• CONTACT US

Exploring Carpal Tunnel Injections: A Nonsurgical Solution for Relief

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can cause persistent pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and wrist, making it challenging to perform everyday tasks. While surgery is often considered for severe cases, many patients find relief through nonsurgical options. Among these, carpal tunnel injections are becoming popular for managing symptoms effectively. This article explores the role of carpal tunnel syndrome injections, particularly cortisone injections, in reducing pain and inflammation, offering a nonsurgical pathway to comfort and improved function.

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

CTS occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the palm, becomes compressed in the wrist. Symptoms include pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand, sometimes extending up the arm. CTS can result from repetitive hand movements, medical conditions, pregnancy, or genetics. Without treatment, it may worsen, potentially causing permanent nerve damage. Nonsurgical options, such as injections, can offer effective relief.

Corticosteroid Injections for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Corticosteroid injections are a standard nonsurgical treatment for relieving the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. These injections reduce inflammation around the median nerve, which helps alleviate pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and wrist.

Corticosteroids, including cortisone, are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that decrease swelling and provide relief for several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the condition and individual response. While various forms of corticosteroids may be used, all serve the same purpose: to help reduce symptoms and improve hand function without surgery.

The Procedure: What To Expect

An anatomical hand image to help understand carpal tunnel injection. The procedure for carpal tunnel injections is relatively straightforward and typically performed in a clinical setting. They can be done with or without the use of ultrasound for guidance.Here is what you can expect:

  1. Preparation: The skin around the injection site is cleaned, and a local anesthetic may be applied to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
  2. Injection: The orthopedic specialist will carefully insert a small needle into the carpal tunnel, delivering the corticosteroid medication to the area around the median nerve. Patients may feel a slight pinch or pressure, but the process is usually quick and well-tolerated.
  3. Post-injection Care: After the carpal tunnel steroid injection, patients are typically advised to rest their hands briefly and avoid strenuous activity; however, patients may resume activity shortly after the injection. Some may experience temporary soreness or bruising at the injection site, which generally resolves within a few days.

Expected Outcomes and Benefits

Carpal tunnel injections offer several potential benefits as a nonsurgical treatment for carpal tunnel. Many patients experience a significant reduction in pain, tingling, and numbness shortly after the injection, with improvements continuing over the following days.

While the effects of a carpal tunnel cortisone injection can vary from person to person, most people find relief lasting from several weeks to several months. For some, a single injection may provide sufficient relief, while others may require additional injections over time to manage their symptoms effectively. Patients with more severe carpal tunnel syndrome may have less relief from injections.

Potential Side Effects

As with any medical procedure, there are potential side effects associated with carpal tunnel injections. These may include:

  • Temporary Pain or Swelling: Mild pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site may occur but typically resolves within a few days.
  • Infection: Although rare, there is a small risk of infection at the injection site.
  • Nerve Damage: In rare cases, there is a risk of temporary or permanent nerve damage, though this is uncommon when an experienced specialist performs the procedure.
  • Skin Changes: Some patients may experience changes in skin color or thinning around the injection site.
  • Hyperglycemia: Corticosteroid injections can cause elevated blood sugar levels, particularly in individuals with poorly controlled diabetes. It is important for patients with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar closely after the injection and consult their healthcare provider as needed.

Discussing these potential risks with your orthopedic specialist is essential for making an informed decision about your treatment plan.

When Are Carpal Tunnel Injections Appropriate?

Carpal tunnel injections are ideal for those with mild to moderate symptoms not relieved by splinting or anti-inflammatory medications and those who wish to delay or avoid surgery. They can also help patients with conditions that make surgery risky or provide relief while considering other treatments, as well as be used for diagnostic purposes to delineate from other conditions with similar symptoms. Based on your symptoms and medical history, your specialist will determine if this option suits your needs.

How Carpal Tunnel Injections Fit into a Comprehensive Pain Management Plan

At Town Center Orthopaedics, our treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome is comprehensive and personalized. While carpal tunnel injections can offer significant relief, they are often most effective when combined with other nonsurgical treatments. For example, our occupational hand therapy program focuses on therapeutic exercises and techniques to maintain hand strength and function, complementing the effects of a carpal tunnel steroid injection.

Learn More About Carpal Tunnel Injections

If you are struggling with the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, exploring carpal tunnel injections as a nonsurgical option may be the solution you need. Learn more about our pain management services.

Book an appointment with an orthopedic hand and wrist specialist today to discuss your symptoms and determine the best treatment plan. Relief may be closer than you think!

We Are Here To Help

Set up a visit at one of our locations today.

Schedule Appointment
Join our Mailing List

TCO provides patients with orthopedic problems the trusted resources and patient-centered advice they need to “Feel Better. Move Better. Be Better.”