for clarifying and educating me more on it.

  • Garf

    January 7, 2018 - 6:10 am

    Carpal tunnel makes me worry now that I work a lot on my computer. Thanks for sharing this information.

  • Stephanie Jeannot

    January 5, 2018 - 6:35 pm

    I start feeling symptoms of carpal tunnel everytime I wrote. Painful. Hope you’re okay.

  • Chelsea Pearl

    January 5, 2018 - 2:51 pm

    I had no idea products like this existed! I definitely feel pain in my fingers and wrists from time to time, so this is a great option.

  • CourtneyLynne

    January 5, 2018 - 11:02 am

    I have carpal tunnel in my left hand. Turmeric does wonders for my hand since I just have a mild case!

    • Alicia Taylor

      January 5, 2018 - 2:49 pm

      I have no doubt! Tumeric is great for a great many things. I like to add it to warm milk in the winter.

  • Bismah Bonnie

    January 4, 2018 - 11:23 pm

    One of my neighbors had this. She worked as a secretary/records keeper in the hospital and actually had to take time off work so that she could get relief from the pain. I don’t think she ever totally healed as she had to return to work. Its good to know there are products available to help.

    • Alicia Taylor

      January 5, 2018 - 10:14 am

      Yeah, the only thing you can really do, besides giving your hands a rest, is treat the symptoms – to the best of my non MD knowledge.

  • lavandamichelle

    January 4, 2018 - 6:54 am

    I hear about the pain of Carpal Tunnel and it is not pretty. At t=least these patches offer relief for those dealing with it.

  • Tami Qualls

    January 4, 2018 - 4:56 am

    My husband thinks he is developing this. Having all this info helps me know what to do.

  • Carrie | The Lavender Hytta

    January 4, 2018 - 3:42 am

    I have issues with carpal tunnel as well. However I have a pinched nerve in my neck and it really stems for that. For a while we had it under control but now my pinched nerve is aggravating again so my carpal tunnel is back. I do alot of stretches and other things to help. Yoga seems to help alot as well. Good luck with yours!

    • Alicia Taylor

      January 4, 2018 - 11:49 am

      Yoga does help with it, too. I find I have much fewer problems when I exercise.

  • tina hogan grant

    January 4, 2018 - 1:29 am

    I never knew these existed. I may try these, I suffer from carpal tunnel Thanks

  • Farrah

    January 3, 2018 - 5:12 pm

    I have been typing at about 130+ WPM since high school (early 2000’s), and I have definitely developed carpal tunnel. I will definitely be looking into this, because Ibuprofen doesn’t always provide relief.

    • Alicia Taylor

      January 3, 2018 - 7:34 pm

      Wow! That’s a lot of words! I thought I was fast!

  • Annemarie LeBlanc

    January 3, 2018 - 4:37 pm

    This post just came in time. I have been suffering from deep, vague pain in my thumb and wrist for the past few days. I also have slight trigger finger. Wearing a brace is annoying, especially if you have to do stuff around the house. I will pick up a few packs of that CarpalAid and hope it relieves me of the pain and stiffness.

  • Scott

    January 3, 2018 - 3:50 pm

    My wife has had carpal tunnel issues ever since her profession as a bookkeeper/accountant. All that typing and data entry finally caught up to her!

  • Ryan

    January 3, 2018 - 2:45 pm

    My coworker just had surgery for this…no fun!

  • Erica Ardali (Erica Ever After)

    January 3, 2018 - 2:44 pm

    My fiancee struggles with Carpal Tunnel… I will have recommend these to her

  • Neely Moldovan (@Neelykins)

    January 3, 2018 - 2:18 pm

    My grandmother had this so bad for years. She was a card player with her friends for years and that caused it!

  • Edoardo Pucciarelli

    January 3, 2018 - 1:08 pm

    I am afraid I have a carpal tunnel syndrome, because the pain I get is probably related to the usage of the mouse and keyboard. 🙁 Hope to be able to recover fast with your tips.

