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Step 1
1. Spontaneous resolution with a placebo gives recovery in 50% of cases, 80% respond in short term cases.
2. Avoid extremes of flexion (bending forward) and extension (bending backward) movements over the wrist joint.
3. Eliminate the cause by avoiding repetitive trauma -
Step 2
4. Avoid use of any tool which involves vibratory movements like using a drilling machine or fixing a screw with a screw driver etc.
5. Use of splints to give rest to the movements through immobilization.
6. Always avoid use of hyperextension braces.
7. Wrist and hand exercises for a brief period. -
Step 3
8. Local or systemic corticosteroids can be considered and an injection can be tried over the area of the carpal tunnel.
9. Consider use of systemic corticosteroids in a tapering dose namely 20 mg prednisone four times a day for 2 weeks followed by 10 mg four times a day for 2 weeks.
10. Local ultrasound therapy for 6 weeks can give relief for 6 months.
11. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs might be helpful in combination with an antacid.
12. Surgical intervention is necessary when decompression from the pressure is the lone aim through section of the transverse ligament. This gives immediate relief in routine and simple cases. Chronic cases may get 60% relief. However, one may end up with complications like laceration of the palmar arch and injury to the branches of the median nerve.
Comments
eemie said
on 8/13/2009 Very interesting, 5*s!
Delaplane said
on 8/3/2009 Thank you - I have a friend that's been dealing with this for years
bfreethree said
on 7/5/2009 Thank you, this is very helpful information. 5*
ShannaFuentes said
on 4/3/2009 Great article about helping Carpal Tunnel pain! Thanks for sharing!
flashinspired said
on 4/2/2009 Another great article. Thanks for the practical advice.