Carpal Tunnel Injections in Gilbert and Mesa, AZ

Overview of Treatment

Several non-surgical treatment options are available for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), including:

  • Wearing a wrist brace or splint
  • Stretching
  • Changing your lifestyle habits
  • Taking pain relievers

Carpal tunnel injections contain powerful anti-inflammatory agents, such as corticosteroids or cortisone. They can be used when previous treatments have not reduced wrist pain. 

If you exhibit signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, schedule an appointment with the Pain Experts of Arizona by calling 480-550-9393. Learn more about the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome here.

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm, becomes compressed at the wrist. This compression typically results from swelling or irritation of the tendons or other tissues.

Common causes include:

  • Repetitive hand movements
  • Wrist anatomy
  • Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or thyroid dysfunction

CTS symptoms usually start gradually and can include:

  • Tingling or numbness in the fingers (especially the thumb, index, and middle fingers)
  • Pain in the wrist or hand, sometimes extending to the arm
  • Weakness in the hand, making it difficult to grasp objects

These symptoms often worsen at night and may be relieved by shaking the hand.

Benefits of Carpal Tunnel Injections

Carpal tunnel injections offer several benefits:

  • Pain Relief: Corticosteroid injections reduce pain by decreasing inflammation around the median nerve.
  • Symptom Management: These injections can relieve symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and weakness. This improves hand function.
A man holding his wrist because of pain from carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Non-Surgical Treatment: For many patients, injections provide a less invasive alternative to surgery. They come with quicker recovery times and fewer risks.
  • Improved Quality of Life: Injections can enhance overall quality of life by allowing patients to resume daily activities and work tasks with less discomfort.
  • Quick Procedure: The injection process is relatively fast, often completed within a short office visit. This minimizes disruptions to daily life.

Procedure

Your procedure will take place in the scanning room. Before the injections, the technician will perform an ultrasound to confirm the presence of carpal tunnel syndrome.

From here, the doctor will sanitize your wrist and inject corticosteroids or cortisone into the median nerve. The steroids will reduce the swelling in the connective tissue and reduce the pressure on the median nerve.

Prior to receiving carpal tunnel injections in Arizona, talk to your doctor about medication, as you may need to stop or reduce certain drugs.

For example, because injections increase the risk of infection, your doctor may ask you to stop taking immunosuppressive medications. If you're taking blood thinners, you might also need to reduce your dosage.

Do not stop or restart your medication until your doctor instructs you to do so.

Recovery

You should rest your hand and wrist for about six hours and reduce its use over the next several days. The anesthetic may cause some numbness in your hand. Because of this, you should not drive yourself home.

Your symptoms may increase over the first few days following your procedure. The corticosteroid does not typically take effect until at least a day later. It may also take up to a week for you to feel significant relief.

A doctor examining a patient’s wrist to determine if carpal tunnel injections are necessary

Risks

This procedure is very safe, but there can be some complications. Potential risks include:

  • Allergic reaction: Reactions to the corticosteroid, local anesthetic, antiseptic liquid, and band-aids are possible but uncommon.
  • Infection: There is a small risk of infection from the injection. Your doctor will minimize this risk by performing the procedure under sterile conditions.
  • Pain: The needle can potentially pass through the nerve. This unlikely scenario can cause severe pain.

The providers at The Pain Experts of Arizona are highly skilled and experienced at administering carpal tunnel injections. They take great care to reduce risks and ensure a smooth procedure.

FAQs

How Long Does the Procedure for Carpal Tunnel Injections Take?

The carpal tunnel injection procedure is relatively quick. It typically takes around 15 to 30 minutes. This includes the time needed for preparation, administering the injection, and a brief observation period to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions.

The injection itself only takes a few minutes. However, your provider may need extra time to discuss the procedure with you, answer questions, and prepare the injection site.

What Should I Do To Prepare for Carpal Tunnel Injections?

Preparing for a carpal tunnel injection involves a few simple steps:

  • Inform your provider of any medications you're taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as some may need to be paused before the injection.
  • Avoid eating a heavy meal before the procedure. A light snack is sufficient.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing to the appointment. This will make it easier to access the injection site. 
  • Ask someone to drive you home afterward. This will be especially beneficial if you experience any numbness or discomfort in your hand.

Why Choose the Pain Experts of Arizona?

At The Pain Experts of Arizona, you are in the care of a highly skilled team led by Dr. Ahdev Kuppusamy, a double board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain specialist.

Dr. Kuppusamy is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for his patients and their families. His diverse team, including medical doctors, chiropractors, and nurse practitioners, brings a comprehensive approach to pain management.

The practice's reputation is reflected in its hundreds of positive reviews, boasting a 4.7 out of 5-star Google rating. Patients consistently highlight the exceptional care and effective treatments they receive, making The Pain Experts of Arizona a trusted choice for those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Are you ready to experience the benefits of carpal tunnel injections in Gilbert and Mesa, AZ? The team at The Pain Experts of Arizona is here to help. Contact us today at 480-550-9393 to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services.

REAL RELIEF IS A CONSULTATION AWAY

Schedule an Appointment Today!

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