Does Taking an Alpha-lipoic for 40 days after Carpal Tunnel Release decrease the likelihood of developing Pillar Pain?

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. 

pillar pain

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. 

Leave a Comment






More To Read

Scar Wars: Scar Management Techniques

May 27, 2019

We will briefly discuss Scar Management Options and Techniques

Read More

Creating an Action Plan for Addressing Mental Health in the Clinic

September 13, 2020

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…

Read More

Top 5 DIP Flexion Exercises

June 6, 2021

By: Tori Rhodes Lately, we’ve had a handful of patients roll through our clinic with pretty significant limitations to DIP flexion. So, we’ve collected a selection of go-to exercises for these individuals. We’ve included a few of those here.   From cat bites and fracture sites to mallet fingers and skin grafts, many individuals who are…

Read More

Is HEP Just as Good as Therapy for Metacarpal Fracture Rehab?

July 7, 2019

Gülke, J., Leopold, B., Grözinger, D., Drews, B., Paschke, S., & Wachter, N. J. (2018). Postoperative treatment of metacarpal fractures – Classical physical therapy compared with a home exercise program. Journal of Hand Therapy, 31(1), 20-28. The Skinny – Medicine is moving towards a model that encourages less direct intervention and a more DIY focus…

Read More
Envelope_1

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.