Taking Alpha-Lipoic Acid for 40 days after Carpal Tunnel Surgery can decrease the likelihood of developing Pillar Pain.
Filed under Reviews, Treatments
Filippo, B., Granchi, D., Roatti, G., Merlini, L., Sabattini, T., & Baldini, N. (2017). Alpha-lipoic acid after median nerve decompression at the carpal tunnel: A randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Hand Surgery, 4, 236–42.
The Skinny – A double-blind, randomized controlled study was performed. Sixty-four patients were randomly assigned into two groups after median nerve decompression. Thirty-two patients took the alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), while the other 32 received the placebo pill.
In The Weeds – The outcome measures utilized were Boston Carpal Tunnel score, 2-point discrimination, presence or absence of pillar pain, use of analgesics beyond post-op day 2, and sensory and motor conduction velocities. These measures were assessed at three months post-op.
Bringing it Home – ALA did not significantly improve nerve conduction velocity or Boston Carpal Tunnel score. Taking ALA did reduce pillar pain, and static 2-point discrimination improved in both groups.
Taking ALA for 40 days after carpal tunnel surgery can lower the incidence of Pillar Pain. The study size was relatively small, and the outcome measures of pain and two-point discrimination test are somewhat subjective measures. The ALA treatment (pillar pain treatment) was well tolerated by the study participants. A larger study is needed to confirm these findings.
More To Read
Pillar Pain After Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
Pillar Pain After Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery Carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgery is a common procedure, with the majority of patients experiencing satisfaction with its outcomes. However, for some individuals, a temporary complication known as “pillar pain” may arise, affecting approximately 13% of those undergoing CTR. Pillar pain manifests in the thenar eminence and hypothenar…
Exertional (Chronic) Compartment Syndrome of The Hand
By: Tommi Long What is it? Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is an exercise-induced condition affecting the muscles and nerves, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced muscle function due to increased pressure and restricted circulation. While most commonly, it impacts the arms and legs, it is rare to happen in the hand(s). CECS is most…
How to Strengthen the Intrinsics with Puttycise Tools:
How to strengthen the intrinsic with Puttycise tools
Brachial Plexopathy Case Example in Hand Therapy
Brachial Plexopathy Case Example in Hand Therapy (plexopathy examples) One of the recent cases we have seen is a 13-year old with a brachial plexus injury. We are seeing the patient post-surgery for tendon transfers to increase functional use of his left upper extremity (LUE). Before the surgery, he could not extend the wrist and…
Sign-up to Get Updates Straight to Your Inbox!
Sign up with us and we will send you regular blog posts on everything hand therapy, notices every time we upload new videos and tutorials, along with handout, protocols, and other useful information.