Carpal Tunnel Injections

What are carpal tunnel injections?

A carpal tunnel injection diagnoses and/or manages carpal tunnel pain. 

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve –– a nerve that runs from your forearm to your hand –– gets compressed inside the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway between your wrist bones and ligaments. 

Without treatment, carpal tunnel syndrome can affect your hand and wrist mobility and make regular tasks like typing or using a mouse impossible. 

Am I a candidate for carpal tunnel injections?

Consider carpal tunnel injections at the Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine if you have:

• Pain and tingling in your hands or wrists
• Hand weakness
• Swollen fingers that interfere with daily tasks
• Difficulty gripping or grasping objects
• Problems with hand sensation

You might also benefit from treatment if you experience hand or wrist pain that prevents you from getting good sleep.

What does getting carpal tunnel injections involve?

A carpal tunnel injection is a quick procedure that takes 20-30 minutes.

On the day of your procedure, your provider positions your hand on an exam table and cleans and sterilizes the skin over the injection site. Next, they use ultrasound or X-ray-guided imaging to guide the needle to your median nerve. 

Once the needle is in position, your provider administers an injection of pain medication and corticosteroid into your hand and wrist. The medication relieves inflammation and surrounds the median nerve, preventing it from sending pain signals to your brain.

After administering the injection, your provider removes the needle, applies a bandage, and provides recovery instructions. If your hand and wrist pain are severe, you may need a friend or family member to drive you home.

What is recovery like after carpal tunnel injections?

Most people experience immediate pain relief after carpal tunnel injections. You may also experience reduced swelling and increased hand and wrist mobility. Even so, don’t rush back into activity. Take it easy and get plenty of rest for at least 48 hours, following your provider’s instructions. 

Some people need only one carpal tunnel injection, but others need several. Your provider monitors your symptoms at regular checkups, adjusting your treatment plan as needed.

Call the nearest Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine office to schedule a carpal tunnel injection appointment, or book your visit online today.

*Individual results may vary.