The Effect of Night Splinting and Hand Exercise on Reducing the Symptoms in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Medical-Surgical Nursing Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt.

2 Lecturer of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt.

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common peripheral neuropathies. It happens because of a
pressure on the median nerve, which runs the length of the arm, goes through a passage in the wrist
called the carpal tunnel, and ends in the hand. Aim: Determine the effect of night splinting and hand
exercise on reducing the symptoms in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Design: A quasi
experimental research design was utilized. Subjects: A convenience sample of 60 adult patients
admitted to the above-mentioned settings and diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome were recruited
in this study. The present study was conducted at the Rass Al-Teen General Hospital, at Alexandria.
Tools: Two tools were used. Tool I. Socio-demographic and Clinical Data Interview Schedule.
Functional Status and Symptoms Severity in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome assessment
questionnaire. Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire. Results: The majority of patients
were in age group 50-60 year, and female had moderate difficult in functional status before
program, there were a statistical significance difference in hand pain severity and hand pain
description in the period before and after hand exercises program. Conclusion: Patients with carpal
tunnel syndrome who receive night splinting and hand exercise exhibit reducing the symptoms.
Recommendations. Educate patients about necessary hand and finger exercises and neural
mobilization and night splinting stabilization instructions regarding their conditions and self-care
activities using the booklet and illustrated pamphlets for each patient especially those who cannot
read and write

Keywords