Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Lahore: Expert Solutions for Hand Pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which controls sensations in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, is compressed at the wrist due to pressure. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist, surrounded by bones and ligaments. When inflammation or swelling affects the tendons that pass through this tunnel, it puts pressure on the median nerve, leading to the symptoms associated with CTS.
Common causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include repetitive hand movements, such as typing, assembly line work, or frequent use of tools that strain the wrist. Other factors such as genetics, pregnancy, diabetes, and obesity can also contribute to the development of CTS.
The symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can vary, but the most common signs include: Numbness or tingling : Particularly in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, which may feel like a 'pins and needles' sensation.
: Particularly in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, which may feel like a 'pins and needles' sensation. Pain : Pain may occur in the wrist, hand, or even extend up the arm. It is often more pronounced at night or after prolonged hand use.
: Pain may occur in the wrist, hand, or even extend up the arm. It is often more pronounced at night or after prolonged hand use. Weakness : Weakness in the hand can make it difficult to perform tasks such as holding objects or gripping.
: Weakness in the hand can make it difficult to perform tasks such as holding objects or gripping. Decreased grip strength: Difficulty holding onto small objects or doing tasks that require fine motor skills, such as writing.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to consult a medical professional in Lahore to discuss your treatment options.
Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome requires a detailed medical evaluation. A physician will typically begin with a physical exam, asking about your symptoms and any activities that may have contributed to the condition. They may perform several tests, including: Tinel's Sign Test : Tapping gently on the median nerve at the wrist to see if it elicits a tingling sensation in the fingers.
: Tapping gently on the median nerve at the wrist to see if it elicits a tingling sensation in the fingers. Phalen's Maneuver : Holding the wrists in a flexed position for about a minute to see if it triggers symptoms.
: Holding the wrists in a flexed position for about a minute to see if it triggers symptoms. Nerve Conduction Studies : An electrophysiological test that measures how well the median nerve is conducting electrical signals.
: An electrophysiological test that measures how well the median nerve is conducting electrical signals. Ultrasound or MRI: In some cases, imaging tests may be performed to check for structural issues.
Once diagnosed, a physician will recommend the best treatment plan based on the severity of the condition.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can often be managed effectively with a variety of treatments, from non-invasive methods to more aggressive surgical interventions. Depending on the severity of the condition, the following treatment options are available in Lahore:
Resting the affected hand and wrist is crucial in the initial stages of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Avoiding activities that strain the wrist, such as typing, using a mouse, or lifting heavy objects, can help alleviate symptoms. This simple change can provide relief to some individuals, especially those whose condition is caused by repetitive use.
Wearing a wrist splint is one of the most common non-surgical treatments for CTS. A splint helps to keep the wrist in a neutral position, reducing pressure on the median nerve. This is particularly helpful during sleep when symptoms may worsen. Splints are available in pharmacies and can be customized by specialists for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
Physical therapy is often recommended for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome to strengthen the muscles of the wrist and hand. A physiotherapist will guide you through exercises designed to stretch and strengthen the tendons, muscles, and ligaments, which can alleviate symptoms and prevent further compression of the median nerve.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce swelling around the median nerve, providing temporary relief from symptoms.
For individuals whose CTS is related to their work environment, making ergonomic adjustments can help prevent worsening symptoms. This might include adjusting the height of your desk, using a wrist rest while typing, or using an ergonomic keyboard and mouse. Proper posture while sitting and typing can also play a significant role in reducing strain on the wrist.
In cases where non-surgical treatments do not provide relief, or if the symptoms are severe, surgery may be recommended. There are two main types of surgical treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery is the most common surgical intervention for CTS. The procedure involves cutting the ligament that forms the top of the carpal tunnel, which relieves pressure on the median nerve. The surgery can be performed under local anesthesia and can typically be done on an outpatient basis. Recovery time varies, but many patients experience significant relief within a few weeks.
