Joint Injections For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: When Surgery Is The Best Option

Treatment For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Pain and paresthesia of the wrist, hand, or forearm is known as carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs due to the irritation and pressure of the median nerve. The management options for this syndrome include conservative treatments such as injections and surgery. An early diagnosis can treat most carpal tunnel syndrome conservatively.

Taking away symptoms non-surgically

With mild symptoms or uncertainty of the diagnosis, carpal tunnel syndrome is treated conservatively. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, or using a brace or splint can effectively relieve the symptoms. Making adjustments to activities that worsen the condition can be helpful. Specific exercises for the median nerve recommended by the healthcare provider can benefit some patients.

Injecting my joint

Giving injections to the affected area can provide symptomatic relief to many patients. Steroid injections for carpal tunnel syndrome are commonly used for pain relief. Patients at a mild stage receive long-term relief, whereas temporary relief for patients at a moderate or severe stage. Another newly used injection by some doctors is platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) . Studies found that many patients felt an improvement with PRP compared to other types of conservative therapies.

Time to consider surgery

There comes a time when doctors choose to operate the carpal tunnel syndrome for specific reasons. One common reason is when non-surgical treatment options fail to provide symptomatic relief. Patients with symptoms that keep persisting for 6 months or more may require surgical intervention. Weak hands or wrists muscles may require surgery as well.

Carpal tunnel release surgery

The surgery is an outpatient procedure with 2 types of carpal tunnel release surgery. These are open carpal tunnel release and endoscopic carpal tunnel release. Open release surgery requires the wrist to be cut open. Endoscopic release surgery is minimally invasive, where a tiny cut is performed and uses the help of a camera. At the end of the surgery, a splint or bandage is placed.

Outpatient surgery

After the surgery, the patient will be kept under observation for some time. If all goes well, then one can return home the same day. If any abnormality or complications are seen, then the doctor may advise the patient to stay longer for further observation.

Expectations for recovery

Pain after surgery is common and can be relieved with pain medications. The splint or bandage is kept for 1-2 weeks. After 1-2 weeks, the doctor will recommend physical therapy to improve the movement and strength of the surgical area. A complete recovery varies and can take up to a few months.

Fixing the median nerve

If easy conservative treatments advised by the doctor do not work, ask about possible injections. If injections fail too, the doctor may suggest carpal tunnel release surgery. The healthcare specialist will advise on the right treatment but the decision is up to the patient.