Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition caused by pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the wrist.

 

At Bristol Joint Injections, we can assess suspected carpal tunnel syndrome and provide corticosteroid injection when it is an appropriate treatment option.

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What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway at the wrist containing the median nerve and several tendons. When pressure within the tunnel increases, the median nerve can become compressed, resulting in pain, tingling or numbness in the hand.

Clinical symptoms include:​

• Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause:

• Pins and needles or tingling

• Numbness, particularly involving the thumb, index and middle fingers

• Aching or pain in the hand and wrist

• Symptoms that wake you during the night

• Needing to shake your hand to relieve symptoms

• Reduced grip or difficulty holding objects

• Weakness of the thumb in more advanced cases

Symptoms may initially come and go but can become more persistent.

 

Treatment

A corticosteroid injection into the carpal tunnel can reduce inflammation and pressure around the median nerve and may provide relief from symptoms.

 

It is important to understand that a steroid injection is not necessarily a permanent cure for carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms can return, sometimes after weeks or months. An injection may be particularly useful for people with mild-to-moderate or intermittent symptoms when conservative treatment has not provided sufficient relief.

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When might an injection not be appriopriate?

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Injection should not delay appropriate specialist assessment of more severe carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms such as constant numbness, significant weakness or wasting of the muscles at the base of the thumb can indicate more significant nerve compression. If your assessment suggests that injection is not the most appropriate option, we will explain this and advise you about the next steps.

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Medical Resource: 

For further clinical guidelines on Carpal Tunnel, view the official NHS Carpal Tunnel Resource

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