The Link Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel
Physician treatment
Physicians will usually suggest that patients take pain reducers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to relieve symptoms. Patients may were a splint on the wrist which may help to relieve pressure on the the median nerve and protect the wrist from further damage, especially while the patient is sleeping. These splints, which are relatively affordable, can be found in most drug stores and have been found to relieve the symptoms in mild cases of carpal tunnel.
Another step that a physician might take when treating carpal tunnel syndrome is to inject cortisone into the carpal tunnel. This cortisone injection may reduce symptoms for several weeks or months at a time. The injection may be repeated several times. In the event that an underlying issue, such as underactive thyroid or rheumatoid arthritis is causing the carpal tunnel syndrome, then the underlying issue may become the focus of treatment, while attempting to manage symptoms.
