Quesiton about Carpal Tunnel diagnosis

[Bthomas]

Hello,

I’ve been having some symptoms with numbness and tingling in my wrist/forearm for the last couple of months and my family doctor referred me to a Neurologist for an NCV/EMG.  The EMG portion of the exam was ‘normal’ but the NCV showed indications of mild carpal tunnel syndrome…I think this is correct anyway (I can’t remember if the NCV was the shock or the needle part of the exam).

The doctor prescribed a brace that I am to wear at night but nothing else.  

My question is there anything else I should be doing?  I’ve heard of hand stretches/exercises that people do as well as going to physical therapists.  I’ve also done some reading about “Active Release Technique” commonly done by chiropractors.  

I appreciate the help…I just want to be as proactive as possible in doing something about the diagnosis as I’m an active individual and want to make sure I’m covering all my bases here.

Thank you.

-Brian

[Bthomas]

Thank you both very much for you comments, appreciated!

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Wearing a brace or using a wrist splint is important but physiotherapy which includes conservative stretches and exercises also helps in early recovery. Exercises will encourage blood circulation and will help in early recovery. These exercises should be done unde a trained therapist.
It is also important that you take frequent breaks when working on the computer keyboard and avoid bending your wrist all the way up and down.
Also keep your hand warm, avoid cold environments.

Hope this helps!

[moonmaiden]

I'm not a doctor, but I've had the tests you refer to.  The electric test is what I had. I had severe carpal tunnel and surgery on one hand.  Carpal tunnel and did not get surgery on the other.  I wore braces for a long while and they help with fatigue of the wrist/hand.  It has been my finding that I've gone almost 5 years without surgery on my left hand and done fine. Recently I started having occasional problems with holding and grasping objects, especially round ones such as glasses. I'm going for another conduction test, but am not sure if I will have surgery.  Obviously I am considering it, hence getting the test, and because my right hand surgery was very successful.  

Having said that, my surgeon told me that it doesn't matter how long one waits for the surgery, it does not affect the outcome.  I trust him completely. He is the best hand surgeon in our area and he trained at Johns Hopkins.  

Good luck.