There are two primary methods of performing Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery: Open Surgery : A small incision is made in the palm of the hand to access the carpal tunnel and release the pressure on the median nerve.
: A small incision is made in the palm of the hand to access the carpal tunnel and release the pressure on the median nerve. Endoscopic Surgery: This minimally invasive technique uses small incisions and a camera to guide the surgeon in releasing the pressure on the nerve.
Post-surgery, patients are typically advised to rest the hand and wrist and avoid strenuous activities. Physical therapy may be recommended to help restore function and strengthen the wrist. While most patients report significant improvement, full recovery can take several months.
Lahore is home to many well-known medical professionals and specialized clinics that provide state-of-the-art care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Seeking treatment in Lahore offers several benefits:
Lahore has a high concentration of skilled orthopedic surgeons, physiotherapists, and neurologists who specialize in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment. These experts are well-versed in the latest techniques and diagnostic tools, ensuring that you receive the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment options.
Medical facilities in Lahore are equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, such as nerve conduction studies, high-resolution ultrasound, and MRI scans, ensuring accurate and timely diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Compared to many other countries, healthcare costs in Lahore are relatively affordable. Patients seeking Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment can often find high-quality care at a fraction of the cost they might pay abroad.
In Lahore, many clinics offer a personalized approach to patient care, tailoring treatment plans to the individual needs of each patient. This approach ensures the best outcomes, as treatment can be customized based on the severity of the condition and the patient's lifestyle.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be a debilitating condition, but with the right treatment, it is highly manageable. Whether you're experiencing mild symptoms or have been suffering for years, seeking treatment in Lahore can provide access to the latest therapies and expert care. Non-surgical treatments, such as rest, splints, physical therapy, and medications, can often provide relief, while surgical options are available for more severe cases. Don't let hand pain disrupt your life — consult a specialist at Orthocenter, an esteemed orthopedic clinic in Lahore, or Dr. Ahmed Shoaib, a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon, for a personalized treatment plan that will help you get back to living pain-free.
TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Wire
6 hours ago
- Business Wire
Lineage Cell Therapeutics Reports Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Provides Business Update
CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (NYSE American and TASE: LCTX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel allogeneic, or 'off the shelf', cell therapies for serious neurological and ophthalmic conditions, today reported its second quarter 2025 financial and operating results and will host a conference call today at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss these results and provide a business update. 'Following the recent positive 36-month clinical data update with the OpRegen RPE cell therapy program, which is licensed by Genentech and Roche, we continue to remain confident in its potential to address a significant medical need, especially because long term clinical outcomes following a single administration of OpRegen cell therapy are challenging the long-held view that GA is an irreversible condition,' stated Brian M. Culley, Lineage CEO. 'It is notable that among patients who received extensive one-time coverage of OpRegen RPE cells across the area of atrophy, anatomical and functional benefits have lasted for at least three years, outcomes consistent with meaningful disease stabilization and even improvement.' 'In addition to supporting our partners in advancing the OpRegen program, we are equally excited to have reached a milestone with our OPC1 program for the treatment of spinal cord injury, treating our first-ever chronic patient with a new parenchymal spinal delivery system. We also solidified our position as a leader in allogeneic cell process development and manufacturing by reporting in-house GMP production for each of two separate cell-based product candidates from a master and working cell bank system which, in its current form, can support a production capability of several million doses for a single-administration product. This is in addition to continuing to advance our ReSonance TM program for the treatment of sensorineural hearing loss and evaluating other strategically selected early-stage initiatives. As our cell therapy platforms gain further validation, we believe our pipeline and cell manufacturing and related expertise continue to position us as a compelling partner and investment opportunity,' added Mr. Culley. Select Business Highlights RG6501 (OpRegen Cell Therapy) Positive RG6501 (OpRegen) Phase 1/2a Clinical Study 36 Month Results featured at Clinical Trials at the Summit (CTS) 2025. 