Treating CTS With Plasma
Symptoms such as pain, paresthesia, and weakness of the hand and wrist most likely mean carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is at play. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. The condition is usually managed conservatively with splinting and over-the-counter (OTC) medication or with surgery. However, some healthcare providers are now exploring other options, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?
There is no known cause of carpal tunnel syndrome, but some factors put a person at risk. Women are more affected by this condition than men. Repetitive movements of the hands, such as typing and specific sports activities that require constant grasping, are some contributing factors. Hormonal changes, family history, and type 2 diabetes are also possible risk factors.
Getting rid of symptoms
Over the years, doctors have treated carpal tunnel syndrome with either a conservative or surgical approach. The management is decided based on the patient’s symptom severity. Medical treatment involves wearing a wrist splint, OTC anti-inflammatory medications, and steroid injections. Sometimes making changes to the work environment can help. Heat therapy and exercises have been shown to improve the condition as well. Surgery is reserved for people who fail conservative treatment or for more severe CTS cases.
An innovative solution
Scientists and researchers are always looking for different ways to help improve symptoms for various medical conditions. With carpal tunnel syndrome, research has shown that patients find relief with platelet-rich plasma treatment. When compared with non-surgical treatments, many patients found PRP more effective. PRP was also reported to improve symptoms such as pain and swelling and help restore wrist function.
What is PRP exactly?
Found in the blood, platelets consist of growth factors that have a crucial role in treating injuries. PRP is prepared by withdrawing the patient’s blood and then segregating the platelets from the rest of the constituents using a centrifuge. After the platelets are concentrated, the PRP is injected into the affected area. For CTS, the platelets are injected into the wrist to accelerate healing. The effectiveness of PRP treatment is based on many factors, including the severity of the injury and the patient’s overall health.
Side effects of PRP
Most patients tolerate the injection well. However, PRP can have side effects such as soreness, pain, and bruising at the injection site. Rare risks include infection, bleeding, and injuring nerves or tissues. More research is needed to study the long-term effects of PRP treatment.
Deciding on plasma injections
Although conservative treatments can often help with carpel tunnel pain, PRP can be an excellent option to consider before moving forward with surgery. If considering plasma treatment, speak to the healthcare provider about the effectiveness, risks, and benefits of treatment. A simple injection may be just what is needed to eliminate wrist pain for good.
