How effective is cortisone injection for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. Steroid medicine placed in or near the tunnel may reduce swelling around the nerve, easing tingling, numbness, night symptoms, or hand discomfort. It does not permanently enlarge the tunnel or reverse established nerve injury.

The duration of relief varies. A clinician considers symptom pattern, examination findings, hand strength, possible nerve testing, and whether another condition is contributing. A wrist splint, ergonomic changes, activity adjustments, or surgery may be discussed when symptoms persist or nerve function is threatened.

Tell the clinician about diabetes, blood-thinning medicines, allergies, previous wrist injections, and any loss of grip or thumb strength. Use the wrist in a neutral position at night if advised, and reduce activities that repeatedly bend or load it. Track whether numbness, waking, and hand function improve rather than judging the result by pain alone.

Arrange prompt review for worsening constant numbness, dropping objects, thumb weakness, or visible wasting at the base of the thumb. After injection, seek advice for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, fever, or severe pain. Sudden major weakness or a rapidly spreading reaction needs urgent care.

How severe is the nerve compression? Is nerve testing useful? How long should I use a splint or modify work tasks? What signs would make a surgical opinion more appropriate?