Carpal Tunnel

admin answers:

I’m sorry to hear about your condition but there are treatments available to cure carpal tunnel.

The surgerical option is very popular and is called Carpal Tunnel Release. You’ll need to be referred by your doctor (UK) if you want to have this done.

There are also a few non-surgical options such as:

Drugs – In special circumstances, various drugs can ease the pain and swelling associated with carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonprescription pain relievers, may ease symptoms that have been present for a short time or have been caused by strenuous activity. Orally administered diuretics (“water pills”) can decrease swelling. Corticosteroids (such as prednisone) or the drug lidocaine can be injected directly into the wrist or taken by mouth (in the case of prednisone) to relieve pressure on the median nerve and provide immediate, temporary relief to persons with mild or intermittent symptoms. (Caution: persons with diabetes and those who may be predisposed to diabetes should note that prolonged use of corticosteroids can make it difficult to regulate insulin levels. Corticosterioids should not be taken without a doctor’s prescription.) Additionally, some studies show that vitamin B 6 (pyridoxine) supplements may ease the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Exercise – Stretching and strengthening exercises can be helpful in people whose symptoms have abated. These exercises may be supervised by a physical therapist, who is trained to use exercises to treat physical impairments, or an occupational therapist, who is trained in evaluating people with physical impairments and helping them build skills to improve their health and well-being.

Alternative therapies – Acupuncture and chiropractic care have benefited some patients but their effectiveness remains unproved. An exception is yoga, which has been shown to reduce pain and improve grip strength among patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

I hope this has answered your question.

admin answers:

The first line of treatment often involves a splint to stabilize the wrist. The splint is worn at night for several weeks. If this does not help, you may need to wear the splint during the day. Hot and cold compresses may also be recommended.

There are many ergonomic devices that can be used in the workplace to reduce the stress placed on the wrist. These include special keyboards, cushioned mouse pads, and keyboard drawers. Make sure the keyboard is low enough so that the wrists aren’t bent upward during typing. You may also need to make changes in your work duties or recreational activities. Some of the jobs associated with carpal tunnel syndrome include those that involve typing and vibrating tools. Carpal tunnel syndrome has also been linked to professional musicians.

MEDICATIONS

Medications used in the Treatment Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Corticosteroid injections, given into the carpal tunnel area, may provide dramatic relief of symptoms.

SURGERY

Carpal Tunnel Release is a surgical procedure that cuts into the ligament that is pressing on the nerve. Surgery is successful about 85% of the time. After surgery, the damaged nerve must heal for the symptoms to improve. This can take months. In severe cases, the nerve may not be able to fully heal. Certain types of damage (such as muscular atrophy) may not be reversible.

In severe cases, electromyography or nerve conduction studies may be used to check how well the nerve is recovering.

Outlook :

Symptoms often improve with treatment but more than 50% of cases eventually require surgery. Surgery is often successful but full healing can take months.

Possible Complications :

If the condition is treated properly, there are usually no complications. If untreated, the nerve can be damaged, causing permanent weakness, numbness and tingling.

When to Contact a Medical Professional :

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel syndrome.

Call your health care provider if Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel syndrome do not respond to treatment, or if there seems to be a loss of muscle mass in the fingers.

admin answers:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Home Treatment
Home Treatment For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Can ease pain and prevent further or permanent damage to your median nerve.
May completely relieve your symptoms if you start treatment when symptoms first occur.
If you have mild symptoms, such as occasional tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in your fingers or hand, follow these steps to reduce inflammation:

Rest your fingers, hand, and wrist. Stop activities that you suspect are causing numbness and pain.
Ice your wrist for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, as often as once or twice an hour, and take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Although studies have not shown NSAIDs to be effective for carpal tunnel syndrome, they may help you to relieve symptoms.
Wear a wrist splint at night to keep your wrist in a neutral position and relieve pressure on your median nerve.

Good luck.

admin answers:

Surgery, by far!

I had release surgery on both my hands a few years back, and i’ve had no symptoms since (before it was pretty bad). It’s just day-release surgery – you wont even have to stay overnight in hospital. They make an incision in the palm of the hand (from the start of the wrist up about 2″ into the hand) and make one quick cut which releases the pressure on the nerves (which is what causes the tingling and shooting pains). Healing is fairly quick, but you wont be able to drive for a few weeks, and you’ll have stitches. In adults, it is normally done under local anaesthetic, so you’re awake for the proceedure.

You will also be given splints to wear to bed and when your wrists hurt by your doctor until the operation. These can be hugely beneficial!

admin answers:

I to do suffer from this ailment in my left hand and sharing your views.
Didn’t find any help – yet.