|
There are several ways
to remedy repetitive hand injuries but the most recommended by orthopedic
doctors is the carpal tunnel therapy. It may be the conventional way but it
is sheer natural so it does not have any side- effects.
Manual treatment that includes deep friction massage can help manage the
swelling that is a factor in nerve compression. This is combined with manual
stretches to the tendons to the fingers and wrist. Another modality of
treatment is ultrasonic therapy, which in some cases may work as a carpal
tunnel therapy by itself.
Here are four stemming branches of carpal tunnel therapy:
* Localized steroid injections
Steroid injections can be quite effective for temporary relief from symptoms
of carpal tunnel syndrome for a short time frame while a patient develops a
long term strategy that fits with his or her lifestyle. In certain patients,
an injection may also be of diagnostic value. However, this carnal tunnel
therapy is not appropriate for extended periods. In general, medical
professionals only prescribe to localized steroid injections until other
treatment options can be identified. For most patients, permanent relief
requires surgery.
* Prioritizing hand activities and ergonomics
Any forceful and repetitive use of the hands and wrists can cause upper
extremity pain. While avoiding activities that cause repetitive stress is an
option that can help avoid the pain, it causes people to curtail their
careers, forfeit earnings and give up whole segments of their lives.
More frequent rest can be useful if it can be orchestrated into one's
schedule, but rest is not very practical in today's active work and play
environments. It has been shown that taking multiple mini breaks during the
stressful activity is more effective than taking occasional long breaks.
Exercises that relax and strengthen the muscles of the upper back can reduce
the risk of a double crush of the median nerve. Spinal manipulations
performed by an osteopath or chiropractor may be appropriate to relieve
compression of the nerve. It goes to show that this kind of carpal tunnel
therapy will not just be beneficial to the CTS but also in a holistic
manner.
* Dietary changes and medication
Dietary changes can provide the body with the necessary nutrients needed to
repair nerves and help reduce inflammation. With this, pressure on the nerve
can be reduced, thus allowing it to heal. Certain vitamins and nutrients can
also be taken to repair nerve damage, such as amino acids, vitamin B complex
and hypercium. No specific vitamin or nutrient has been shown to have a
noticeable anti-inflammatory effect, but taking a diverse multivitamin may
have a noticeable effect on reducing inflammation in the body. One could
argue that this carpal tunnel therapy have a small effect on carpal tunnel
syndrome, similar to placebo. Their effect would certainly be negligible in
anything but the most mild of cases.
* Carpal tunnel release surgery
When visiting a hand surgeon, the first step would be examination of the
hands and a review of the symptoms. If a condition other than carpal tunnel
syndrome is present, the doctor will suggest the appropriate treatment. If
CTS is suspected, depending on the severity and the situation, the doctor
will first prescribe non-operative treatment with splinting and
anti-inflammatory drugs. A test conducted on the nerve will positively
determine whether or not it is compressed and if carpal tunnel syndrome is
indeed the diagnosis.
If all the symptoms go away with splinting and medication, then this kind of
carpal tunnel therapy will not be necessary. If not, then carpal tunnel
release surgery is recommended. In general, milder cases can be controlled
for months to years, but severe cases are unrelenting symptomatically and
likely will come to surgical treatment.
|
