Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Treatment

Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) depends on the severity of the nerve damage and your choices. In some cases, CTS improves after a few months without treatment.

TREATMENT

Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) depends on the severity of the nerve damage and your choices. In some cases, CTS improves after a few months without treatment.

You should try to avoid any exercises that make your symptoms worse. If your work involves using a computer keyboard, there's little evidence that adjustments at your workplace are likely to be of any help in alleviating your symptoms. If symptoms persist, there are a range of non-surgical and surgical treatments available that aim to relieve the pressure on the median nerve.

If carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by an underlying health condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, treating the situation should improve your symptoms.

CTS DURING PREGNANCY

If you develop carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy, your symptoms should pass after your baby is born – after about 6 to 12 weeks. However, if the median nerve is severely crushed (compressed) or the symptoms are long-lasting (chronic), permanent nerve damage and muscle wasting can occur, and treatment will be required. 

NON-SURGICAL PROCEDURES

Unless there's thought to be an urgent need for surgery, procedures such as wrist splints and corticosteroid injections are often suggested initially.

WRIST SPLINTS

A wrist splint is worn to support the wrist and prevent it bending. Bending places pressure on the nerve and worsens symptoms. You should begin to notice a change in your symptoms within four weeks of wearing the wrist splint. Wrist splints are usually available from larger pharmacies, or your GP may be able to recommend a suitable supplier. They can also be ordered online.

CORTICOSTEROIDS

Corticosteroids are a type of steroid medication. They are powerful chemicals that can help reduce swelling. If a wrist splint does not work, this type of steroid medication may be recommended. Corticosteroids can be taken as tablets, although for carpal tunnel syndrome it is likely that you will have a corticosteroid jab directly into your wrist.

One injection is usually suggested, to begin with. If the condition responds well to one injection but then reappears, the treatment can and may be repeated.