Health Tip: Coping With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

(HealthDay News) -- Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when tissues adjoining tendons in the wrist swell and apply pressure to a nearby nerve, causing numbness and pain.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says nonsurgical options to treat the condition include:

• Wearing a splint or brace while sleeping to keep the wrist in the proper position, or wearing a splint while doing activities that worsen symptoms.

• Taking an anti-inflammatory drug to manage pain.

• Avoiding activities that aggravate the condition, or changing the way the hands are used during those activities.

• Getting steroid injections to provide temporary symptom relief.