I Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Should I Consider Steroid Injections?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a repetitive strain injury common in people whose jobs require limited but frequently repeated hand motions. CTS results from compression of the median nerve, which serves the thumb and first three fingers. 

Though it also involves tingling and numbness, CTS is known for causing pain and weakness. Metro Anesthesia & Pain Management in West Des Moines and Des Moines, Iowa, specializes in steroid injections, and we often recommend these to our patients suffering from CTS. 

Today, let’s look at the reasons behind CTS and how corticosteroid injections help to relieve pain from this common hand condition. 

The importance of the median nerve

The median nerve plays two key roles, controlling the movement of the thumb and three fingers while providing sensation for these digits. Your fine motor skills depend on the signals the median nerve receives and transmits. 

The nerve runs through the forearm to the hand, passing through a structure called the carpal tunnel, formed by bones and ligament tissue in the wrist and bottom of the palm surface of your hand. 

Typically, the median nerve traverses the carpal tunnel without issue. When the soft tissue in the region becomes inflamed, however, it can press on the nerve and cause CTS symptoms. 

Recognizing CTS

Typically, the symptoms of CTS start mildly and, without treatment, worsen over time. Initial signs of CTS usually include numbness or tingling. Pain tends to arrive later, including occasional electric shock-type sensations.

All fingers except the pinkie may be involved. CTS can affect thumb weakness and grip strength because of sensory changes and reduced muscle control. Symptoms can develop to the point where hand pain interrupts your sleep cycle. 

Should you consider steroid injections for CTS? 

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, treatment usually starts conservatively. Task modification, rest, cold compresses, braces, splints, and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can often control and reverse CTS in its early stages. 

When these aren’t enough to control or eliminate your symptoms, more aggressive nonsurgical treatments are the next step. At this point, we typically recommend steroid injections for CTS. 

What to expect from steroid injection therapy

Corticosteroids provide powerful anti-inflammatory action, and they’re commonly used to treat CTS. When injected into the area around the median nerve, steroids reduce swelling in soft tissue like ligaments and muscles. 

Reduced swelling makes more room for the median nerve, relieving compression. As the nerve returns to normal, your CTS symptoms fade. There’s further recovery time needed, during which we advise you to rest and immobilize your hand as the steroids take effect. 

It’s normal to feel increased pain for a day or two after your treatment, and you can control it with non-prescription pain medication. We provide post-procedure home care instructions. 

Contact Metro Anesthesia & Pain Management at our nearest location when the effects of CTS hit you. The sooner you start treatment, the faster your symptoms resolve, so call or click to plan your visit today.