Carpal tunnel syndrome has affected many people, especially those involved in work or activities that require repetitive movements. You may be one of them.
Fortunately, carpal tunnel steroid injections have proven to be effective for those experiencing the pain and discomfort associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
At NY Neurology Associates, our specialists offer targeted injections to provide long-term relief for those dealing with carpal tunnel. Schedule an appointment today with one of our offices in New York to learn more about our therapeutic procedures to help alleviate your pain!
What Is the Carpal Tunnel?
The carpal tunnel is a narrow area at the base of the hand that serves as a conduit for the median nerve. This nerve provides sensations in the thumb, index and middle fingers, and part of the ring finger.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve entrapment syndrome that occurs when this tunnel becomes irritated, inflamed, or injured, squeezing or compressing the nerve as it passes through the tunnel. It is most commonly associated with repetitive movements that rely on the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the fingers and hands. Over time, it can also affect your grip strength and fine motor skills.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel. As the carpal tunnel is very narrow, any swelling within or around it can put pressure on the median nerve.
The following medical conditions can sometimes cause carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Tendinopathy: Swelling of the tendons
- Synovitis: Swelling and inflammation of the tendon sheaths
- Joint swelling: Swell through sprains, bruising, or fractures
Along with these conditions, there are certain risk factors that can put you at a greater risk of developing this condition. These risk factors include:
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Broken wrists
- Under-active thyroid
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Office-based work
- Manual labor
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome occur when there is pressure on the median nerve. The following are some of the symptoms:
- Pain
- Numbness
- Tingling in the fingers and hands
- Weakened grip
- Loss of fine motor skills
How Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Is Diagnosed
Carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed through a physical examination of the wrist, hand, and lower arm. A neurologist will perform a series of range-of-motion exercises to identify the cause of your symptoms.
Nerve studies and an ultrasound evaluation may also be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. Ultrasounds are helpful since they can provide a clear picture of the interior structures of the wrist.
An ultrasound will show if the median nerve is swollen or whether adjacent tendons or other tissues are putting pressure on or irritating the median nerve. An ultrasound can be performed in less than half an hour and be done in the office with your provider.
How to Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
There are several different non-surgical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome. The precise treatment will be selected according to the severity of the condition. The following list contains some of the treatments:
- Wrist stretching
- Using a wrist splint at night
- Physical therapy
- Tendon and nerve glides (exercises to maintain flexibility and strength in the wrist)
- Anti-inflammatory medications such as oral or topical ibuprofen
- Steroid injection for carpal tunnel
When Might You Need Carpal Tunnel Steroid Injections?
Carpal tunnel steroid injections are a good option for those who have not had much success from conservative treatments. Injections have proven effective in 80% of cases of carpal tunnel syndrome.
You may be required to have multiple injections to fully treat the condition. However, doctors do not recommend having more than three in a year. Injections are performed in the office and take less than a half hour.
First, the steroid injection site is carefully cleansed, and a local anesthetic is used to numb the area. Next, steroid medication is injected into the carpal tunnel space. Once the injection is complete, a small bandage is placed over the injection site.
In the rare case that steroid injections do not work, a surgical procedure called carpal tunnel release may be used. The procedure can relieve pressure in the carpal tunnel. This procedure is usually only recommended in moderate to severe cases.
Get Carpal Tunnel Relief Today!
Our doctors at NY Neurology Associates are dedicated to providing the best treatment for their patients. By understanding your unique situation, we are able to create a treatment plan to help relieve your discomfort.
Schedule an appointment now for pain management at one of our offices in New York. Our skilled professionals know what it takes to help you feel your best again!
