| Conservative treatment may include eliminating or greatly reducing movements or tasks that seem to cause or exacerbate the symptoms, such as repetitive motion of the wrist and fingers or wrist-bending extremes (flexion and extension). Other treatment may include use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen), wearing protective splints while working and/or sleeping, stretching and strengthening exercises, diuretics to reduce excess fluids, and possible corticosteroid injections into the carpal tunnel. An electrical current may be used to deliver medication (usually corticosteroids) through the skin into the area requiring treatment (iontophoresis). Studies have shown that vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) supplements help reduce symptoms of CTS only in those who are deficient in this vitamin; yoga has been shown to reduce pain and increase grip strength (NINDS).
In chronic or severe cases unrelated to fluid buildup in pregnancy or menopause, surgery may be required. The procedure (open carpal tunnel release) involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament (roof of the carpal tunnel) to relieve pressure on the median nerve. This is generally done on an outpatient basis with local or regional anesthesia. In some cases, surgery can be performed endoscopically by inserting a fiberoptic endoscope through a small incision to observe the inside of the carpal tunnel while incising the transverse carpal ligament (endoscopic carpal tunnel release). |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor