NHS Carpal Tunnel Injection | Deeping Surgical

What are Carpal Tunnel Injections?

These are steroid injections and are used to reduce inflammation.

When Should I Have An Injection?

Persistent symptoms unresponsive to rest or medication

Night-time waking due to pain

Pain affecting work or hand use

What is the NHS Criteria for this procedure?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) *No prior approval needed*

CG 003 - Prior Approval Policy

Mild cases with intermittent symptoms causing little or no interference with sleep or activities require no treatment.

Cases with intermittent symptoms which interfere with activities or sleep should first be treated with:

corticosteroid injection(s) (medication injected into the wrist: good evidence for short (8-12 weeks) term effectiveness)

or

night splints (a support which prevents the wrist from moving during the night: not as effective as steroid injections)

Do I have to have an Injection?

The treatment for carpal tunnel depends on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've had them.

Sometimes, mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome get better without treatment.

Your GP may recommend avoiding activities that cause the pain to see if this helps relieve your symptom

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may also be helpful in relieving any pain.

Night splints stop the nerve being compressed when you are asleep which should help relieve pain and tingling in the hand.

What Happens During the Injection?

A small amount of corticosteroid and anaesthetic is injected into the affected tendon sheath or joint space

Procedure takes 10 to 15 minutes

What to Expect Before and After Surgery

Before Surgery:

You will have a consultation with the Surgeon immediately prior to the injection to discuss the procedure, risks and benefits.

A steroid injection is not suitable if you:

have had either COVID 19 in the last 7 days or the vaccination /booster in the last 14 days.
have an infection anywhere in your body.
are due to have surgery in that area within the next 6 months.
have poorly controlled diabetes.

After Surgery:

Avoid heavy hand use for 24-48 hours

Relief can be felt within days

Some patients require more than one injection. However, subsequent injections are often less effective.

What Are the Risks?

Local discomfort or or swelling up to 48 hours after the injection. Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the area for 10 minutes twice a day.
Infection. However, this is rare.
Temporary bleeding or bruising.
Patients with diabetes may notice a temporary increase in blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, monitor your sugar levels for 3 days. If you have concerns, contact your GP Practice.

How Do I Prepare?

Medications: Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you're taking.
Eat and drink as normal
Transportation: You may want to arrange for someone to drive you home after the injection

Patients Asking a doctor Questions _edit

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it last?
A: Relief may last weeks to months. It varies by condition.

Q: Is it painful?

A: Some brief stinging; local anaesthetic is included to minimise pain.

Q: When can I drive again and return to work?

A: This will vary from patient to patient. For office work, most people are comfortable enough to drive and return to work the next day. However, manual jobs may require a few days for the pain and swelling to settle.