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
Creating an Action Plan for Addressing Mental Health in the Clinic
Blog By: Rachel Reed As hand therapists, our care for our patients must be driven by the goal of treating the whole person, not just their hand or injury (Hannah, 2011). Occupational therapy is a unique profession in which we are equipped to view our patients through a holistic lens. With this lens, we are…
Increasing Shoulder Range of Motion by improving Scapulohumeral Rhythm
Scapulohumeral rhythm is often the key component when treating shoulder conditions and the reason for the lack of total shoulder range of motion. This may also be a critical component in order to prevent shoulder conditions during rehabilitation of other upper extremity conditions such as distal radius fractures, tendon injuries, and elbow injuries. Scapulohumeral rhythm…
Title: Understanding De Quervain’s Pathology: A Comprehensive Exploration of Special Tests
Understanding De Quervain’s Pathology: A Comprehensive Exploration of Special Tests By: Miranda Materi De Quervain’s and Special Tests De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain and discomfort. These tendons include Abductor Pollicis Longus (APL) and Extensor Pollicis Brevis as they pass through…
Handlebar Palsy also known as Ulnar Nerve Compression
Handlebar Palsy also known as Ulnar Nerve Compression Handlebar palsy, also known as ulnar nerve compression, is a condition commonly experienced by cyclists due to prolonged pressure on the ulnar nerve at the wrist in an area called Guyon’s Canal. This pressure can occur from putting pressure on the handlebars or gripping the handlebars tightly. …
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.