Does cortisone injection treat carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. Cortisone can reduce local swelling around the nerve, which may lessen tingling, numbness, or night-time discomfort. It does not enlarge the tunnel or correct every cause of pressure. A clinician considers symptom pattern, hand strength, sensation, and sometimes nerve testing before recommending an injection.

Keep the wrist in a neutral position at night if advised, and review activities that involve prolonged bending, forceful gripping, or vibration. Tell your clinician about diabetes, blood-thinning medicine, and any prior wrist treatment. Discuss the likely duration of benefit, what improvement to monitor, and when persistent symptoms should lead to another treatment discussion.

Arrange prompt assessment for worsening hand weakness, dropping objects, or visible thinning at the base of the thumb. Seek urgent care for sudden loss of hand function or symptoms after an injury. Increasing redness, swelling, fever, or severe pain after an injection needs prompt review.

How severe is the nerve compression? Could a night splint help? What signs would mean that an injection has not been enough and another option should be considered?