Non- surgical help for carpal tunnel?!
Question: You are a woman and women tend to have more problems with carpal tunnel because their wrists are smaller. Hence, there is less room and more pressure on the median nerve. The risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome are female sex; presence of other diseases such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, gout, arthritis; and injuries. These can be acute or chronic, as in an overuse or repetition-strain injury. ANY treatment, surgical or non-surgical must take into account these factors first.
If you have no co-morbid disease, such as diabetes, then an injury of some sort is most likely the cause. Many people now experience repetition-strain injuries from work that requires frequent repetitive motions, such as typing or factory assembly work. The treatment, in such cases is to periodically rest, extend the wrist and fingers (pull them backwards), ice or cold packs to reduce swelling, and wrist supports or braces.
In cases where the condition has been prolonged, so that damage has been more severe and cumulative, anti-inflammatories (Ibuprofen or Naproxen), physical therapy, cortisone injections and occupational therapy (to address workplace design or poor biomechanics) are all options that should be explored BEFORE considering surgery.
If there is concern for nerve damage, or if you have diabetes, I frequently prescribe Thiamine (B1) 50mg, Pyridoxine (B6)50mg, and B12, 250 mcg to help improve nerve nutrition. These vitamins are expecially inportant for good nerve health.I
Answers: You are a woman and women tend to have more problems with carpal tunnel because their wrists are smaller. Hence, there is less room and more pressure on the median nerve. The risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome are female sex; presence of other diseases such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, gout, arthritis; and injuries. These can be acute or chronic, as in an overuse or repetition-strain injury. ANY treatment, surgical or non-surgical must take into account these factors first.
If you have no co-morbid disease, such as diabetes, then an injury of some sort is most likely the cause. Many people now experience repetition-strain injuries from work that requires frequent repetitive motions, such as typing or factory assembly work. The treatment, in such cases is to periodically rest, extend the wrist and fingers (pull them backwards), ice or cold packs to reduce swelling, and wrist supports or braces.
In cases where the condition has been prolonged, so that damage has been more severe and cumulative, anti-inflammatories (Ibuprofen or Naproxen), physical therapy, cortisone injections and occupational therapy (to address workplace design or poor biomechanics) are all options that should be explored BEFORE considering surgery.
If there is concern for nerve damage, or if you have diabetes, I frequently prescribe Thiamine (B1) 50mg, Pyridoxine (B6)50mg, and B12, 250 mcg to help improve nerve nutrition. These vitamins are expecially inportant for good nerve health.I
I.ve heard that b vitamin supplements can help in some cases.
My doctor (rheumatologist) gave me Tramadol pain and I wear hand/arm braces when I sleep. Physical therapy with heat and exercises helped me a lot. I had a friend who had the surgery and still has pain.