Relief for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Dec 2, 2002 2:49 pm US/Eastern - www.cbsnewyork.com - Ten years ago, Gerard Fraioli built his house with his own 2 hands, something he could never do today.

After nearly 3 decades of working as a computer programmer, he now suffers with carpal tunnel syndrome, "As I was typing, fingers were getting stiff, hands were getting numb."

Even after 4 carpal tunnel surgeries, Gerard still had debilitating pain. The only thing that he says gave him relief was a laser treatment. CBS 2’s Dr. Mike Rosen has the story.

The laser device, recently approved by the F.D.A., emits light which targets pain fibers in the wrist and hand, it could be the answer for millions of people suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.

This is a condition caused by too much pressure on the median nerve which runs into the wrist, hand and fingers through an opening called the carpal tunnel. Repetitive wrist motion is usually the culprit.

Some of the first symptoms of carpal tunnel are numbness, pain and weakness in the wrist and hand. Traditionally, its been treated with splints, anti-inflammatory medications or surgery. Now the light has been proven to provide temporary relief of the discomfort caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.

“It’s a red light you can't feel it, it doesn't heat, this is the only way you know it's on, it's an audible sound,” says Dr. Michael Weintraub.

But Dr. Weintraub says for many patients the benefits are long lasting, which is why he believes all patients thinking about surgery should try the laser before going under the knife.

"Light energy gets absorbed by tissue and is converted to chemical energy, it can stimulate nerves, it can stimulate muscles and soft tissue," adds Dr. Weintraub

Light, we know it can be harnessed to create heat, to burn and cut tissues, and now we're seeing more and more evidence it can alter the function of nerves, and decrease the transmission of pain impulses.

The compression of carpal tunnel acts to slow down nerve transmission. Weintrab says that after four to six treatments patients should see an improvement.

Sue Wolert also developed carpal tunnel syndrome during her pregnancy. After giving birth, carrying her 4-month-old twins was excruciating, "Pain a lot of pain, numbness and tingling."

But now Sue can carry her babies with no pain and she says it was the laser light that brought her relief.

"It eased up a lot of the pain I was feeling," says Sue.

The verdict is still out on the laser's long-term effectiveness.

Hand surgeon Dr. Mark Pruzanksy of Mount Sinai, cautions patients not to think the laser can permanently zap away their pain, "There's no evidence that it's a panacea for carpal tunnel."

Gerard says he has no doubts that it was this laser light which took away his pain, "Unbelievable relief! It was a god send."

Treatments cost $133.00 each, and Dr. Weintraub advises many patients who have been successfully treated with the laser to change their activities and limit repetitive wrist and hand motion, so that the pain doesn't come back.

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