WRIST BRACES AND SPLINTS: Wrist
braces and splints are not effective in treating carpal
tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injuries, but instead,
wrist braces often increase the symptoms of carpal tunnel
syndrome and repetitive strain injuries, especially if
worn during the daytime. They however can assist if worn
during nighttime only, but are by no means an acceptable
end to your discomfort. These devices are meant to keep
the wrist from dropping into flexion so that the wrist
stays in the straight, neutral position in order to reduce
impingement of the carpal tunnel.
SQUEEZING AND GRIPPING DEVICES: These
products tout themselves as the cure-all for Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome and many types of Repetitive Strain Injuries,
but they exercise and strengthen the flexor muscle group
that is already overdeveloped from performing repetitive
activities that require "closing" of the hand.
Using gripping and squeezing devices duplicate the exact
same motion that caused the muscle imbalance, and will
only continue to increase the strength and rigidity of
the flexor muscles; exacerbating the injury even further.
REST: In some cases, rest can definitely
help reduce or even end the symptoms occurring from a repetitive
strain injury. However, not many people can afford to put
their life on hold while their hands recover, as it can
take up to several months for the symptoms to completely
reside. More importantly, once you return to regular duties
and activities, what is to stop the return of the symptoms?
Rest in nearly 100% of all cases is a very short-term band-aid
to a very serious problem.
SURGERY: Carpal tunnel release is one
of the most common surgical procedures in the United States.
Surgery involves severing the band of tissue around the
wrist to reduce pressure on the median nerve. Although
symptoms may be relieved immediately after surgery, full
recovery from carpal tunnel surgery can take months. Some
patients may have infection, nerve damage, stiffness, and
pain at the scar. The wrist very often loses strength that
can never entirely be rehabilitated because the carpal
ligament is cut. Even after surgery, many patients will
still need to restrict their hobbies, adjust their job
duties or even change their occupation completely.
The average FAILURE RATE for surgery, which is very conservative,
is 57% after following the patient from 1-day to 6-years.
At least one of the symptoms re-occurred during this time.
After 6-years, the onset of at least one of these symptoms
can reach higher than 90%. Most of these individuals will
have surgery more than once, and patients have been known
to have as many as 5-8 surgeries on just one hand! Definitely
not an end to one's misery! |