  • Lois Alter Mark

    December 18, 2017 - 8:22 pm

    Oh no, carpal tunnel is such a bummer! So glad these patches offer some relief from the pain- hope they end up helping long term.

  • Milena Barrett

    December 5, 2017 - 5:56 am

    I have always wondered about this since I also spend a lot of time on the computer. I’m glad that you find ways to help you. This information is helpful!

  • Jessica Taylor

    November 20, 2017 - 8:57 am

    Wow! I had no idea there could be so many symptoms!

  • Anosa Myrabev Malanga

    November 18, 2017 - 8:34 pm

    Ohh, I have read this before and it gives me goosebumps. I couldn’t resist imagining having myself this kind of syndrome and hoping that I would not ever, ever have this! Good to read something like this but now with how it can be treated.

  • Ophelia T

    November 18, 2017 - 12:17 am

    I have relatives that suffer from carpal tunnel, but i wasn’t were inform about it. Thanks for the great information.

  • Malc S

    November 17, 2017 - 10:09 pm

    Wow, not looking forward to that! I type a lot but not all day every day. If so I’d look into rest/massage/therapy/surgery options every so often too. I’d go for every few weeks or at least several times a year to try and prevent permanent injury.

  • natalielovesbeauty

    November 17, 2017 - 3:56 pm

    As someone who also spends a lot of time typing, I am afraid I might get this some day. Good to know what symptoms to look out for!

  • Living Naturally News

    November 17, 2017 - 3:50 pm

    As a writer I have to be very careful about this. Too many hours on a keyboard! Thanks for the advice. Cynthia Bowman

  • Hannah Marie

    November 17, 2017 - 1:08 pm

    Great to know about this. I’ve been experiencing pain in my wrist but haven’t had a chance to go to the doctor. I will try the CarpalAid.

  • Ruth I.

    November 17, 2017 - 11:57 am

    I honestly need this right now. I am always working with my laptop and I feel my wrist hurting more than the usual.

  • Lyosha Varezhkina

    November 17, 2017 - 11:07 am

    Tunnel syndrome is real. Thankfully never experienced it myself hope I never will

  • Cesar Diaz

    November 17, 2017 - 9:45 am

    This is great information. Spending so much time on the computer I have sometimes felt pain and wondered if this was Carpal Tunnel syndrome.

  • Maro Akamatra

    November 17, 2017 - 4:51 am

    I crochet like crazy and type the same way. Thankfully I don’t have the syndrome yet but I am stressed over getting it.

  • John Mulindi

    November 17, 2017 - 3:59 am

    Thanks for enlightening us on this. Better prevention than cure.

  • Cristina Leau

    November 17, 2017 - 3:06 am

    I’m happy I don’t get this. My husband is not so lucky though. I have to buy this for him and hope it will help.

  • Claudia Krusch

    November 16, 2017 - 9:20 pm

    Reading this makes me wonder if my Son is experiencing Carpal Tunnel. I will have to get some CarpalAid for him to try. It sounds like a great way to get relief.

  • Parenting Healthy

    November 16, 2017 - 9:12 pm

    Carpal Tunnel can be so intrusive. I get it too and certain times of the seasons it gets real bad

  • lavieenmay

    November 16, 2017 - 8:42 pm

    Very interesting, thanks for sharing. I know a few people at work who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome and they haven’t found a good solution for it. I’ll let hem know about this product!

  • Amber

    November 16, 2017 - 7:37 pm

    I’ve had this before! Normally it’s when I’m on my laptop too much. I’ll have to pick up CarpalAid!

  • Corinne and Kirsty

    November 16, 2017 - 3:23 pm

    I had never heard of that syndrome before and I don’t think I have ever experienced it but it’s good that you made me aware of it

  • bugbeeandme

    November 16, 2017 - 1:17 pm

    I have worked in an administrative capacity for 8 years. I am constantly typing. I have heard of carpal tunnel but never knew what to look for specifically. Thank you for sharing this

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