Home Remedies for Wrist Pain Relief

Our wrists are easy to ignore until a carpal tunnel flare-up or a day of home improvement projects make them painfully obvious. These home remedies are meant for wrist pain caused by muscle strain and carpal tunnel syndrome. For wrist pain from other sources or wrist pain that does not improve over a few days consult a doctor.

A Night with Wrist Pain

After a day of ripping up a room of carpet and carpet staples, my wrists let me know I had committed a mortal sin against them later that night. If the pain in your wrists is keeping you up there are a few things you can do.

First take a mild sedative if possible. This can be as simple as drinking an herbal tea blend mixed for sleep or relaxation if you are uncomfortable with over the counter sedatives.

Next, find a way to restrict wrist movement. Look for something to hold the wrist in one position. If your house is not overflowing with ace bandages and splints, look for quick alternatives. Making a homemade splint is ideal, even some gauze, towels or shirts wrapped around your wrists will help with the pain. I found a pair of wrist guards from rollerblading that stopped the sharp pains and helped me through the second night. Do not cut off blood flow to the wrists. When wrapped, your wrists should feel like they are in a firm, but not uncomfortable, grip.

The third thing you want to do is keep the wrist elevated. Without elevation, a homemade splint will only take you so far. Firm pillows are my preference here, but you can substitute items like books or folded towels. If using an item with a hard surface and edges, be sure to pad and wrap with a towel or blanket.

Making It through the Day: Working with Wrist Pain and a Little Prevention

Keep wearing that splint or bandage. Aside from keeping the pain at bay, a splint will reduce the chances of making your injury worse. If you are not comfortable wearing your homemade splint in public, drop by a pharmacy and pick up a more professional version.

If your wrist pain was caused by typing and you are not yet ready to invest in an ergonomic keyboard, check the level of your keyboard. Set your keyboard at wrist height or slightly lower to reduce wrist strain. Keep your wrists elevated when possible with books or binders. Give your wrists frequent breaks throughout the day, and apply ice, or at least a cold drink bottle, whenever possible.

For prevention of future wrist pain and carpal tunnel flare-ups, continue to give your wrists breaks every day, not just those on which you experience pain. Search wrist pain or carpal tunnel exercises and devote a minute or two to working and relaxing them during your breaks. Change your workspace. A brief search on ergonomic office design can save you much agony over time. Finally, when you know you are going to be doing a high-risk activity for carpal tunnel flare-ups, put the splint on and stop the pain before it starts.