Here are five things to know:
1. Citing “moderate evidence,” the Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Evidence-Based Clinical Guidelines do not recommend the routine use of MRI imagine for CTS diagnosis.
2. With strong evidence, the guidelines state that thenar atrophy, or diminished thumb muscle mass, is associated with CTS; however, a lack of thenar atrophy is not enough to rule out CTS.
3. The guidelines also recommend not using single results from common tests and maneuvers, and/or medical history and demographic information independently to affirm CTS diagnosis.
4. For CTS treatment, the guidelines recommend splinting, steroids (oral or injection, the use of ketoprofen phonophoresis gel, and/or magnetic therapy.
5. The guidelines recommend surgery, when necessary, to release the transverse carpal ligament to relive symptoms and improve hand function.
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