The Journal of family practice
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Lidocaine patch 5 for carpal tunnel syndrome: how it compares with injections: a pilot study.
A standard treatment option for mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a local injection of anesthetic-corticosteroid, but this can be painful and may cause complications. This pilot clinical trial was designed to compare the safety and efficacy of daily applications of the lidocaine patch 5% to that of a single injection of 0.5 cc lidocaine 1% plus methylprednisolone acetate (Depo-Medrol) 40 mg. ⋯ This pilot trial demonstrated that the lidocaine patch 5% was efficacious in reducing pain associated with CTS and was well tolerated. The lidocaine patch 5% may offer patients with CTS effective, noninvasive treatment for the management of their symptoms. Further controlled trials are warranted.