Non-Surgical Treatments for Carpel-Tunnel-Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) should be treated as early as possible. So if you experience the classic symptoms of this condition such as tingling numbness, pain and weakness of your hands and wrists, don’t wait too long before seeking medical consultation. Be sure to have your hands and wrists examined so that proper diagnosis may be established.
If you have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, you will need to discuss with your doctor the possible therapeutic options that are best for your specific case. If you suffer from a certain underlying medical condition like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis that may be causing your carpal tunnel syndrome, that condition must be treated first.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is treated initially by resting the affected hand and wrist for at least two weeks, not engaging in any activity that may aggravate symptoms, and immobilizing the wrist by splinting it to prevent further injury due to twisting or bending. You may also apply ice packs on the affected area if it is swollen to minimize inflammation.
Depending on your specific case, your doctor may recommend the following non-surgical therapeutic modalities to treat your carpal tunnel syndrome:
Drugs – Various medications may be enough to alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome in certain cases. These drugs include:
* Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, mefenamic acid, ibuprofen, and other nonprescription pain medications which may relieve mild pain and swelling due to a rigorous activity or symptoms characteristics of pre or initial stages of CTS.
* Oral diuretics to relieve fluid retention (called water pills) can also reduce swelling.
* Corticosteroids (prednisone) can also be taken to minimize swelling. However, these should not be taken without a doctor’s prescription, and prolonged use of these drugs should be avoided by patients with diabetes or at risk of developing diabetes.
* Lidocaine can also be injected directly into the wrist to provide immediate, but short-term relief of median nerve compression that is causing the symptoms.
* Vitamin B complex (particularly pyridoxine) supplements have also shown to help alleviate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome in some studies.
Exercise – If symptoms have subsided, your affected hand and wrist may benefit from stretching and strengthening exercises to restore normal strength and function of your hand. But these exercises should be under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist trained to employ exercises as a means of treating physical impairments; or under the guidance of an occupational therapist qualified to help people build their skills and improve their general well-being.
Other non-surgical therapies
Although not yet proven to be effective in treating carpal tunnel syndrome, acupuncture and chiropractic treatment have also been considered to be beneficial to some patients with this condition. Yoga, however, has shown some evidence of minimizing pain and improving the grip strength of patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Tags:Carpel-Tunnel-Syndrome
Tags: 
Loading ...