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Carpal Tunnel Injection

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Procedure

Carpal Tunnel Injection

Definition

A carpal tunnel injection delivers corticosteroid medicine into the carpel tunnel in the wrist.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

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Reasons for Procedure

The injection is done to ease pain and swelling in people with carpal tunnel syndrome. This is when the carpal tunnel is not wide enough and squeezes the median nerve that runs inside of it.

The injection may ease symptoms for 3 months or longer.

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, and all procedures have risk. Some problems may be:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Injury to the carpal tunnel

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, more pain, bleeding, or any discharge from the injection site
  • Pain that you cannot control with medicine
  • New or worsening symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Prior to Procedure

Talk to your doctor about the medicines, herbs, and supplements you take. Tell the doctor if you have any allergies.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Clinical Practice Guideline on the Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. AAOS 2016 Feb PDF.
  • Carpal tunnel steroid injection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/carpal-tunnel-syndrome.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/carpal-tunnel-syndrome.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet.

Contributors

  • Teresa Briedwell, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
Last Updated:
2023-03-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.