Diagnosis and Early Treatment of CTS

To help with your diagnosis, tell the doctor all the symptoms you've noticed. To confirm a CTS problem, you may have certain tests. Depending on the results, your doctor may suggest that you take medication or wear a splint.

Examination

The doctor will want you to describe your symptoms. You may be asked questions like: Do you have any numbness or pain? When do you notice symptoms? During the exam, your hand and wrist will be checked. This may involve holding your hand in certain positions. The doctor may also check the median nerve.

Tests

Your doctor may order tests to confirm CTS and to rule out other problems. The test results can also be used to plan surgery, if needed.

X-rays

Hand or wrist x-rays may reveal a broken bone or arthritis. Either of these could be the cause of your symptoms.

Other Tests

You may also have a nerve conduction test and an electromyogram (EMG). These tests use low levels of electric current to reveal how the nerves and muscles are working.

Medication

At first, your doctor may suggest taking aspirin or ibuprofen. This can help reduce pain and swelling. But if you need to use either of these medications each day, call your doctor. He or she may want you to try a prescription medication, instead.

Cortisone Injection

Cortisone can greatly reduce inflammation. When used to treat CTS, it is given by injection. You may feel some soreness for 24 to 48 hours following the injection. But after that, you're likely to have symptom relief for many weeks.

Splint

Wearing a splint, either at bedtime or during the day, may help reduce your symptoms. A splint works by keeping the wrist in a neutral (straight) position. This prevents extreme movement that may narrow the carpal tunnel. Be sure to use the type of splint suggested by your doctor.

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