Do Carpal Tunnel Injections Really Work?

Carpal tunnel injections deliver corticosteroids into your wrist to reduce swelling and ease pressure on the median nerve.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition caused by the compression of the median nerve in your wrist. It leads to discomfort, numbness, and tingling, which can significantly interfere with daily activities.

Corticosteroid injections contain anti-inflammatory medication. Healthcare professionals commonly use them to treat CTS by reducing swelling and relieving pressure on the median nerve, which can ease symptoms.

Let’s explore corticosteroid injections for CTS, including their success rate and common side effects.

What injections are given for carpal tunnel?

The primary injection for CTS is a corticosteroid injection. These medications reduce inflammation and ease pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway of bones and ligaments at the base of the hand. This helps ease symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling.

Unlike oral steroids, which you take by swallowing, doctors inject corticosteroids directly into the wrist’s carpal tunnel area. This makes them more effective for CTS.

Two methods are used for corticosteroid injections:

• Landmark-guided injection: In landmark-guided injections, the doctor relies on their knowledge of the anatomy and landmarks on the skin to guide the needle to the carpal tunnel area without the aid of imaging technology.
• Ultrasound-guided injection: Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections for CTS involve using sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your wrist. This helps the doctor guide the needle to deliver the medication to the proper part of the carpal tunnel area.

Based on the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire, a 2021 review of eight studies found that ultrasound-guided injection was more effective than landmark-guided injection for improving symptoms and function.

What is the success rate of carpal tunnel injections

People who receive a steroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome tend to experience improvement within 2 to 4 weeks after treatment.

In general, about 75% of people experience symptom relief after getting steroid injections, compared with 30% who don’t have a steroid injection, according to studies cited by the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.

In a 2018 study comparing treatments, a corticosteroid injection was more effective than wearing a night splint. After 6 weeks, it significantly reduced pain and improved function, remaining more cost-effective over 6 months.

What are the side effects of carpal tunnel injections

The injections may cause some mild pain in the hand temporarily, but this usually goes away after a few days.

You may also have a small risk of infection , which can be serious and affect tendons and nerves. But these serious complications are very rare, occurring in fewer than 1 in 1,000 cases .

To prepare for injections, it’s important to discuss any medications you’re taking with your doctor, follow their instructions regarding fasting if necessary, and be prepared for some discomfort during the injection.

Recovery tips for carpal tunnel injections

After receiving a corticosteroid injection for CTS, it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice and recommendations. You can also check out these recovery tips:

• Rest: Avoid strenuous activities that involve your hands and wrists for a few days after the injection.
• Elevation: Elevate your hand and wrist to reduce swelling and promote healing.
• Ice: Apply ice packs to the injection site to reduce pain and swelling. Be sure to wrap the ice pack in a cloth to prevent direct contact with your skin.
• Use of the hand: Try to use your hand and wrist gently for daily activities but avoid overuse or repetitive motions that can aggravate the condition. Your doctor may also recommend stretches or exercises .
• Immobilization: Wearing a wrist splint can support your wrist and keep it in a neutral position to reduce pressure on the median nerve.
• Medication: Your primary healthcare professional may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications to help manage any discomfort.
• Avoid certain activities: Avoid activities that may worsen your symptoms, such as prolonged typing or using vibrating tools or machinery.
• Follow-up: Attend any follow-up appointments scheduled by your healthcare team to monitor your progress and discuss further treatment options if needed.

Takeaway

CTS occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed, leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. Corticosteroid injections, which contain anti-inflammatory medication, are commonly used to treat CTS. These injections help reduce swelling in the carpal tunnel, easing symptoms.

If conservative treatments like wrist splinting or pain medication haven’t reduced your symptoms, consider discussing corticosteroid injections with your healthcare team. Your doctor can evaluate whether this treatment is appropriate for you based on your symptoms and overall health.