The Carpal Tunnel Doctor - Treatment for Carpal Tunnel

Non-surgical treatments

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 B6 (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.

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release Surgery

MicroAire Carpal Tunnel Release System
The MicroAire Carpal Tunnel Release System is a technological breakthrough in carpal tunnel surgery. This innovative system, using a minimally-invasive approach, provides significant patient benefits. A small incision at the base of the wrist creates an entry for the disposable blade assembly.
An endoscope, connected to a standard video camera system, provides a clear view of the underside of the transverse carpal ligament. With the disposable blade assembly accurately positioned beneath the transverse carpal ligament, the surgeon elevates the retractable blade by means of a trigger, and withdraws the blade assembly–incising the ligament.
Patients benefit from a procedure which requires only a minimal incision at the wrist, resulting in less morbidity. Recovery time is lessened, with patients benefiting from:
Early return to activities of daily living
Early return to work–for non-worker’s compensation patients–almost 50% faster than those who undergo conventional open carpal tunnel surgery
Improved cosmetic results
Faster recovery of grip and pinch strength
Less morbidity and scar tenderness

Open carpal tunnel release Surgery

Carpal tunnel release is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. Generally recommended if symptoms last for 6 months, surgery involves severing the band of tissue around the wrist to reduce pressure on the median nerve. Surgery is done under local anesthesia and does not require an overnight hospital stay.
Many patients require surgery on both hands. The following are types of carpal tunnel release surgery: Open release surgery, the traditional procedure used to correct carpal tunnel syndrome, consists of making an incision up to 2 inches in the wrist and then cutting the carpal ligament to enlarge the carpal tunnel. The procedure is generally done under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, unless there are unusual medical considerations.