Relief from carpal tunnel syndrome

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Night-time splinting is an effective way of relieving the pain and discomfort of carpal tunnel syndrome in its early stages.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a neurological condition characterised by pain, numbness, and tingling in the wrist, hand, and fingers. It can be very disabling and is often linked to damage of the nerves in the wrist. Treatment is variable, consisting of anti-inflammatory medication, other medications or wrist splinting. In a new study, researchers at the University of Michigan Health System reveal that wearing a splint at night has proved very effective for those in the earlier stages of CTS.

One hundred and twelve automotive assembly workers with CTS were shown a video giving advice about their condition and, in addition, 63 of them were assigned to night-time splinting to relieve stress on the nerves in the wrist. After six weeks, half of those in the splint group reported significant improvement in their symptoms - and one participant found complete relief. Those in the control group had less relief. After 12 months, those with damaged nerves did not have much relief from the splint while those whose nerves were still healthy found sustained improvement in their symptoms. The study suggests that night-time splinting should be used as soon as symptoms of CPS are experienced.

Source
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation January 2005

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