What are medications that can help with carpal tunnel/ joint inflammation in hands? i have seen ads for voltaten cream or lidocaine. are they safer than anti inflammatory tablets since they can be applied locally?

The most important component to treating an inflamed area is rest. Wearing a splint and elevating the area will help the circulatory and lymphatic systems to more effectively drain the area of excess fluid. Anti-inflammatory creams may help, as will antiinflammatory oral meds.

Yes, much safer. They may still be absorbed, but in much lower concentrations. A splint is also typically used for carpal tunnel. Seeing your doc to confirm diagnosis and rule out other conditions possibly causing it would be recommended.