Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the reasons for labor abandonment due to inability and
pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of
gabapentin and exercise training in the treatment of CTS and compare their effects. This single-blind clinical trial was conducted on patients referred to the Imam Hossein hospital's electrodiagnostic (EDX) unit. The patients randomly assigned into four groups: using nocturnal
splint as an approved treatment in the control group; taking 300-mg
gabapentin per night and using nocturnal
splint; nerve and tendon gliding exercises and using nocturnal
splint; and taking 300-mg
gabapentin per night, performing same exercise as group 3 and using nocturnal
splint. At baseline, four indicators were assessed in all patients, including the Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire, visual analogue scale (VAS), pinch and grip strength of the affected hand. One month after the beginning of intervention, participants were reassessed and compared for each of the four indicators. Using nocturnal
splint along with exercise and
gabapentin significantly improved VAS, pinch and grip strength in moderate CTS compared to control group that only used nocturnal
splint. However in mild CTS, grip strength was not significantly higher compared to control group (P=0.048). Results of this study showed that use of
splint alone in mild CTS is an appropriate and sufficient treatment; however, in moderate CTS, receiving
gabapentin along with exercise and splinting showed better treatment results compared to splinting alone.