Surreal illustration of hand with glowing carpal tunnel surrounded by question marks.

Carpal Tunnel Care: Are You Getting the Right Treatment?

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research reveals surprising variations in carpal tunnel syndrome services. Discover what this means for your health and how to ensure you're receiving the best care."

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) affects about 1 in 10 people during their lives, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. This condition can significantly impact daily activities and work, making timely and effective treatment crucial. However, navigating the options for care can be confusing. Are you receiving the most appropriate treatment, or is there a better approach?

Traditionally, treatments range from nonsurgical options like wrist splints and steroid injections to surgical procedures. Recent research indicates a wide variation in how healthcare facilities manage CTS, particularly in nonsurgical services. This variation raises important questions: Are some facilities overusing certain treatments while others are underutilizing them? And how does this affect patient outcomes?

This article explores the findings of a comprehensive study that examined the use of services for CTS patients across a large integrated health care system. By understanding these variations, you can become more informed about your care and advocate for the most effective treatment strategies.

Understanding the Variation in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

Surreal illustration of hand with glowing carpal tunnel surrounded by question marks.

A national study investigated how different facilities within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) treat carpal tunnel syndrome. The study looked at a group of over 72,000 patients diagnosed with CTS in 2013, dividing them into those who received nonsurgical treatment and those who underwent surgery (carpal tunnel release) within 12 months.

The researchers focused on five types of services related to CTS care:

Electrodiagnostic Studies (EDS): Tests that measure the electrical activity of nerves and muscles.
Imaging: X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds.
Steroid Injections: Corticosteroids injected into the carpal tunnel to reduce inflammation.
Oral Steroids: Steroid medications taken by mouth.
Therapeutic Modalities: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and orthotics (splints).

The study revealed significant differences in how these services were used across facilities. For instance, the use of therapeutic modalities ranged from 0% to 93% in the operative group and 1% to 67% in the nonsurgical group. Similarly, the use of EDS varied widely, from 0% to 100% in the operative group and 0% to 55% in the nonsurgical group. This indicates that some facilities heavily rely on certain treatments, while others rarely use them.

What This Means for You

The variation in CTS treatment highlights the importance of advocating for personalized care. Don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider about the reasons behind their treatment recommendations. Understanding the pros and cons of each option can help you make informed decisions that align with your health goals and preferences.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and why should I be concerned about it?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that affects the hand and arm, causing pain, numbness, and tingling. It arises from the compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Understanding CTS is crucial because it significantly impacts daily activities and work. Timely and effective treatment is essential to alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term nerve damage. If left unaddressed, CTS can lead to chronic pain, weakness, and reduced hand function, affecting the ability to perform simple tasks.

What are Electrodiagnostic Studies (EDS), and why are they important in diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Electrodiagnostic Studies (EDS) are tests that measure the electrical activity of nerves and muscles. They are important in diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome because they help determine the extent and location of nerve damage. EDS can confirm the diagnosis of CTS, rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, and guide treatment decisions. The results of EDS can influence whether nonsurgical treatments, like splinting or injections, are sufficient or if surgery (carpal tunnel release) is necessary.

What does it mean that there is a "variation in CTS treatment"? Why is this important?

The study highlights the significant variation in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) treatment methods across different healthcare facilities, especially in nonsurgical services. This means that depending on where you receive care, the treatments recommended can vary widely. This variation is important because it raises questions about the consistency and quality of care. Some facilities may overuse certain treatments, while others may underutilize them, potentially impacting patient outcomes.

What specific types of services were examined in the study regarding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment?

The study specifically examined five types of services related to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) care: Electrodiagnostic Studies (EDS), which measure nerve and muscle activity; Imaging, including X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds; Steroid Injections, which reduce inflammation in the carpal tunnel; Oral Steroids, steroid medications taken by mouth; and Therapeutic Modalities, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and orthotics (splints). The variations in the use of these services suggest a lack of standardized treatment protocols.

How can I make sure I am getting the right treatment for my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

To ensure you receive the best care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), it's important to advocate for personalized care. Ask your healthcare provider about the reasons behind their treatment recommendations and understand the pros and cons of each option. This will help you make informed decisions that align with your health goals and preferences. Seeking a second opinion or consulting with a specialist can provide additional insights and ensure you receive a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan.