In plain words
A corticosteroid injection is a shot of an anti-inflammatory medicine placed directly into an area that is swollen and painful, such as the wrist or a tendon sheath. Providers sometimes offer it for symptoms or for pain at the base of the thumb. It can ease symptoms for a period, often weeks to a month or more. It is one option among several, and some providers start with or other steps first. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are considered when the option is discussed. Ask your provider what they would suggest for your symptoms and what the choices are.
The deeper version
Local corticosteroid injection into the carpal tunnel or the first dorsal compartment is a recognized treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome and . Cochrane reviews have found limited evidence that night splinting improves symptoms in the short term, and have found local corticosteroid injection more effective than placebo for about a month, with the benefit declining over time. Systemic effects are generally limited with a single local injection, but injection in pregnancy is considered case by case. Clinicians weigh symptom severity, nerve function on examination, and the presence of other causes. The main controversy is whether injection changes the long-term course or simply relieves symptoms.
Where it comes up
- Numb or tingling hands (carpal tunnel)Pregnancy: Your Body
- Wrist and thumb pain from holding the babyPostpartum: Your Body
What mothers here say about corticosteroid injection
No one has posted under this term yet.
Sources
- Cochrane Library — Splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome: systematic review, 2012
- Cochrane Library — Corticosteroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome: systematic review