Carpal Tunnel Injections in Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, and Scottsdale, AZ

Overview

Carpal tunnel injections are a non-surgical treatment option designed to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), also known as median nerve neuropathy. CTS occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed at the wrist, often due to repetitive hand motions or inflammation in surrounding tissues. At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our experienced pain doctors offer carpal tunnel injections at our clinics in Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, and Scottsdale. This treatment delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area to reduce swelling, relieve pain, and improve mobility.

What Conditions Are Treated with Carpal Tunnel Injections?

Carpal tunnel injections are specifically used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients with CTS often experience:

• Pain in the wrist and palm

• Numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers

• Discomfort that worsens at night or with repetitive hand use

• Difficulty gripping or holding objects

This condition can significantly impact daily life and job performance. Fortunately, injections offer an effective alternative to surgery. A qualified pain specialist at our Arizona pain clinic can evaluate your symptoms and determine if this treatment is right for you.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

Your comfort is our priority. Our team will carefully position you to ensure minimal discomfort throughout the procedure. After cleansing your wrist with a sterile solution, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the skin. The physician then uses a fine needle to inject a combination of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication (such as corticosteroids) directly into the carpal tunnel.

The procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure accuracy and is constantly monitored by one of our experienced pain specialists. Once complete, a small bandage is applied, and you’ll rest briefly at the clinic before heading home.

What Medication Is Injected?

Carpal tunnel injections typically include a local anesthetic such as lidocaine or bupivacaine, often combined with a corticosteroid like cortisone, Kenalog, or dexamethasone. The anesthetic provides immediate relief, while the steroid helps reduce long-term inflammation and nerve compression.

Does the Procedure Hurt?

Most patients tolerate the procedure well. Some may feel a brief burning or pressure sensation during the injection, which fades quickly. Mild soreness in the wrist or palm for a few days afterward is normal. Our pain doctors strive to make each patient as comfortable as possible during the visit.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

The carpal tunnel injection procedure itself takes about 15 minutes. However, patients should expect to be at the clinic for up to an hour to allow time for preparation, observation, and post-procedure instructions.

How Quickly Will I Get Relief?

Patients often notice relief within a day or two. The local anesthetic works immediately, while the steroid may take up to a week to reach full effect. Our clinic will follow up the next day to check on your progress and determine if future injections may be needed.

How Long Can I Expect the Relief to Last?

Relief from a carpal tunnel injection typically lasts 3 to 6 months. Every patient responds differently, and repeat injections may be considered depending on your response and your pain specialist’s recommendation.

How Often Can the Procedure Be Repeated?

In general, this treatment can be safely repeated every 3 to 4 months. Your provider will discuss an individualized plan based on your symptoms and goals.

Can I Have the Injection If I Have Diabetes?

Yes, but diabetic patients should be aware that corticosteroid injections can cause temporary increases in blood sugar. We recommend closely monitoring your levels and coordinating with your primary care physician around the time of the procedure.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects?

Carpal tunnel injections are considered very safe when administered by an experienced pain doctor. Potential risks include:

• Mild pain or soreness at the injection site

• Temporary numbness

• Infection (rare)

• Allergic reaction to medications used

• Bleeding or bruising

• In rare cases, nerve irritation

At The Pain Experts of Arizona, we follow strict safety protocols to minimize these risks.

Pre-Procedure Information

If you have an active infection or are currently taking antibiotics or blood thinners, please notify our staff. In most cases, you can continue taking your prescribed medications as usual. However, if you’re on blood thinners, your pain doctor may coordinate with your primary provider to temporarily pause them prior to the procedure.

Do I Need a Driver?

Yes. Because the injection may cause temporary numbness or discomfort in the hand, we require that someone drives you home.

Can I Eat the Day of the Procedure?

If the injection is performed at one of our clinics in Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, or Scottsdale, we recommend eating a light meal beforehand. If the procedure is scheduled at a surgical center, fasting may be required.

Can I Receive Sedation?

Most patients do not require sedation. However, light oral sedation may be available at your pain specialist’s discretion. Please discuss your preference with us ahead of time.

What If I’m Pregnant?

If there is any chance you might be pregnant, the procedure should be postponed due to potential risks to the fetus from imaging and medications used during the injection.

What Should I Wear?

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the wrist and forearm. You may be asked to change into a gown depending on the treatment setting.

Post-Procedure Information

When Can I Drive?

You may resume driving the day after the procedure unless otherwise instructed.

What Can I Do If I’m Sore?

Use an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Motrin can help manage any lingering discomfort.

What Are My Activity Restrictions?

Light activities can typically resume the same day. Most patients return to work the following day. Physical therapy may be restarted within 24 hours unless otherwise advised.

When Can I Shower?

You may shower the same day as your procedure. However, avoid submerging your hand in water (like swimming or baths) for at least 24 hours. Keep the bandage on for one day.

When Is My Follow-Up?

Our team will schedule a follow-up visit within 2 to 4 weeks after your injection to assess your progress and determine if further treatment is needed.

Why Choose The Pain Experts of Arizona?

At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our double board-certified interventional pain doctor, Dr. Ahdev Kuppusamy, leads a multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing effective, minimally invasive treatments for chronic pain. Whether you’re visiting our pain clinic in Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, or Scottsdale, you’ll receive compassionate, individualized care designed to improve your quality of life.

We are proud to have hundreds of positive reviews from patients who have found lasting relief at our pain clinics. If you’re seeking a trusted pain specialist for carpal tunnel injections in Arizona, our team is here to help.

Schedule a Consultation with an Arizona Pain Specialist Today

If you’re having pain-related difficulty, The Pain Experts of Arizona can help. Our award-winning pain doctors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa specialize in vertebral augmentation and other advanced pain management treatments to restore function and improve your quality of life.

Call us today at 480-950-9393 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward feeling better.

The Pain Experts of Arizona – Your Partners in Pain Relief and Recovery.

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