Anodyne Therapy is a trade-named type of infrared light therapy approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Therapists use the modality to increase circulation in a specific body area and to reduce pain and inflammation. Some health-care practitioners treat carpal tunnel syndrome with anodyne therapy. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the wrist and sometimes the hand, typically due to overuse.
Anodyne Therapy
Anodyne Therapy may work by directing heat into the affected body area and increasing a local release of nitric oxide, according to the Anodyne Therapy official website. The boost in nitric oxide increases circulation in that specific area, reduces pain and inflammation, helps in the formation of new blood vessels and in the synthesis of collagen. The therapy uses a specific wavelength of near-infrared light energy for best results.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the median nerve in the wrist where the nerve connects with the hand, which is the carpal tunnel area. This nerve allows you to feel and move the thumb side of your hand. When the carpal tunnel becomes irritated and swells, it pinches the nerve, which causes the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. You are more at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome if you perform repetitive motions of your hands and wrists, such as typing, sewing, doing assembly line work, using hand tools or playing the piano or guitar.
Research
The U.S. National Library of Medicine does not show any clinical research on using Anodyne Therapy specifically for carpal tunnel syndrome. Several studies do indicate the treatment is helpful for other types of pain, especially for chronic leg pain due to diabetes or in geriatric patients. Many of the studies combined Anodyne Therapy with additional physical therapy methods such as therapeutic exercise.
Uses
HealthSouth Corporation particularly recommends Anodyne Therapy for patients with numbness or pain in their feet or legs who also have gait or balance problems. Its website notes that the therapy is probably most helpful for patients with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease or chronic wounds. In addition to carpal tunnel syndrome, Anodyne Therapy also has shown benefits for individuals with conditions such as sprains, degenerative disc disease, plantar fascitis, tendonitis, bursitis and osteoarthritis.
