Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?

Patients with symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome should be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon, neurologist or hand surgeon. Diagnosis is made on clinical examination (including Phalen’s test and Tinel’s sign) and, when necessary, on nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG). Some cases may be referred for ultrasound or MRI.

How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treated Based on Severity?

The treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome based on its severity has been highlighted in the table below:

Stages of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Treatment

The degree of median nerve compression determines the stages of carpal tunnel syndrome. Take a look at the treatment that varies according to the stage of the condition.

Topical Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Topical medications may provide temporary relief from pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome and usually include:

Other Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Some other treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome include the following: 

• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy may involve nerve-gliding exercises, stretching, and ergonomic training to improve hand function and reduce symptoms.

• Endoscopic Surgery: This procedure is a less invasive surgery that uses a camera and surgical instruments to decompress the nerve.

• Open Surgery: In this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision on the palm above the carpal tunnel and cuts the ligament to release the nerve.

• Ultrasound-Guided Corticosteroid Injection: Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections may provide temporary relief from symptoms.

Oral Medications for Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Oral medications, which may be considered for the alleviation of pain and discomfort related to carpal tunnel syndrome, include the following:

• Ibuprofen

• Naproxen

• Diclofenac

• Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)

• Celecoxib

Note: These medicines can help manage the pain from carpal tunnel syndrome for a short time, but they don’t fix the compression of the median nerve.

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Ayurvedic treatments that can help manage the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include the following:

• Abhyanga (oil massage) and Swedana (therapeutic fomentation) can be used to relieve pain in certain patients.

• Agni Karma is a parasurgical procedure that may be used as a symptomatic therapy in some cases of carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Virechana treatment and some Ayurvedic preparations have been studied as additional means of therapy in the Ayurvedic approach.

• Acupuncture may help relieve the pain and improve the symptoms in some patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (mild-to-moderate forms).

• Stretching exercises, including yoga, may increase the flexibility of the wrist joint and lessen the strain on the nerve.

Note: These therapies should only be used as complementary treatments and must not replace standard medical or surgical options for treating carpal tunnel syndrome.

Home Care for Managing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

People with carpal tunnel syndrome can follow these steps to manage associated symptoms at home:

• Use a wrist splint, particularly when sleeping.

• Avoid repeated motions of the hand and wrist.

• Proper positioning of the wrist in everyday actions.

• Do the prescribed exercises for stretching the wrist.

• Use ice packs to alleviate swelling and pain.

• Prevent excessive bending of the wrist.

• Adhere to rehabilitation guidelines post-operatively.

• Maintain your body weight within a normal range.

• Take regular breaks during repetitive hand activities.

• Perform prescribed nerve-gliding exercises.

How Long Does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Take?

The treatment duration for carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the treatment method. The table below highlights the duration for each treatment method:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Side Effects

Some common side effects of carpal tunnel syndrome treatment include:

• Temporary pain or swelling from corticosteroid injections.

• Temporary bruising or soreness at the injection site.

• Temporary weakness or stiffness from surgery.

• Infections, bleeding, or scar formation after surgery.

• Reappearance of symptoms after the treatment in certain individuals.

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Certain lifestyle changes can help improve the quality of life for those living with carpal tunnel syndrome. These include:

• Maintain a healthy body weight.

• Take frequent breaks when doing repetitive hand activities.

• Use ergonomic keyboard and mouse devices.

• Avoid activities that involve bending your wrist for long periods of time.

• Do hand and wrist stretches.

• Manage underlying diseases like diabetes & hypothyroidism, if present.

Triggers That Can Worsen Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome can worsen due to the following triggers:

• Frequent movement or bending of hands and wrists

• Vibration caused by hand-held tools like drills

• Poor posture while working

• Untreated diabetes or hypothyroidism

• Pregnancy-related fluid retention

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Cost

The cost of treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome depends on its severity. Conservative management generally costs less than surgery. The private hospital price for carpal tunnel release surgery is generally between ₹20,000 and ₹80,000, depending on the city. Diagnostic tests like NCS and EMG cost ₹2,000–₹5,000 depending on the healthcare facility.

Does Health Insurance Cover Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in India?

Most comprehensive health insurance plans in India cover the cost of medically necessary hospitalisation and surgery for treating carpal tunnel syndrome after the applicable waiting period. If the policy has OPD cover, then the cost of outpatient consultations, splints, medicines and physiotherapy is- generally covered.

Make sure to check the coverage and policy terms & conditions before buying a mediclaim policy for carpal tunnel syndrome.