Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Other Treatment

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Other Treatment

Other treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Physical therapy techniques, such as ultrasound, hydrotherapy, and stretching and range-of-motion exercises. In some clinics, these may be done by an occupational therapist.
  • Ultrasound therapy uses high-pitched sound waves to create heat, which may help reduce pain in the soft tissues (such as the tendons).
  • Hydrotherapy involves immersing the wrist in hot water for 3 minutes, then cold water for 3 minutes. This type of hydrotherapy (contrast hydrotherapy) increases circulation to the wrist.
• Wrist splints. In mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, rest and wearing a wrist splint at night may be enough to relieve symptoms. Wrist splints keep the wrist from bending and minimize or prevent pressure on the median nerve. Wrist splints are designed for different purposes such as for certain jobs or for wearing at night. Splints are most effective if they are used as soon as symptoms are noticed.
• Retraining (learning new ways of doing things), and ergonomic considerations (such as having your body in the correct posture and position and using equipment that is right for your strength and ability). Retraining and ergonomic considerations may not only relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome but also may prevent them from coming back.

Complementary and alternative treatments

Complementary and alternative treatments are sometimes used to help with the symptoms of tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain felt in the fingers or hand. Some of these treatments include:⁶

• Acupuncture, which has been suggested as a useful treatment for some of the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Because it is commonly used, the U.S. National Institutes of Health is currently studying the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Yoga, which can be helpful in relieving pain in the hand.
• Manipulation therapies, such as chiropractic, which involve realignment of joints and bones by twisting, pulling, or pushing movements in the wrist and in the forearm, upper arm, shoulder, upper back, and neck.
• Vitamin B6, which may help prevent or reduce carpal tunnel symptoms. Small studies have produced mixed results. High doses of vitamin B6 can cause nerve problems (neuropathy). Talk to your doctor before using vitamin B6 supplements.

Last updated:	October 29, 2008
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, David Pichora, MD, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC