Overview
The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of paraffin therapy, a physical therapy modality, and ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, the most common entrapment neuropathy. By doing so, the study will evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of these two alternative, low-side-effect treatments for managing this frequently encountered condition.
Description
A total of 46 patients, aged 18-65, diagnosed with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome based on electrophysiological studies, will be included in the study.Pain levels will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and functional impairment will be measured with the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ). Electrophysiological evaluations will be performed by a neurology specialist at the 1st and 3rd month follow-ups outside of working hours and without being billed to the Social Security Institution (SGK). VAS, BCTQ scores, and electrophysiological parameters will be evaluated at baseline, and at the 4th and 12th-week follow-ups post-treatment. Electrophysiological measurements will include median nerve distal motor latency (MMNDL), median nerve distal sensory latency (MNSDL), sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV), compound muscle action potential (CMAP), and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitudes.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Patients aged 18-65.
- Diagnosed with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome based on electrophysiological studies.
- Received either ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection or paraffin therapy.
- Symptoms persisting for at least 3 months.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosis of other conditions causing neuropathic symptoms (e.g., polyneuropathy, brachial plexopathy, thoracic outlet syndrome).
- History of previous injection or surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.