2025 CTS highlights: Gains in Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) in patients in Cohort 4 (less advanced GA) measured at month 12 remain evident through month 36 following subretinal administration of OpRegen cell therapy; Mean change in BCVA among treated eyes for patients (n=10) completing 3-year follow up was +6.2 letters (compared to +5.5 letters at 24 months) (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) assessment); Improvement in BCVA and outer retinal structure in patients with extensive OpRegen bleb coverage of their GA area was greater than in patients with limited coverage and persisted through month 36 Effects were greater on average in the five (5) patients with extensive OpRegen cell therapy coverage of atrophic areas at the time of surgical delivery In these patients' treated eyes, the mean change in BCVA was +9.0 ETDRS letters for those completing 3-year follow-up (compared to +7.4 ETDRS letters at 24 months) (n=5) These data suggest that OpRegen cell therapy may counteract RPE cell dysfunction and loss in GA by providing support to the remaining retinal cells within atrophic areas, and these effects appear durable through at least 36 months after a single administration Ongoing execution of Lineage's contributions to its collaboration with Roche and Genentech across multiple functional areas, including support for the ongoing Phase 2a clinical study (the 'GAlette Study') in patients with geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at sites in the U.S. and Israel. In addition to testing of other surgical parameters, Genentech currently plans to evaluate two proprietary surgical delivery devices that have potential advantages over available off-the-shelf devices in the GAlette Study. Ongoing efforts to further support development of OpRegen RPE cell therapy under a separate services agreement with Genentech, signed May 2024, including: (i) activities to support the ongoing Phase 1/2a study long term follow-up and the currently enrolling Phase 2a GAlette Study; and (ii) additional technical training and materials related to our cell therapy technology platform to support commercial manufacturing strategies. Manufacturing Capability Successfully completed a production run for two different product candidates, each produced from a customized, two-tiered current Good Manufacturing Practice ('cGMP') cell banking system, highlighting the application of the Lineage platform across multiple programs. This production process utilizes a genetically-stable master cell bank created from a single, well-characterized pluripotent cell line, to generate a working cell bank, which then provides the source material for a final cell-based product candidate. This demonstrated cGMP production process should enable the ability to produce millions of doses of a cost-effective, scalable and consistent supply of an allogeneic, cell-based product derived from a single initial cell line, that can be applied across multiple programs. OPC1 First chronic spinal cord injury patient treated in the DOSED (Delivery of Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells for Spinal Cord Injury: Evaluation of a Novel Device) clinical study. First chronic SCI patient treated in DOSED was a neurologically complete SCI injury (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale [AIS] grade A), with a single neurological level of injury (NLI) from levels T1 to T10, and the novel delivery system successfully administered a one-time injection of OPC1. Hosted the 3 rd Annual Spinal Cord Injury Investor Symposium (3 rd SCIIS) in partnership with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. Balance Sheet Highlights Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $42.3 million as of June 30, 2025, is expected to support planned operations into Q1 2027. Second Quarter Operating Results Revenues: Revenue is generated primarily from collaboration revenues, royalties, and other revenues. Total revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2025 were $2.8 million, a net increase of $1.4 million as compared to $1.4 million for the same period in 2024. The increase was primarily driven by more collaboration revenue recognized from deferred revenues under the Roche Agreement, as well as deferred revenues recognized upon termination of the VAC platform-related collaboration agreement. Operating Expenses: Operating expenses are comprised of research and development ('R&D') expenses and general and administrative ('G&A') expenses. Total operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2025 were $22.5 million, an increase of $15.2 million as compared to $7.3 million for the same period in 2024. The overall increase was driven by the $14.8 million expense recognized for the loss on impairment for the intangible asset related to the VAC platform. R&D Expenses: R&D expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2025 were $3.1 million, an increase of $0.2 million as compared to $2.9 million for the same period in 2024. The net increase was primarily driven by ongoing activities within our preclinical programs. G&A Expenses: G&A expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2025 were $4.6 million, an increase of $0.2 million as compared to $4.4 million for the same period in 2024. The net increase was primarily driven by more costs incurred for services provided by third parties. Loss from Operations: Loss from operations for the three months ended June 30, 2025 were $19.8 million, an increase of $13.9 million as compared to $5.9 million for the same period in 2024. This increase in loss was primarily driven by the impairment expense related to the VAC platform of $14.8 million, which is a non-recurring transaction. Other Income/(Expenses): Other income/(expenses) for the three months ended June 30, 2025 reflected other expense of $10.6 million, compared to other income of $0.1 million for the same period in 2024. The net change was primarily attributable to the quarterly fair value remeasurement of the warrant liabilities of $12.7 million primarily due to an increase in our share price as compared to the prior quarter, partially offset by $1.7 million for exchange rate fluctuations related to Lineage's international subsidiaries. Net Loss Attributable to Lineage: The net loss attributable to Lineage for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was $30.5 million, or $0.13 per share (basic and diluted), compared to a net loss of $5.8 million, or $0.03 per share (basic and diluted), for the same period in 2024. The change was primarily driven by the loss on impairment expense related to a 2019 acquisition and the quarterly fair value remeasurement of the warrant liabilities. Conference Call and Webcast Interested parties may access the conference call on August 12, 2025, by dialing (800) 715-9871 from the U.S. and Canada and should request the 'Lineage Cell Therapeutics Call'. A live webcast of the conference call will be available online in the Investors section of Lineage's website. A replay of the webcast will be available on Lineage's website for 30 days and a telephone replay will be available through August 19 th, 2025, by dialing (800) 770-2030 from the U.S. and Canada and entering conference ID number 7788342. About Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. Lineage Cell Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing allogeneic, or 'off the shelf', cell therapies for serious neurological and ophthalmic conditions. Lineage's programs are based on its proprietary cell-based technology platform and associated development and manufacturing capabilities. From this platform, Lineage designs, develops, manufactures, and tests specialized human cells with anatomical and physiological functions similar or identical to cells found naturally in the human body. These cells are created by applying directed differentiation protocols to established, well-characterized, and self-renewing pluripotent cell lines. These protocols generate cells with characteristics associated with specific and desired developmental lineages. Cells derived from such lineages are transplanted into patients in an effort to replace or support cells that are absent or dysfunctional due to degenerative disease, aging, or traumatic injury, and to restore or augment the patient's functional activity. Lineage's neuroscience focused pipeline currently includes: (i) OpRegen cell therapy, a retinal pigment epithelial cell therapy in Phase 2a development under a worldwide collaboration with Roche and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, for the treatment of geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration; (ii) OPC1, an oligodendrocyte progenitor cell therapy in Phase 1/2a development for the treatment of spinal cord injuries; (iii) ReSonance (ANP1), an auditory neuronal progenitor cell therapy for the potential treatment of auditory neuropathy; (iv) PNC1, a photoreceptor neural cell therapy for the potential treatment of vision loss due to photoreceptor dysfunction or damage; and (v) RND1, a novel hypoimmune induced pluripotent stem cell line being developed under a gene editing partnership. For more information, please visit or follow the company on X/Twitter @LineageCell. Forward-Looking Statements Lineage cautions you that all statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained in this press release, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements, can be identified by terms such as 'believe,' 'aim,' 'may,' 'will,' 'estimate,' 'continue,' 'anticipate,' 'design,' 'intend,' 'expect,' 'could,' 'can,' 'plan,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'seek,' 'should,' 'would,' 'contemplate,' 'project,' 'target,' 'suggest,' or the negative version of these words and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to: the potential therapeutic benefits of OpRegen cell therapy in patients with GA secondary to AMD and the significance of the Phase 1/2a clinical study data reported to date; the benefits of our services agreement with Genentech and its impact on advancing the OpRegen cell therapy program; Lineage's ability to produce millions of doses of a cost-effective, and consistent supply of an allogeneic cell, cell-based product derived from a single initial cell line across one or more programs; the plans and expectations with respect to OPC1; the potential continued development of ReSonance (ANP1); Lineage's belief that its pipeline and expertise will position it as a compelling partner and investment opportunity; and that our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities is sufficient to support our planned operations into the first quarter of 2027. