musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Splinting Treatment of underlying disorders Sometimes corticosteroid/anesthetic injection Sometimes surgical decompression Changing the position of computer keyboards and making other ergonomic corrections may occasionally provide relief. Otherwise, treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome includes wearing a lightweight neutral wrist splint, especially at night, and taking mild analgesics (eg,acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Treating any underlying disorders (eg, Diabetes Mellitus (DM) , If these measures do not control symptoms, a mixture of an anesthetic and a corticosteroid (eg, 1.5 mL of a 4-mg/mLdexamethasonesolution mixed with 1.5 mL of 1%lidocaine) may be injected into the carpal tunnel at a site just ulnar to the palmaris longus tendon and proximal to the distal crease at the wrist. This is more often effective for milder or pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome. If bothersome symptoms persist or recur or if hand weakness and thenar wasting develop, the carpal tunnel can be surgically decompressed by using an open or endoscopic technique. 