If you enjoy cooking and baking, the prospect of basting a Thanksgiving turkey or making Christmas cookies can bring you immense joy. Unfortunately, people with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) may find their eagerness dampened by discomfort. This condition occurs when the wrist’s median nerve is compressed, which causes pain and numbness in the hands. CTS makes it difficult to grasp objects, making holiday cooking and baking daunting tasks. Here are a few ways you can minimize the discomfort and enjoy your hobby this holiday season.

How to Ease Carpal Tunnel Pain in the Kitchen

1. Don’t Overload Your Hands

Minimize stress on your hands and wrists to mitigate pain. When you return home from holiday grocery shopping, bring the bags into the house in multiple trips instead of loading your wrists with heavy groceries. As you cook, ask for assistance when lifting a weighty object, like a large roast or turkey. You should also take breaks from kitchen work to gently stretch your fingers, hands, and wrists.

2. Use a Brace

Repetitive motions, like stamping cookies and cutting vegetables with a knife, increase pressure on the median nerve and agitate wrist pain. Wear a brace to keep the wrist straight—the splint will alleviate the pain caused by CTS. Get a brace made of washable materials so that you can easily clean it after a day of cooking, baking, and dishwashing.

3. Apply Ice

Even if you take precautions, your CTS may flare up at night, as your wrist and hands are tired from the day’s work. If you experience discomfort before bed, apply ice for 10 to 15 minutes twice an hour. Wrap the ice pack in a towel to prevent the temperature from irritating your skin.

If you’re experiencing the discomfort from carpal tunnel syndrome, contact the team at StayFIT Physical Therapy on Oahu, HI. These professionals will take the time to listen to your concerns and provide a customized wellness plan, which will be administered in a comfortable one-on-one setting with a licensed therapist. View their services online, and read the latest patient reviews on Yelp. Call (808) 487-0487 to make an appointment at their Aiea office, or dial (808) 674-0500 to speak with a team member at their Kapolei location.