Possible Treatments of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful condition that involves compression of the median nerve within the wrist. Diagnosis is made through examinations. One method frequently used is a Tinel test, where the doctor presses on the nerve to determine tingling and numbness. Once the disorder is identified, treatment involves choices of both surgical and nonsurgical alternatives.

Identification

• Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is often based on the cause of the disease, whether by repetitive injury, illness or trauma.

Initial Treatment

• The first treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome usually includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and immobilization through splinting or use of a wrist brace.

Considerations

• After the initial treatment, continued use of splints at night, as well as physical therapy and exercises, can be satisfactory to many patients.

Expert Insight

• In "Conservative Interventions for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome," Dr. Susan Michlovitz notes, "If symptoms are not relieved to the satisfaction of the patient, or they recur, then it is incumbent upon the therapist to refer the patient to a hand surgeon for injection or possible surgical decompression."

Surgery

• Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome involves cutting the tight ligament (also known as the flexor retraculum) to stop the nerve from being compressed. It is usually done under local anesthesia.