Question
I have RA in both hands and wrists and recently also been told by my doctor that I also have CTS in both wrists. He suggeted using braces for my hands. I find the braces help the CTS but caused my RA in my fingers to act up. Is there any different treatment for CTS that is different from my RA treatments? I am only using the braces at night should they be used during the day while I am at work on the computer?
Answer
Carpal tunnel in RA can be caused by soft tissue inflammation at the wrist compressing on the median nerve. Steroid injection into the wrist or into the carpal tunnel itself can be helpful. Surgical release of the median nerve may provide definitive relief.
