Carpal Solution Treatment Notes: Trial Observations on Blood Supply

These Carpal Solution treatment notes explain one clinical observation behind the therapy: a few millimeters of extra space in and around the carpal tunnel can matter for people living with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal Solution Treatment Notes: Why a Few Millimeters Matter

The carpal tunnel is a tight passage where nerves, blood vessels and tendons work in close proximity. When that space is crowded by swelling or trapped inflammation, the median nerve is squeezed and symptoms follow. The Carpal Solution is designed to apply gentle, consistent stretching at night to help open space in that area. You can read more about how the Carpal Solution works and about the common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome.

What Is a Persistent Median Artery?

Before birth, the main blood supply to the hand runs through the median artery, which passes through the carpal tunnel. It is later replaced by the ulnar and radial arteries in most people. In some people the median artery persists and can be larger than average. One study cited in the references below found a persistent median artery in 23 percent of the people studied, so it may be a contributing factor in some cases of carpal tunnel syndrome.

How the Notes Relate to Your Treatment

These Carpal Solution treatment notes are background information, not a diagnosis. Every hand is different, and a doctor can tell you whether a persistent median artery or another condition is involved. For general medical background, see the NINDS fact sheet on carpal tunnel syndrome. If you are starting treatment, use the Carpal Solution as directed and be patient while your body adjusts.

Notes: The main supply of blood to the hand for an early stage fetus in the womb is the median artery which passes through the carpal tunnel. This is followed, in development, by the anterior interosseous, which is finally replaced by early childhood, with the ulnar and radial arteries as the principal blood supply of the hand in the majority of the population.

Some studies suggest that people suffering carpal tunnel syndrome may also have what is known as a persistent median artery.7 -8 The persistent median artery remains unusually large in some people and can be as large as 3 mm in diameter compared to the average found in one study of 1.1 mm. It is the belief of this investigator that a few millimeters of incremental space in and around the carpal tunnel, (where important nerves, vessels and tendons function in close proximity) can be the difference between chronic pain and restful relief leading to active vitality. The above study found that twenty three percent of the population studied had a persistent median artery. A persistent median artery may be a contributing factor in some people suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Keep these Carpal Solution treatment notes in mind as you follow the nightly routine, and talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

References:

1. Gerritsen AA, de Krom MC, Struijs MA, Scholten RJ, de Vet HC, Bouter LM. Conservative treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. J Neurol 2002;249:272-80.
2. Spooner GR, Desai HB, Angel JF, Reeder BA, Donat JR. Using pyridoxine to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Randomized control trial. Can Fam Physician 1993;39:2122-7.
3. Chang MH, Chiang HT, Lee SS, Ger LP, Lo YK. Oral drug of choice in carpal tunnel syndrome. Neurology 1998;51:390-3.
4. Pal B, Mangion P, Hossain MA, Wallace AS, Diffey BL. Should diuretics be prescribed for idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome? Results of a controlled trial. Clin Rehabil 1988;2:299-301.
5. Stransky M, Rubin A, Lava NS, Lazaro RP. Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome with vitamin B6: a double-blind study. South Med J 1989;82:841-2.
6. Herskovitz S, Berger AR, Lipton RB. Low-dose, short-term oral prednisone in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Neurology 1995;45:1923-5.
7. Anthony J. Viera, Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, American Academy of Family Physicians July 15, 2003.
8. Gassner EM, Schocke M, Peer S, Schwabegger A, Jaschke W, Bodner G. Persistent Median Artery In The Carpal Tunnel: Color Doppler Ultrasonographic Findings.
9. Fumiere E, Dugardeyn C, Roquet ME, Delcour C. US Demonstration of a Thrombosed Persistent Median Artery in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.