There are many treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome, and the approach that is taken depends upon how severely a person is affected with the condition. There are many different levels of severity when it comes to CTS, and the condition typically begins with mild tingly or numb sensations in the fingers. The severe form of the condition eventually results in an inability to use the hands without feeling pain.
With early diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, the most simple form of treatment is a night splint. A splint prevents excessive movement of the wrist so that it cannot be bent too far in either direction, avoiding pressure to the median nerve. With a splint, many people are able to obtain relief from the numb and tingling feelings that are often experienced during the night time or while at rest. In some cases, the splint is also worn during the day when necessary. Many people find relief from CTS symptoms when using a splint.
But, if this approach doesn't provide total relief, pain medications like aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications may be used as well. On their own, these drugs don't usually cure carpal tunnel syndrome, though if the condition stems primarily from inflammation, they can help. However, because they mask certain symptoms, it can be difficult to tell whether the underlying problem is resolving. Not all cases of CTS are caused by inflammation, in which case the drugs will have no effect. They also do nothing to alleviate sensations of numbness or tingling in the fingers and hands. Plus, these medications can have side effects when taken over a lengthy period of time. As an example, aspirin may cause stomach ulcers and internal bleeding.
If these approaches aren't working, another alternative is steroidal medications, like subcutaneous cortisone injections under the skin on the wrist. Sometimes, as in the case of carpal tunnel symptoms in pregnancy, this may be the first line of treatment. If this therapy is successful, symptoms may abate for up to six months. Some patients find that the therapy is more effective with frequent injections, which cannot be closer together than every six weeks. The cortisone works by lessening the inflammation of the tendons and swollen membranes surrounding the median nerve.
Another treatment that some people opt to use is electrical iontophresis. This involves using electricity to target the placement of the drug molecules for effective treatment. This procedure is not as invasive as injections, however it is somewhat less effective as well.
When all other approaches have failed to provide relief, CTR, or carpal tunnel release surgery, is a last resort. This procedure requires cutting the ligament that sits at the apex of the carpal tunnel, and may be performed with a traditional, open incision, or endoscopically. Endoscopic surgery involves the use of a tiny catheter or endoscope with a camera attached that allows the surgeon to see the surgical area on a television monitor. This minimizes the invasiveness of the procedure. For a traditional, open surgery, a major incision is made and the wrist opened up so the surgeon can directly visualize the area as the ligament is snipped.
Even though each of these treatments can be effective, there are important disadvantages to each of them. Not all approaches work for all people. Fortunately, there's an inexpensive and non-invasive way to go about getting relief from carpal tunnel symptoms. There are exercises that can be done that cost little or nothing and can yield permanent results. These exercises should be the first treatment option considered by those who are suffering from the condition. - 30453
With early diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, the most simple form of treatment is a night splint. A splint prevents excessive movement of the wrist so that it cannot be bent too far in either direction, avoiding pressure to the median nerve. With a splint, many people are able to obtain relief from the numb and tingling feelings that are often experienced during the night time or while at rest. In some cases, the splint is also worn during the day when necessary. Many people find relief from CTS symptoms when using a splint.
But, if this approach doesn't provide total relief, pain medications like aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications may be used as well. On their own, these drugs don't usually cure carpal tunnel syndrome, though if the condition stems primarily from inflammation, they can help. However, because they mask certain symptoms, it can be difficult to tell whether the underlying problem is resolving. Not all cases of CTS are caused by inflammation, in which case the drugs will have no effect. They also do nothing to alleviate sensations of numbness or tingling in the fingers and hands. Plus, these medications can have side effects when taken over a lengthy period of time. As an example, aspirin may cause stomach ulcers and internal bleeding.
If these approaches aren't working, another alternative is steroidal medications, like subcutaneous cortisone injections under the skin on the wrist. Sometimes, as in the case of carpal tunnel symptoms in pregnancy, this may be the first line of treatment. If this therapy is successful, symptoms may abate for up to six months. Some patients find that the therapy is more effective with frequent injections, which cannot be closer together than every six weeks. The cortisone works by lessening the inflammation of the tendons and swollen membranes surrounding the median nerve.
Another treatment that some people opt to use is electrical iontophresis. This involves using electricity to target the placement of the drug molecules for effective treatment. This procedure is not as invasive as injections, however it is somewhat less effective as well.
When all other approaches have failed to provide relief, CTR, or carpal tunnel release surgery, is a last resort. This procedure requires cutting the ligament that sits at the apex of the carpal tunnel, and may be performed with a traditional, open incision, or endoscopically. Endoscopic surgery involves the use of a tiny catheter or endoscope with a camera attached that allows the surgeon to see the surgical area on a television monitor. This minimizes the invasiveness of the procedure. For a traditional, open surgery, a major incision is made and the wrist opened up so the surgeon can directly visualize the area as the ligament is snipped.
Even though each of these treatments can be effective, there are important disadvantages to each of them. Not all approaches work for all people. Fortunately, there's an inexpensive and non-invasive way to go about getting relief from carpal tunnel symptoms. There are exercises that can be done that cost little or nothing and can yield permanent results. These exercises should be the first treatment option considered by those who are suffering from the condition. - 30453
About the Author:
Carpal Tunnel can virtually always be treated, but that doesn't mean that the treatment is necessarily easy or desirable. Its effects can range from mildly annoying wrist, hand, and finger tingling that needs to be constantly shaken out to severe pain and partial debilitation of the hand. Treatment is discovered by Tom Nicholson, carpal tunnel exercises that are so simple to do they can be done by anyone.
