OSC’s Dr Boyd Haynes Shares His Views on Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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In my last post, I discussed how orthopaedic surgeons diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS. Dr. Boyd Haynes of the Orthopaedic & Spine Center has also given me his insights into his practice and his treatment of patients with CTS. In this blog, we will look into the various treatment options for CTS.
Dr Boyd Haynes Discusses Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Video
So, you have been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome…what next?
All studies show that once you get carpal tunnel syndrome, the symptoms may be managed, but nothing will reverse the condition or cure it, except for surgical intervention. Most people choose to try and manage the symptoms and your Orthopaedic Specialist has a variety of options for doing so. Dr. Boyd Haynes of OSC usually recommends the following course of conservative treatment for his patients:
Anti-inflammatory medications, splints or bracing for the wrist and hand, cortisone injections can all be used to manage the symptoms. The cortisone injections are useful to help in diagnosing confusing questionable symptoms (like someone with Diabetes). It is also helpful in pregnant ladies with reversible carpal tunnel syndrome. After the cortisone injection patients usually exhibit some worsening discomfort for the first 2-4 days and then they get some relief.
Some people may manage their symptoms effectively and despite knowing they may have permanent nerve damage, may choose not to have surgery. The majority of patients will find, however, that their symptoms continue to worsen and they decide that they want to do something to permanently address the problem. That is when surgery is the next step.