Why is this procedure done?
Your median nerve runs from your lower arm into your hand. If this nerve is squeezed at the wrist area, you may feel pain. You may also have weakness, tingling, or numbness in your hand and wrist. Swelling in this area puts pressure on the nerve and causes the signs. This is called carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal tunnel is the small area in your wrist that the median nerve runs through. A tough band of tissues called a ligament holds everything in place over the carpal tunnel. ‚
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a very common health problem. It is most often caused by doing hand or wrist movements over and over. It can also be caused by using the lower arm muscles too much. Doctors often try different treatments. If these do not work, surgery may be needed. ‚
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What will the results be?
A steroid injection into the carpal tunnel may help with pain in the wrist and hand. It may also help with swelling and feelings of numbness or tingling. You may have less weakness or stiffness. You may feel your hand works better after an injection. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to your doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will sit on a chair or lie down on a treatment bed. Your hand will be placed with your palms up while resting on a small rolled towel.
- Your doctor will feel your wrist. The doctor may mark the injection site with a marker. Your wrist will be cleaned with a special soap and the doctor may inject a numbing drug. When your wrist feels numb, your doctor will put a needle deep into your wrist. The steroids will be slowly injected into your wrist and the needle will be taken out. The doctor will cover the area with a bandage and ask you to move your hand and fingers.
- The procedure takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You may not feel the effect of the steroid right away. You may have to wait 1 to 7 days before you feel the effect.
- Your doctor may have you wear a splint to keep your wrist and hand still.
- You may go home right after the procedure.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Rest your wrist and hand. If you have a splint or brace, wearing it will keep your wrist from moving too much.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. You can do this a few times a day to help with pain and swelling.
- Prop your wrist on pillows to help with swelling.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may send you to physical therapy (PT). The PT will teach you exercises to help you get back your strength and motion.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Avoid doing repeat movements with your wrist and hand, if possible. If you have to do repeat movements, take rest breaks often.
- If you sit at a computer, make sure your keyboard, mouse, desk, and chair are in the right positions so you do not put stress on the wrist. Think about using a special mouse and keyboard that are made to protect your wrist and hand.
- If you have an assembly job, try alternating tasks, if possible.
- Avoid holding your wrist and hand in the same position for too long.
- Wearing splints or fingerless compression gloves may help:
- Keep the wrist straight.
- Keep the muscles warm and flexible.
- Prevent swelling.
- Do gentle stretching exercises before doing tough movements with your wrist and hands.
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve injury
- Carpal tunnel syndrome comes back
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, more pain, swelling or redness at the injection site, bleeding, yellowish discharge from the injection site.
- More numbness in your hand
- Grip is weaker
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Where can I learn more?
American Association of Neurological Surgeons ‚
http://www.aans.org/Patient%20Information/Conditions%20and%20Treatments/Carpal%20Tunnel%20Syndrome.aspx ‚
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ‚
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