Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment

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Reumatismo. 2006 Jan-Mar;58(1):5-10.

Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment.

De Angelis R, Salaffi F, Filippucci E, Grassi W.

Universita Politecnica delle Marche, Dipartimento di Patologia

Molecolare e Terapie Innovative, Cattedra di Reumatologia, Jesi

(Ancona), Italia.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, the most common peripheral neuropathy,

results from compression of the median nerve at the wrist, and is a

cause of pain, numbness and tingling in the upper extremities and an

increasingly recognized cause of work disability. If carpal tunnel

syndrome seems likely, conservative management with splinting should

be initiated.

Moreover, it has suggested that patients reduce activities at home

and work that exacerbate symptoms. Pyridoxine and diuretics, since

are largely utilised, are no more effective than placebo in relieving

the symptoms.

Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and orally administered

corticosteroids can be effective for short-term management (two to

four weeks), but local corticosteroid injection may improve symptoms

for a longer period. Injection is especially effective if there is no

loss of sensibility or thenar-muscle atrophy and weakness, and if

symptoms are intermittent rather than constant.

If symptoms are refractory to conservative measures, the option of

surgical therapy may be considered.