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Lineage's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release, including, but not limited to, the following risks: that we may need to allocate our cash to unexpected events and expenses causing us to expend our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities more quickly than expected; that development activities, preclinical activities, and clinical trials of our product candidates may not commence, progress or be completed as expected due to many factors within and outside of our control; that positive findings in early clinical and/or nonclinical studies of a product candidate may not be predictive of success in subsequent clinical and/or nonclinical studies of that candidate; that Roche and Genentech may not successfully advance OpRegen cell therapy or be successful in completing further clinical trials for OpRegen cell therapy and/or obtaining regulatory approval for OpRegen cell therapy in any particular jurisdiction; that competing alternative therapies may adversely impact the commercial potential of OpRegen cell therapy; that OPC1 clinical trials may not be successful; that the ongoing Israeli regional conflict may materially and adversely impact our manufacturing processes, including cell banking and product manufacturing for our cell therapy product candidates, all of which are conducted by our subsidiary in Jerusalem, Israel; that Lineage may not be able to manufacture sufficient clinical quantities of its product candidates in accordance with current good manufacturing practice; and those risks and uncertainties inherent in Lineage's business and other risks discussed in Lineage's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Lineage's forward-looking statements are based upon its current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Further information regarding these and other risks is included under the heading 'Risk Factors' in Lineage's periodic reports with the SEC, including Lineage's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and its other subsequent reports, which are available on the SEC's website at You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they were made. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Lineage undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made except as required by law. December 31, 2024 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 42,271 $ 45,789 Marketable securities 17 2,016 Accounts receivable 256 638 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,300 2,554 Total current assets 43,844 50,997 NONCURRENT ASSETS Property and equipment, net 2,255 2,251 Operating lease right-of-use assets 1,817 2,144 Deposits and other long-term assets 511 614 Goodwill 10,672 10,672 Intangible assets, net 31,700 46,540 TOTAL ASSETS $ 90,799 $ 113,218 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 4,451 $ 5,437 Operating lease liabilities, current portion 998 1,097 Finance lease liabilities, current portion 50 55 Deferred revenues, current portion 5,257 7,388 Total current liabilities 10,756 13,977 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Deferred tax liability 273 273 Deferred revenues, net of current portion 12,751 14,433 Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion 1,058 1,295 Finance lease liabilities, net of current portion 48 67 Warrant liabilities 18,801 6,161 TOTAL LIABILITIES 43,687 36,206 Commitments and contingencies (Note 13) SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Preferred shares, no par value, 2,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 — — Common shares, no par value, 450,000 shares authorized as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024; 228,356 and 220,416 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 490,551 484,722 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (4,098 ) (2,876 ) Accumulated deficit (438,068 ) (403,465 ) Lineage's shareholders' equity 48,385 78,381 Noncontrolling deficit (1,273 ) (1,369 ) Total shareholders' equity 47,112 77,012 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 90,799 $ 113,218 Expand LINEAGE CELL THERAPEUTICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) (UNAUDITED) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 2024 2025 2024 REVENUES: Collaboration revenues $ 2,532 $ 1,098 $ 3,802 $ 2,285 Royalties, license and other revenues 233 310 465 567 Total revenues 2,765 1,408 4,267 2,852 OPERATING EXPENSES: Cost of royalties 39 44 75 142 Research and development 3,106 2,868 6,220 5,878 General and administrative 4,560 4,363 9,417 