create your own

Non-Surgical Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

64
rate or flag this page

By Litany Notch


Treatments 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 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 1200 vegicap bottle: HE

Print   —   Rate it:  up  down  flag this hub

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Your Comments

RSS for comments on this Hub

Mireille G profile image

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.

Alex ONeill profile image

Alex ONeill  says:
7 months ago

HAHA posting a cure for carpal tunnel online is brilliant! And funnily enough, my hand started hurting. Like on queue

James A Watkins profile image

James A Watkins  says:
7 months ago

I am glad you posted this information. It is great to learn of alternatives to surgery. Thanks.

rmcrayne profile image

rmcrayne  says:
2 months ago

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.

Submit a Comment

Members and Guests

Sign in or sign up and post using a hubpages account.


optional


  • No HTML is allowed in comments, but URLs will be hyperlinked
  • Comments are not for promoting your hubs or other sites

working