Non-Surgical Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
64Treatments
for carpal tunnel syndrome are dependent on the present condition of the
syndrome. Mild symptoms of CTS can usually be alleviated by non-surgical
treatments. Non-surgical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome are
usually non-invasive and out patient.
With non-surgical treatments, the condition is properly evaluated by the physician. You will be asked to go through a series of physical tests to determine the underlying cause of the problem. The physician will have a thorough rundown of your medical history. You will be asked about your family history, existing medical conditions, daily activities and if you have injured or sprained your wrist. These series of questions will help the doctor to determine the root cause of the present symptoms. After, the underlying cause has been identified; the doctor will now recommend the most suitable approach to treat the existing condition. The main goal of this kind of treatment is eradicating the main cause of the problem to minimize if not eliminate the chief complaint of the patient.
Medication & Physical Therapy for CTS
Prescribing
medications is another form of non-surgical treatment. Medications usually help
to relieve pain and swelling caused by CTS. The reduction of swelling in the
affected area of the hand and wrist will mitigate the pressure from the median
nerve abating the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The most common drug of
choice is Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), it can be bought over
the counter even without prescription. A research revealed that 2-4 weeks of
treatment under NSAIDs may not show any improvement in the symptoms related to
CTS. When NSAIDs are not effective the next option would be corticosteroids; powerful
anti-inflammatory medications therefore side effects should be expected.
Corticosteroids are available in two forms – oral and injection.
Physical therapy is yet another non-surgical treatment; the procedure involves treatments such ultrasound, hydrotherapy, stretching and range of motion exercises. Physical therapy involves a series of supervised programs preceded by a professional occupational therapist. Joint and hand exercises may be beneficial for mild-to-moderate cases. Ultrasound is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves directed to the inflamed area, it opens the blood vessels allowing the passage of oxygen to the afflicted tissue but its effectiveness is not yet settled. Hydrotherapy involves the use of water to increase circulation; it is done by submerging the affected wrist in hot water for 3 minutes then on cold water for another 3 minutes.
Laser Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
An
innovative non-surgical approach is now available in the form of low-level
laser therapy (LLLT). This treatment modality is a great alternative for
surgery. Laser treatment uses light amplification that is stimulated by
radiation. Low-level laser therapy has been proposed to cure carpal tunnel
syndrome; it is a painless procedure that is believed to generate good
results to CTS patients. Although this procedure is fairly new, doctors have
high hopes that the treatment will achieve better results.
Non-surgical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome are only recommended to patients who have mild symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and to those with no permanent nerve damage. Indeed, patient will benefit from early detection of carpal tunnel syndrome. An early diagnosis will ensure you won't go through the painful process of surgery.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common compressive neuropathy in the upper extremity. The condition is responsible for substantial annual costs to society, both in terms of lost productivity... - 5 days ago
- Perioperative Antibiotics for Carpal Tunnel Surgery
A 47-year-old diabetic secretary presents for treatment of numbness, tingling, and nocturnal paresthesias in her right dominant hand that have been present for 3 years. An evaluation including a... - 5 days ago
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Associations between Risk Factors and Laterality
Eur Neurol 2010;63:43-47 (DOI:10.1159/000268165) (Source: European Neurology) - 2 weeks ago
- Health Tip: Risk Factors for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Typical symptoms include pain in the wrist and hand (Source: Forbes.com Health News) - 2 weeks ago
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome on Amazon
|
|
It's Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome! RSI Theory & Therapy for Computer Professionals
Price: $10.00
List Price: $19.95 |
|
Conquering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome : And Other Repetitive Strain Injuries
Price: $8.95
List Price: $21.95 |
|
101 Questions and Answers about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: What It Is, How to Prevent It, and Where to Turn for Treatment
Price: $14.95
|
|
|
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Medical Guide
Price: $9.99
List Price: $9.99 |
|
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Price: $83.45
List Price: $299.00 |
|
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & Overuse Injuries: Prevention, Treatment & Recovery (Family Health Series)
Price: $0.99
List Price: $9.95 |
|
|
Natural & Herb Remedies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin, a-245)
Price: $1.32
List Price: $3.95 |
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 1200 vegicap bottle: HE
Herbal Extracts Plus has
developed a botanical formulation containing a blend of all-natural
herbal extracts and vitamins for effective support in combating Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Links
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Exercises for Carpal Tunnel Treatment
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Learn the secrets to carpal tunnel treatment, relieving wrist and hand pain, stretches for carpal tunnel using proven, simple, easy-to-follow steps from the comfort of home. - Carpal Tunnel Symptoms
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a disorder afflicting the median nerve of the wrist. It is a result of the compression of the carpal tunnel, inflicting great pressure on the median nerve causing it to get jammed. It is usually felt on the finger, wrist and
PrintShare it! — Rate it: up down flag this hub
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Your Comments
HAHA posting a cure for carpal tunnel online is brilliant! And funnily enough, my hand started hurting. Like on queue
I am glad you posted this information. It is great to learn of alternatives to surgery. Thanks.
I have been an occupational therapist for over 20 years. I found that I "cured" most of my patients with education in ergonomics, particularly posture. I also decided the NCV and EMG tests (as the song says) don't impress me much. People with "severe" CTS by NCV cured just as easily as those with "mild" CTS. The alternating warm and cold water can be very effective. We call them contrast baths. I usually recommend 3 min warm, 1 min cold, for 3 cycles. This is especially effective for pregnant patients diagnosed with CTS. I have written on CBs and ergo if you're interested.







Mireille G says:
7 months ago
Excellent information thank you for posting it. Now I need to stop typing and take care of these aching hands. LOL But truly I appreciate the information, I knew little about it, I did not even know that laser therapy was an option.