Does Taking an Alpha-lipoic for 40 days after Carpal Tunnel Release decrease the likelihood of developing Pillar Pain?
Filed under Uncategorized
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
Splinting vs Stretching after a Stroke to treat Hand Spasticity
Splinting versus Stretching to improve hand function and reduce hand spasticity after stroke Reference: Ahmad Khan, M., & Singh, P. (2018, February). Effect of Hand Splinting versus Stretching Exercises for Reducing Spasticity and Improving Hand Function in Poststroke Hemiplegia: AComparative Interventional Study. Retrieved December 4, 2022, fromhttps://www.ijotonweb.org/article.asp?issn=0445 -7706;year=2018;volume=50;issue=4;spage=125;epage=129;aulast=Khan The Skinny: A comparative study by Khan…
Read MoreIs HEP Just as Good as Therapy for Metacarpal Fracture Rehab?
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 MoreWhen should you use a Static Progressive Splint in Hand Therapy?
Flowers, K. (2002). A proposed decision hierarchy for splinting the stiff joint, with an emphasis on force application parameters. Journal of Hand Therapy, 15, 158–162. The Skinny- The article proposes a decision hierarchy to determine when you should apply a static progressive or dynamic orthosis. The decision hierarchy uses a modified Weeks test (MWT). The…
Read MoreChanges in ROM of the MCP after Trapeziometacarpal Arthrodesis
Rapid Review: Changes in ROM of the MCP after Trapeziometacarpal Arthrodesis Hayashi, M., Kato, H., Komatsu, M., Yamazaki, H., Uchiyama, S., & Takahashi, J. (2021). Changes in the Functional Range of Motion of the Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint After Trapeziometacarpal Arthrodesis for Patients With Advanced Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis. The Journal of hand surgery, S0363-5023(21)00613-4. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.09.018. The Skinny: Several published…
Read MoreSign-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.