if splinting and meds helped, will I still need surgery? - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

dck696 · 05-15-2003, 11:03 AM

I had carpal tunnel release on both hands in 1997. I'm having recurrent symptoms again in right hand (numbness at night, tingly during the day, weak hands and grip). I had am EMG to try to determine if numbness was coming from neck or carpal tunnel, but test showed nothing other than some slowing. He is now having me splint my hands at night, and take an anti-inflammatry for 4 weeks. He said if that helps, then he'll know it is carpal tunnel causing numbness, and not my neck.

After only one week, it has helped tremendously, other than the fact that I don't sleep comfortably with the splints on. One night I forgot to use them, and woke up numb. So I know the conclusion of this test!

Since the splinting and meds help, is the dr. likely to say "keep splinting forever", or since we've confirmed CTS will he give surgery as an option? Any opinions?

Thank you--

lidia09 · 05-16-2003, 12:58 PM

Hi DCK
I've a similar situation in that I had surgery on both wrists about 7 years ago but again have tingling & numbness, also a bit of muscle wasting in my dominant hand. I went back to the doc & was asked if I wanted referred to a surgeon but my own preference is to avoid second surgery. Apparently the resulting scar tissue can be a big problem (several doctors have agreed on that one) so what I'm doing is wearing the splints at night & sometimes for typing. The physio gave me some good exercises involving just an elastic band & the muscle is beginning to build again. I take vitamin b6, also bromelain (natural anti-inflammatory). I was offered cortisone injections into the wrists but have heard they don't have a very lasting effect.
If you check out some of the cts web sites I'm sure I've seen some statistics regarding the success of 2nd surgery. Whatever treatment you get, I hope it helps relieve the symptoms. Best wishes.
Lidia