A carpal tunnel injection delivers corticosteroid into the carpal tunnel at the wrist to calm inflammation around the median nerve and ease the numbness, tingling, and hand pain of carpal tunnel syndrome.
OVERVIEW
What a carpal tunnel injection is and how it works
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage on the palm side of your wrist, bordered by the wrist bones and a tough band of connective tissue called the transverse carpal ligament. The median nerve passes through this tunnel along with the flexor tendons that bend your fingers. When the tunnel becomes crowded or the tissue lining the tendons swells, the median nerve is compressed, producing the classic symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
A carpal tunnel injection places a small dose of corticosteroid, often combined with a local anesthetic, into the space within the tunnel near the median nerve. The steroid reduces inflammation and swelling, which can ease pressure on the nerve so symptoms quiet down. Many patients notice improvement within a few days to a couple of weeks. The benefit is usually temporary, and the injection is commonly used as a nonsurgical option to manage symptoms or to help confirm that the median nerve at the wrist is the source of your symptoms before considering other treatment.
CONDITIONS
What a carpal tunnel injection treats
This procedure targets symptoms caused by median-nerve compression at the wrist. Our physicians in Gresham and the greater Portland area may recommend it for:
Commonly treats
It is generally considered when symptoms are mild to moderate, when splinting and activity changes have not given enough relief, or when surgery is not yet appropriate or desired. Your physician will help determine whether it is a good fit for your situation.
YOUR VISIT
What to expect
Before
Your physician reviews your symptoms, exam findings, and any nerve testing to confirm a carpal tunnel injection is appropriate. Tell us about blood thinners, allergies, diabetes, or a possible pregnancy. No general anesthesia is used, so you can typically drive yourself, though some patients prefer to arrange a ride.
During
You sit or lie with your palm up and wrist gently supported. The skin is cleaned and numbed. Using ultrasound guidance to visualize the median nerve and surrounding structures, your physician carefully places the corticosteroid into the carpal tunnel, taking care to direct it around rather than into the nerve. The injection itself usually takes only a few minutes.
After and recovery
The whole appointment is typically brief, and most people return to normal activity the same day. You may feel mild soreness or fullness at the wrist for a day or two; ice and acetaminophen usually help. Local anesthetic can briefly numb the hand. Any steroid benefit tends to build over several days to two weeks. We often recommend continued wrist splinting, especially at night, along with ergonomic adjustments to help protect your progress. Your physician will discuss how long relief may last and whether the injection can be repeated.
QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
How long does relief from a carpal tunnel injection last?
Relief varies from person to person. Some people experience weeks to several months of improvement, while others have a shorter or partial response. Because results are not permanent, the injection is often used to manage symptoms, provide time, or guide decisions about further treatment rather than to cure carpal tunnel syndrome.
Is the injection a substitute for carpal tunnel surgery?
Not necessarily. It is a nonsurgical option that can ease symptoms and, in some cases, delay or reduce the need for surgery. If your symptoms are severe or steadily worsening, or if relief is brief, your physician may discuss surgical release as a more lasting solution.
Does the injection hurt?
Most patients tolerate it well. The skin is numbed first, and you may feel brief pressure or a short ache as the medication is placed. Any soreness afterward is usually mild and short-lived.
RELATED CARE
Explore related treatments
A carpal tunnel injection is part of our joint & soft tissue injections program. Browse all of our services, or learn about related procedures we offer in Gresham and the Portland area:
Small Joint Injection
Targeted relief for arthritis and inflammation in smaller joints, including those of the hand and wrist. Learn more
Tendon Injection
Reduces inflammation around irritated tendons that can accompany wrist and hand overuse. Learn more
Trigger Point Injection
Eases tight, painful muscle knots in the forearm, shoulder, and surrounding areas. Learn more
Helpful diagnostics
To find out whether a carpal tunnel injection is right for you, contact our team or call our Gresham office at (503) 382-8100. Referrals are welcome by fax at (503) 382-8120.