title: Primary care management of carpal tunnel syndrome.
abstract: Carpal tunnel syndrome of mild to moderate severity can often be effectively treated in a primary care environment. Workplace task modification and wrist splints can reduce or defer referral to hospital for surgical decompression. Nerve and tendon gliding exercises may also be of benefit. Steroid injections to the mouth of the carpal tunnel are particularly useful for symptomatic women in the third trimester of pregnancy. However inadvertent neural injection may cause disabling chronic pain. Referral to a minority of practitioners trained in the technique would ensure sufficient patient numbers to maintain skill levels.
authors.affiliation: Pulvertaft Hand Centre, Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, Derby, UK. frank.burke@virgin.net
authors.forename: F D
authors.initials: FD
authors.lastname: Burke
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ellis
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: McKenna
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Bradley
mesh_terms: D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013165:Splints; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy
chemical_list: D013256:Steroids