February 6, 2003 – According to a synthesis of studies1There are several effective nonsurgical treatments available to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) (or carpal tunnel syndrome), an injury resulting from compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, which affects the hand and wrist. These include taking oral steroids, wearing a splint at night, ultrasound treatments, yoga and mobilization of the carpal bone (through physiotherapy, osteopathy or physiotherapy treatments).
As part of this study review, the researchers selected 21 clinical trials of non-surgical treatments for CTS. They assessed the overall quality of each of these studies. Thus, one of them has demonstrated the effectiveness of ultrasound treatments provided they are spread over a period of seven to twenty-six weeks. Another trial involving 51 people showed the effectiveness of yoga (after eight weeks) in relieving pain associated with CTS, compared to that of wearing a splint. Finally, the treatment which involves mobilizing the carpal bone relieved symptoms after three weeks (compared to a group receiving no treatment), in a trial involving a total of 21 people.
However, several treatments or therapies have proved ineffective. These are laser acupuncture, magnetotherapy, exercise, chiropractic care and vitamin B6 intake.
Repetitive Work Injury (RSI) is increasingly common. In the United States, 5% of the population would be affected. Workers at risk of contracting CSC are those who make repetitive hand movements (cashier, assembly line worker, secretary, etc.). CTS is manifested by numbness and tingling in the fingers, loss of feeling, and reduced muscle strength that make it difficult to perform certain movements (for example, turning a key in a lock). Before performing surgery to relieve CTS, doctors always try simple medical treatments. The most popular are topical cortisone infiltration and nighttime splinting, as they have a fairly high success rate.
Stéphane Gagné – PasseportSanté.net
1. O’Connor D, Marshall S, Massy-Westropp N. Non-surgical treatment (other than steroid injection) for carpal tunnel syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2003; (1): CD003219. [Consulté le 5 février 2003].
