Treatment Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

1 June, 2009 No Comment

What are common treatments for Carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is commonly cured by the wearing of a splint, in order to stabilize the wrist. This splint is worn for a period of several weeks. Generally patient is made to wear a splint during nights. However, in severe cases the patient is required to wear the splint during daytime also. In addition, the patient is also required to undergo hot and cold compression for proper treatment.

However, there are various ergonomic devices (other than wearing a splint) used to decrease the stress on the wrist. These ergonomic devices include special keyboards, cushioned mouse pads, and keyboard drawers.

Care must be taken in ensuring the keyboard must be low enough for the wrists not bending upward during activities such as typing. Alterations in work spaces and recreational activities are also required in curing such kind of syndromes.

This syndrome is more commonly found in individuals such as professional musicians, people involved with typing and vibrating tools.

What are common medications in curing Carpal tunnel syndrome?
Common medicines used in curing carpal tunnel syndrome include non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (such as ibuprofen or naproxen). Corticosteroid injections are also supplied into the carpal tunnel area, as they provide instant comfort by suppressing the symptoms.

What is the surgerical method used for curing Carpal tunnel syndrome?
The most prominent surgical procedure used in the treatment of Carpal tunnel syndrome is known as Carpal tunnel release (CTR). In this surgical procedure, the ligament compressing the nerve is cut open. The success rate of CTR stands at 85 percent. The injured nerve requires several months of healing before symptoms of the syndrome disappear.

In case of muscular atrophy, the injured nerve may never heal. In some serious cases, it is recommended that electromyography or nerve conduction studies must be conducted to measure the rate of recovery of the nerve.

What are prognosis and complications of Carpal tunnel syndrome?
Generally, the syndrome symptoms disappear after treatment. However, surgery is required in over 50 percent of cases. Though surgery is successful in most of the cases, the overall healing requires several months. In cases where the syndrome remains untreated for long periods, the nerve may be injured resulting in permanent lack of sensation, itchy feeling, and weakness.