Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The carpal tunnel is a narrow channel at the base of the hand, located between the wrist bones and the carpal annular ligament, which contains the flexor tendons of the fingers and the median nerve (one of the nerves in the hand).

Therefore, carpal tunnel syndrome is a neuropathy (peripheral nerve involvement) caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel, due to inflammation of the tendons, the presence of fluid, etc., which they result in decreased space and nerve entrapment. As a consequence, the affected person notes from pain or inflammation to tingling in the area.

Types of carpal tunnel syndrome

It can be differentiated into acute and chronic.

The acute form: It is rare and is due to a sudden and sustained increase in the pressure in the carpal tunnel (it is usually associated with a radial fracture).

The chronic form: It is the most common and symptoms can persist for months or years. People with occupations such as cashiers, packers, butchers, sewing workers usually suffer it.  In short, professionals who perform repetitive movements or who use vibrating tools in their professional and even sports performance.

This condition is much more frequent in women aged 40-60 years and is usually bilateral (affecting both hands) in more than 50% of cases. To solve it, as we will see later, you can resort to conservative treatment, or bet on surgery if the doctor recommends it.

Treatment

There are different types of treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome depending on each symptom and degree of involvement, or the origin of the problem. Based on this, it can be approached conservatively, or have to undergo surgery:

Conservative treatment

Indicated in mild cases, with lack of eminence atrophy (muscle mass of the human hand, shaped like a drop of water, which forms the base of the thumb) or pregnancy. These patients may respond to anti-inflammatory drugs (steroids or non-steroids), rest of the hand, or nocturnal dorsal splint that includes the hand and forearm.

Surgical treatment

Surgical release of the nerve would be indicated in the following cases:

• Persistence of symptoms despite medical treatment.
• Established sensory or motor deficit.
• Space-occupying lesions requiring excision.
• Existence of severe or progressive symptoms of more than 12 months of evolution.

After surgery, a bandage is placed on the wrist and handheld high with a sling to prevent bleeding and swelling. It is important to move your fingers a lot and not flex your wrist.

The results are satisfactory, the pain disappears in days and the rest of the symptoms disappear in a short time, always depending on the severity of the injury, which is why practically all patients experience satisfactory improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most effective treatment for carpal tunnel?

The most effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome often involves a combination of measures, including wrist splinting, activity modification, and sometimes corticosteroid injections or surgery for severe cases.

Can I fix carpal tunnel without surgery?

Yes, non-surgical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include wrist splinting, corticosteroid injections, physiotherapy, and ergonomic modifications, though effectiveness varies depending on the severity of symptoms and individual response.

What is the first line of treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome?

The first line of treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome often involves conservative measures such as wrist splinting, activity modification, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate symptoms.