A carpal tunnel injection is a common medical procedure used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. It involves injecting medication, typically a steroid, near the carpal tunnel in the wrist.
Purpose of the Injection
The primary purpose of a carpal tunnel injection is to reduce inflammation and swelling within the carpal tunnel, which in turn relieves pressure on the median nerve. According to research, steroids reduce swelling in the connective tissue in the carpal tunnel, which relieves the pressure on the median nerve. This helps alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers.
How it Works
Here's a breakdown of how a carpal tunnel injection works:
- Reducing Swelling: The injected steroid acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
- Relieving Pressure: By reducing swelling, the space within the carpal tunnel increases, easing the compression on the median nerve.
- Symptom Relief: This decompression of the median nerve leads to a reduction in pain, numbness, and tingling, restoring better function to the hand and wrist.
Example
Imagine the carpal tunnel as a narrow passageway. When the tissues inside swell, they squeeze the median nerve, causing discomfort. The injection delivers medication directly to this area, shrinking the swollen tissues and creating more space for the nerve, thus easing the symptoms.
