From the Research
NSAIDs are not considered first-line treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, and conservative management including wrist splinting at night, activity modification, and addressing any underlying conditions that may contribute to symptoms is recommended as the initial approach. According to the most recent and highest quality study available, which is from 2021 1, conservative treatment for moderate carpal tunnel syndrome would be a good option, and the final result may be seen 1 year later. For pain relief, simple analgesics like paracetamol are preferred initially. If medication beyond paracetamol is needed, short-term NSAIDs may be considered, but they're not specifically recommended as targeted therapy since carpal tunnel syndrome is primarily a compression neuropathy rather than an inflammatory condition, as supported by a study from 2002 2.
Some key points to consider in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Conservative management is the first-line approach, including wrist splinting at night and activity modification
- Corticosteroid injections into the carpal tunnel can be effective for temporary symptom relief in moderate cases, as suggested by a study from 2003 3
- For persistent or severe symptoms, referral for surgical decompression should be considered, as recommended by a study from 2021 1
- The limited role of NSAIDs reflects the pathophysiology of carpal tunnel syndrome, which involves median nerve compression rather than primary inflammation, making mechanical interventions like splinting more directly relevant to addressing the underlying cause, as discussed in a review from 2022 4.
Overall, the management of carpal tunnel syndrome should prioritize conservative management and address the underlying cause of the condition, rather than relying solely on medication like NSAIDs.