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
Article Review: Use of Paper Tape for Scars
Use of Paper Tape for Scars (What is scar tape?) O’Reilly, S, Crofton, E., Brown, J., Strong, J., & Ziviani, J. (2021). Use of tape for the management of hypertrophic scar development: A comprehensive review. Scars, Burns & Healing, 7, 1–17 DOI: 10.1177/20595131211029206 The Skinny The authors looked to do a review of the current literature…
What? I just received an order for suture removal…
How many of us have practiced suture removal in occupational or physical therapy school?? NOT I!! Often, hand surgeons will ask the therapist to remove sutures and sometimes the order will even say “remove sutures when ready” SO NOW WHAT? How to remove continuous sutures? First, we can cover the basics of sutures! There are…
The Influence of Psychological Factors on Outcomes Following Wrist and Hand Injuries: A Systematic Review
The Influence of Psychological Factors on Outcomes Following Wrist and Hand Injuries: A Systematic ReviewArticle: Minnucci, S., Fochi, F., Lerose, E., Scalise, V., & Brindisino, F. (2025). The influence ofpsychological factors on outcomes following wrist and hand musculoskeletal injuries: Asystematic review. Journal of Hand Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jht.2025.10.005 The Skinny:Wrist and hand injuries are common worldwide and…
Functional Home Exercises for Patients with Wrist Instability
Functional Home Exercises for Patients with Wrist Instability Ever wondered what brushing your teeth, dressing, making a U-turn, and playing sports have in common? They all rely on a stable wrist. Wrist stability is crucial for everyday activities, supporting wrist proprioception, coordination, motor control, stability, and mobility (Wietlisbach, 2019). For patients recovering from a wrist…
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.