Sweet relief for carpal tunnel pain
A SUGAR jab could be a new way to ease the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Researchers from Taiwan believe when the sugary mixture is injected into the hand, it will reduce inflammation and stimulate the tissue to heal.
In a new study, doctors will treat 60 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome with a solution containing water and 5 percent dextrose, a form of sugar derived from corn.
Previous research has suggested dextrose injections can help reduce inflammation in patients with osteoarthritis, and animal studies have shown that the treatment can improve some tissue damage caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.
The condition is very common and occurs when a nerve that runs into the hand becomes trapped or compressed at the wrist as it passes through the carpal tunnel – a narrow passage in the wrist made up of small bones and connective tissue. The nerve that runs through it helps control movement in the fingers and arm.
As the nerve is compressed, it can lead to pain, tingling or numbness in the hand, and limited movement.
In most cases, what causes the nerve to become compressed is unclear, though conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy can raise the risk.
With many treatments the relief is often only temporary. The theory behind the new treatment is that it can help stimulate repair of existing cells and reduce inflammation and pain signals.
– Daily Mail