9,360 Loss on impairment of intangible asset (Note 6 and Note 13) 14,840 — 14,840 — Total operating expenses 22,545 7,275 30,552 15,380 Loss from operations (19,780 ) (5,867 ) (26,285 ) (12,528 ) OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES): Interest income, net 454 463 932 925 Loss on marketable equity securities, net (2 ) (10 ) (7 ) (15 ) Change in fair value of warrant liability (12,740 ) — (10,435 ) — Foreign currency transaction gain (loss), net 1,678 (378 ) 1,447 (732 ) Other income (expense), net 26 19 (159 ) 19 Total other income (expenses) (10,584 ) 94 (8,222 ) 197 Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (100 ) 13 (96 ) 29 Net loss per common share attributable to Lineage basic and diluted $ (0.13 ) $ (0.03 ) $ (0.15 ) $ (0.07 ) Weighted-average common shares used to compute basic and diluted net loss per common share 228,356 188,813 227,212 185,861 Expand LINEAGE CELL THERAPEUTICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (IN THOUSANDS) (UNAUDITED) Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 2024 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net loss attributable to Lineage $ (34,603 ) $ (12,302 ) Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest 96 (29 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss attributable to Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. to net cash used in operating activities: Issuance costs for common stock warrant liabilities 183 — Loss on impairment of intangible asset 14,840 — Loss on marketable equity securities, net 7 15 Accretion of income on marketable debt securities (10 ) (102 ) Depreciation and amortization expense 335 295 Change in right-of-use assets and liabilities (88 ) (20 ) Amortization of intangible assets — 22 Stock-based compensation 2,455 2,432 Change in fair value of warrant liability 10,435 — Foreign currency remeasurement and other loss (1,455 ) 767 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable 381 508 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,271 516 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (459 ) (1,245 ) Deferred revenue (3,813 ) (1,816 ) Net cash used in operating activities (10,425 ) (10,959 ) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from the sale of marketable equity securities — 18 Purchases of marketable debt securities — (8,761 ) Maturities of marketable debt securities 2,000 — Purchase of equipment (111 ) (88 ) Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities 1,889 (8,831 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from employee options exercised — 219 Common shares received and retired for employee taxes paid (15 ) (23 ) Proceeds from sale of common shares under ATM, net of offering costs — 68 Proceeds from sale of common shares under registered direct financing, net of offering costs — 13,889 Proceeds from sale of common shares with warrants under registered direct financing, net of offering costs 5,232 — Payment of financed insurance premium (452 ) — Payment of finance lease liabilities (28 ) (27 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 4,737 14,126 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 220 (158 ) (3,579 ) (5,822 ) CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH: At beginning of the period 46,354 35,992 At end of the period $ 42,775 $ 30,170 Expand
Forbes
21-07-2025
- Forbes
Why Leaders Should View Transportation As A Healthcare Strategy
Miguel McInnis, President/CEO of Coordinated Transportation Solutions (CTS), a non-profit Non-Emergency Medical Transportation provider. From a public health perspective, transportation isn't top of mind when discussing care strategies for good health outcomes—but it should be. When patients miss regular doctor appointments, it can lead to worse health outcomes and higher healthcare costs—particularly for those who depend on Medicare or Medicaid to cover their healthcare expenses. Whether you're a health plan executive, benefits administrator or transportation provider, rethinking transportation can go a long way toward strategically improving compliance, return on investment and, most importantly, the overall public health of a community. The Access Imperative: The Long-Term Cost Of Missed Appointments When patients miss their appointments because they have no way of getting to them, this can have devastating effects on their health over time. Let's imagine a scenario with a patient we'll call Mrs. Jones. If Mrs. Jones isn't getting to her regular appointments to check her HbA1C levels, the consequences could be an exacerbation of her diabetes that will necessitate more serious care. This means Mrs. Jones will be more likely to utilize the emergency room. While Mrs. Jones will get the care she needs at that moment, it will likely be exponentially more (e.g., a co-pay of $1,000 compared to, say, a $30 primary care appointment). Plus, her situation could lead to repeated readmissions. How Leaders Can Help Improve Access Many people are unaware of what the appropriate use of the emergency room (ER) is—and that's understandable. Consumers aren't being told when going to the emergency room is actually inappropriate, so they may think that something