You might think that the best way to treat carpal tunnel syndrome is to undergo surgery. However, the treatment you should get depends on the condition itself, particularly its severity. You may consider resorting to other ways such as resting, icing, taking over-the-counter medication, stretching, and even attending physical therapy.
While there are common treatments for carpal tunnel, you can also try considering receiving steroid injections. In particular, the approach helps ease the median nerve pressure, which causes pain from the swollen tendon.
Read on to understand what carpal tunnel syndrome is and what happens when you don’t treat it. In this post, you will also learn how steroid injections can manage the condition, as well as the treatment’s benefits and potential side effects.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when a person gets an irritated median nerve that runs down their arm’s length. Due to the discomfort and stress, it results in inflammation that then causes pain.
What Happens If You Don’t Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
You might think that it’s okay for you not to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, probably because you find the pain of the condition tolerable. However, be wary as not treating it can worsen it.
If you don’t handle the syndrome, you might observe a naggy ache which you can temporarily address by shaking your hands or resting for a few hours. However, beware, as it will eventually linger throughout the day and can even haunt you at night where you can’t sleep anymore because of the recurring pain.
While rest can be a relief when managing the pain, it’s not advisable for long-term solutions. Instead, it will help if you consult a doctor for a carpal tunnel treatment that will work well for you.
What to Expect from Steroid Injections for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Not everyone can opt for steroid injections as a treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, so consult with your healthcare provider first.
If your doctor advises you to get it, remember that its results are not always immediate as it usually takes a few days—however, the benefits of taking steroid injections for the condition can last for several weeks. While the treatment can relieve your pain almost entirely, its effects will still depend on various factors and your condition’s severity.
Like other treatments, you should still note that steroid injections can also come with side effects. Generally, you could experience a flare-up at the injection site that you may feel for a day or two after getting treated. Luckily, you can feel relief after taking a rest and applying ice.
The other side effects that you may deal with include skin thinning and weakening tendons, rising blood sugars, infections, and allergic reactions. Seek immediate help from your doctor if the pain you feel is so extreme that you come down with a fever and see redness at the injection site.
Final Thoughts
While there are various treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome, you may consider getting steroid injections to alleviate the pain. They can provide relief that can last for several weeks or months and even treat your condition entirely. However, it’s still crucial to consult your doctor to guarantee there won’t be any issues before receiving one.
If you wish to know more about carpal tunnel syndrome treatment, talk to us today at North Florida Hand and Wrist Center. Our facility is located in Jacksonville, Florida, managed by our expert team, led by Dr. Richard D. Curtis and Dr. Jose Baez. We strive to help our patients find the best care possible and remove the discomfort on your hands and wrists.
