title: [Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment].
abstract: Carpal tunnel syndrome, the most common peripheral neuropathy, results from compression of the median nerve at the wrist, and is a cause of pain, numbness and tingling in the upper extremities and an increasingly recognized cause of work disability. If carpal tunnel syndrome seems likely, conservative management with splinting should be initiated. Moreover, it has suggested that patients reduce activities at home and work that exacerbate symptoms. Pyridoxine and diuretics, since are largely utilised, are no more effective than placebo in relieving the symptoms. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and orally administered corticosteroids can be effective for short-term management (two to four weeks), but local corticosteroid injection may improve symptoms for a longer period. Injection is especially effective if there is no loss of sensibility or thenar-muscle atrophy and weakness, and if symptoms are intermittent rather than constant. If symptoms are refractory to conservative measures, the option of surgical therapy may be considered.
authors.affiliation: Università Politecnica delle Marche, Dipartimento di Patologia Molecolare e Terapie Innovative, Cattedra di Reumatologia, Jesi (Ancona). rossella.deangelis@asl5.marche.it
authors.forename: Rossella
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: De Angelis
authors.forename: Fausto
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Salaffi
authors.forename: Emilio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Filippucci
authors.forename: Walter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Grassi
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D019090:Case Management; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D011736:Pyridoxine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013165:Splints
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004232:Diuretics; D011736:Pyridoxine