like a bad cough warrants a visit to the ER. To help tackle this challenge, there needs to be a concerted effort to educate people on emergency room utilization. Businesses can help. Companies can create employee education to help workers learn how to use their benefits effectively. Likewise, health plans can incorporate a telehealth component into their coverage so when patients can't make it to an appointment in person, they can still get help from their doctor. Also, healthcare professionals can actively dissuade the use of the emergency room as a form of primary care. Together, employers, insurers and physicians can invest in solutions that encourage routine care and decrease no-shows, which can, in turn, reduce the need for high-cost interventions while supporting value-based care. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is a service provided to Medicaid beneficiaries, and this can help ensure that patients are getting the care they need. Unfortunately, this area of compliance can be a minefield. Transportation can, sadly, be rife with fraud, waste and abuse. One option to mitigate this is to use third-party brokers to handle the management of transportation logistics, scheduling and compliance reporting. These are not necessarily health plan providers' area of expertise, so having support available can help them meet regulatory requirements while lifting administrative burden, along with the risk of fraud, from their business operations. To ensure that the patients who need care most are able to access it, health plans can also partner with NEMT organizations to address the transportation-related social determinants of health with those transportation providers that specialize in underserved communities. Finally, supporting philanthropic organizations dedicated to reducing inequity and improving community metrics can help reduce missed appointments, boost disease control and lead to measurable population health benefits by funding project initiatives that incorporate transportation as part of an access to care solution. Why Leaders Should Act Now Reductions in public funding for healthcare could put already marginalized patients at risk of getting even less access to care than they currently have. However, this provides an opportunity for private businesses to lead in building access-driven care models. Filling this gap can lead to reduced emergency room visits and inpatient costs, new value-based care incentives, improved member satisfaction and plan retention and increased employee wellness and productivity. Transportation should not be treated as an afterthought. I believe businesses that make a strategic investment in this area will be ahead of the curve in terms of managing costs, making customers satisfied, increasing the wellness of their workforce and contributing to health equity. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Los Angeles Times
10-07-2025
- Los Angeles Times
Why Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Is More Than Just a Typing Disorder
That buzzing, tingling, or numbness in your hand and fingers—the kind that wakes you up at night or makes it hard to button a shirt—is more than just a minor annoyance. It's your body's warning light. For millions of people, these sensations are the first signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), the most common nerve compression issue worldwide. It's a condition that can significantly impact your work, hobbies, and overall quality of life. The good news? Over the last decade, our understanding of how to diagnose and treat CTS has advanced dramatically. Whether you're just starting to notice symptoms or have been struggling for years, there's a clear path to relief. This guide will walk you through what's happening inside your wrist, bust some common myths, and explain the modern, effective treatments that can get you back to feeling your best. Imagine a narrow tunnel running through your wrist. This isn't a metaphor—it's a real anatomical space called the carpal tunnel. Through this passage run the tendons that flex your fingers and, critically, the median nerve. This nerve is a superstar; it provides sensation to your thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of your ring finger, and it controls the muscles at the base of your thumb [1]. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the space inside this tunnel narrows or the tissues within it swell, putting pressure on the median nerve. Think of it like a garden hose getting kinked. When the flow of water (in this case, nerve signals) is restricted, problems arise. The result is pain, numbness, tingling, and eventually, weakness in your hand and fingers [9]. As detailed in information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, ignoring these signals can lead to permanent nerve damage [5]. Many people believe CTS is caused exclusively by typing on a computer all day. While repetitive hand and wrist movements are certainly a major risk factor, they are only one piece of a much larger puzzle. The development of CTS is often multifactorial. