Injections for carpal tunnel syndrome:understanding types, objectives, potential adverse effects, and related details
In case conservative treatments like splints and exercises aren't alleviating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a doctor might suggest an injection to temporarily relieve symptoms, reduce inflammation, and possibly delay surgery.
CTS occurs from inflammation in the wrist tendons that trap the median nerve, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the thumb and several fingers. For early or mild cases, doctors might recommend splinting or specific wrist exercises. However, if these treatments aren't providing relief, injections might be the next step.
There are two types of injections: corticosteroids and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Doctors might use landmarks or an ultrasound to guide the injection. Studies have shown that ultrasound-guided injections are often more effective than landmark-guided ones.
Corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory injectable medications, are commonly used for CTS. Doctors might use cortisone during flare-ups or as a diagnostic tool.
PRP is a serum made from a person's blood that some healthcare professionals prescribe to treat disorders of the muscles and bones. While studies suggest PRP may relieve CTS symptoms, they often provide temporary relief like corticosteroid injections.
Injections work by reducing inflammation and swelling in the carpal tunnel, relieving pressure on the nerve and thus reducing pain, tingling, and numbness. PRP aims to expose the tissue to high volumes of the blood's natural healing factors, promoting repair of damaged or inflamed tissue in the wrist. While PRP injections might be more effective in the long run, a study suggests that steroid injections may be superior.
Doctors might recommend injections when CTS worsens or does not respond to conservative treatments. If you are currently following a CTS treatment plan but not experiencing relief, it's important to consult a doctor about potential injection options or alternative treatments.
Studies have produced varying results on how long injections last, but they typically provide relief for several months. A 2023 review found that corticosteroid injections improved symptoms for up to 3 months while another found they might relieve nighttime numbness and tingling for up to 6 months. However, symptoms may return within a few months, at which point another injection might be necessary.
Most people notice a difference within weeks of corticosteroid injections, making them quicker than a splint, which might take up to 6 weeks. However, they are not effective for everyone and injections do not work for everyone who tries them. In this case, a person can speak with a doctor about surgical options or alternatives such as carpal tunnel release.
Steroid injections may cause side effects like pain, high blood sugar levels, infection, bleeding, numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" feeling. If you take blood thinners, inform your doctor before receiving a CTS injection, as they may require monitoring for bleeding. Nerve damage is rare but can occur during an injection if a doctor catches nearby nerves with the needle.
After a steroid injection, resting for 24 hours and avoiding strenuous exercise using the affected joint might support recovery. Carpal tunnel injections can cause mild to moderate pain but this should improve after a few days. Cortisone shots have a shorter recovery time than carpal tunnel surgery, but their effects do not last as long. Consult your doctor about the most suitable treatment for your symptoms and disease progression.
In conclusion, a doctor might recommend injections if conservative treatments for CTS are not effective. Corticosteroid and PRP injections have distinct mechanisms, benefits, and drawbacks. Corticosteroids provide quick, short-term pain relief but may lead to risks associated with long-term use. PRP injections aim for longer-term tissue repair and regeneration with fewer risks but potentially slower onset of relief. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment option for your individual health needs and goals.
- If conservative treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) aren't providing relief, a doctor might suggest corticosteroid injections as a potential solution to temporarily relieve symptoms, reduce inflammation, and possibly delay surgery.
- PRP injections, using a serum made from a person's blood, may relieve CTS symptoms and aim to expose the tissue to high volumes of the blood's natural healing factors, promoting repair of damaged or inflamed tissue in the wrist.
- A 2023 review found that corticosteroid injections could improve symptoms for up to 3 months, while another study suggested they might relieve nighttime numbness and tingling for up to 6 months, but symptoms may return within a few months, at which point another injection might be necessary.
- After a steroid injection, it's important to rest for 24 hours and avoid strenuous exercise using the affected joint to support recovery. Cortisone shots have a shorter recovery time than carpal tunnel surgery, but their effects do not last as long as PRP injections.
