Carpal Tunnel: Nonoperative Management Therapy

Nonoperative treatment options include a one month trial of

Anti-inflammatory medication - regularly, every day

Vitamin B6 100 mg daily

Modifying activities - avoid repetitive or strenuous work

Wrist splint: neutral to fifteen degrees of dorsiflexion

Every night to keep the wrist from bending

During the day only if there are daytime symptoms

* Patient is cautioned to avoid strapping splint too tight

Carpal tunnel steroid injection

Depending on several factors, these measures can be predicted to provide provide long-term relief in 5 to 60 per cent of patients. Conservative treatment is usually not recommended for patients who have evidence of nerve damage (constant numbness, muscle atrophy, skin atrophy).

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