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a combination of personal and occupational factors often contributes. Other significant risk factors include: Blaming your keyboard alone oversimplifies the issue and can prevent you from addressing other underlying factors that are just as important for management and prevention. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first and most critical step toward relief. Your doctor will start by listening to your story—when the symptoms started, what they feel like, and what makes them better or worse. Next comes a physical examination. Your doctor may use a few classic in-office tests to try and reproduce your symptoms: While these tests are helpful, they aren't foolproof [7]. For a definitive diagnosis, your doctor will likely recommend electrodiagnostic studies. These tests, which include nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG), measure how well your median nerve is functioning. They are considered the gold standard for confirming CTS and determining its severity [8]. In some complex cases, an ultrasound or MRI might be used to get a better look at the structures in the wrist [6]. For most mild to moderate cases of CTS, the treatment journey begins with non-surgical, or 'conservative,' approaches. The goal is simple: reduce pressure on the median nerve and allow it to heal. A 2021 study confirms that a few key strategies are highly effective first-line treatments [2]. If your symptoms are severe, if you have muscle weakness, or if conservative treatments haven't provided enough relief, it may be time to consider surgery. The procedure, called a carpal tunnel release (CTR), involves cutting the ligament that forms the 'roof' of the carpal tunnel. This creates more space for the median nerve, instantly relieving the pressure. CTR is one of the most common and successful procedures in medicine. There are two main ways to perform it: Both techniques are highly effective [2]. However, studies suggest that the endoscopic approach often leads to a faster recovery and less immediate postoperative pain, allowing patients to return to their activities sooner [3]. The idea that surgery is a painful, last-ditch effort with a long recovery is largely outdated. For the right patient, it offers a definitive, long-term solution. Ultimately, there's no single 'best' treatment for everyone. The right approach for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms, your overall health, your daily activities, and the results of your diagnostic tests. The most advanced clinical thinking advocates for an individualized plan that combines all this information [8]. Working with your doctor, you can weigh the pros and cons of each option. Some patients find lasting relief with a simple night splint, while for others, surgery is the most direct path to restoring full hand function and ending the sleep-disrupting pain for good. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can feel like a frustrating and persistent intrusion on your life, but you don't have to just live with it. With a better understanding of the condition and a wealth of effective, evidence-based treatments available, relief is within reach. The key is to listen to your body's signals and seek medical guidance early. A proactive approach, guided by a healthcare professional, is your best bet for preventing long-term issues and ensuring a full recovery. For more in-depth patient information, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons provides excellent resources. [1] Genova, A., Dix, O., Saefan, A., Thakur, M., & Hassan, A. (2020). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Review of Literature. Cureus, 12(3), e7333. [2] Kokubo, R., & Kim, K. (2021). No shinkei geka. Neurological surgery, 49(6), 1306–1316. [3] Urits, I., Gress, K., Charipova, K., Orhurhu, V., Kaye, A. D., & Viswanath, O. (2019). Recent Advances in the Understanding and Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: a Comprehensive Review. Current pain and headache reports, 23(10), 70. [4] Zamborsky, R., Kokavec, M., Simko, L., & Bohac, M. (2017). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options. Literature Reviev. Ortopedia, traumatologia, rehabilitacja, 19(1), 1–8. [5] Dua, K., Osterman, A. L., & Abzug, J. M. (2017). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Initial Management and the Treatment of Recalcitrant Patients. Instructional course lectures, 66, 141–152. [6] Bickel K. D. (2010). Carpal tunnel syndrome. The Journal of hand surgery, 35(1), 147–152. [7] Wipperman, J., & Goerl, K. (2016). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Diagnosis and Management. American family physician, 94(12), 993–999. [8] Padua, L., Coraci, D., Erra, C., Pazzaglia, C., Paolasso, I., Loreti, C., Caliandro, P., & Hobson-Webb, L. D. (2016). Carpal tunnel syndrome: clinical features, diagnosis, and management. The Lancet. Neurology, 15(12), 1273–1284. [9] Joshi, A., Patel, K., Mohamed, A., Oak, S., Zhang, M. H., Hsiung, H., Zhang, A., & Patel, U. K. (2022). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Comprehensive Guidelines for Clinical Evaluation and Treatment. Cureus, 14(7), e27053. [10] Ashworth N. L. (2011). Carpal tunnel syndrome. BMJ clinical evidence, 2011, 1114.
