What Are the Treatments for Carpal Tunnel?

Carpal tunnel is a condition that is marked by pain, numbness and weakness in the hands and wrist. Fortunately, a sufferer does not always have to have surgery to remedy the problem. There are numerous treatments that are used to control the symptoms or even cure the problem. Some of these treatments have shown to be quite effective.

Wrist Splinting

This is a common procedure that is used when the symptoms are still minor. The Mayo Clinic reports that a splint that holds the wrist still should be used at night to treat the numbness and tingling. However, splinting will only help if the minor symptoms have been present 10 months or less. If the condition has gone on longer than that, you may have more permanent damage to deal with.

Exercise and Physical Therapy

Doing exercises at home or going to a physical therapist can also be very helpful when treating mild to moderate cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. Physical therapists are trained professionals who are knowledgeable about the exercises that help with treating the symptoms of the condition. Also, The National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke reports that Yoga has been shown to be very helpful in treating the condition.

Pharmaceutical Treatment

Treating carpal tunnel with medication can also be tried if the condition is mild. Many physicians prescribe NSAIDs, which are anti-inflammatory medications. However, this method will only work for patients with carpal tunnel combined with associated inflammatory conditions.
Corticosteroids are also very useful in treating the condition. Corticosteroids are injected into the wrist to help with the pain and numbness. Lidocaine can also be injected to treat carpal tunnel symptoms.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that uses needles strategically placed on various areas of the body to relieve pain, numbness and tingling. The National institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke reports that acupuncture has been used on some carpal tunnel patients and has shown some promise. However, more research needs to be done to see exactly what the benefits are to patients who choose this route for treatment.

Surgery

In general, surgical treatment is usually the best option. Many physicians feel that surgery is more effective especially when the condition has progressed and is causing numbness and loss of coordination. The Mayo Clinic website reports that 70 percent of patients who have undergone carpal tunnel surgery are greatly or very satisfied with the results. In fact, most patients have a marked improvement with their condition after surgical treatment.

References

• The Mayo Clinic
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke