Medical Questions » Hands Questions » Question No. 468
| Question: | I have had an aching hand for months. Finally a doctor has told me that it is caused by the carpal tunnel syndrome, and I will need surgery. Are there any other treatments for the carpal tunnel syndrome? |
| Answer: | The first step is to rest the affected wrist, in a splint if necessary. Antiinflammatory tablets may be prescribed by your doctor. Fluid tablets (to reduce swelling) and occasionally injections of steroids into the wrist are beneficial. Most people who develop the problem eventually require surgery, although the other treatments may delay this for many years.
The operation may be performed under local or general anaesthetic, takes only 15 minutes, and leaves the patient free of pain. A small cut is made across the palm side of the wrist in a ' lazy S' shape, and rhrough this the ligaments causing the pressure are cut. It is rare for there to be any long-term problems and the operation normally gives a life-long cure. |
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