Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The treatment and management of carpal tunnel syndrome requires that pressure in the carpal tunnel be reduced. There are several ways to do this. As with all health problems, the safest and simplest treatments are tried first. If your carpal tunnel syndrome is due to another treatable condition, such as diabetes or a hormone disorder, that condition may be treated first to see if the carpal tunnel syndrome resolves. To treat carpal tunnel syndrome directly, the options are:

Rest and exercises
Splinting
Medications
Cortisone injections
Surgery

Specific treatment descriptions can be found under the following categories:

Lifestyle changes Medications Surgery Alternative and complementary therapies Other treatments

References

Huisstede BM, Hoogvliet P, Randsdorp MS, et al. Carpal tunnel syndrome. Part I: effectiveness of nonsurgical treatments--a systematic review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2010 Jul;91(7):981-1004.

Huisstede BM, Randsdorp MS, Coert JH, et al. Carpal tunnel syndrome. Part II: effectiveness of surgical treatments--a systematic review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2010;91(7):1005-1024.

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research website. Available at: http://www.mayo.edu/.

National Library of Medicine website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/.

Revision Information

Reviewer: John C. Keel, MD
Review Date: 09/2012
Update Date: 00/92/2012

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.