Carpal Tunnel Injection
What does a Carpal Tunnel Injection include?
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What areas can an injection help with?
Shoulder
Elbow
Hand
Knee
Foot
Hip
What is Carpal Tunnel?
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the palmar side of the wrist. It contains the median nerve, which controls the sensation and movement of the thumb, first two fingers, and ligaments and tendons that comprise the rest of the tunnel. Anything that causes pressure in the tunnel can pressure the nerve, causing pain and discomfort.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, or median nerve compression, is the increase in pressure on the median nerve, which can result in various symptoms, including altered hand or finger sensations. Usually, this altered sensation occurs primarily in the areas supplied by the median nerve, which are the thumb, index and middle fingers.
In some people, carpal tunnel syndrome can result in the whole hand becoming numb. Other notable symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are pain and weakness in your hand. You may also notice problems opening jar lids and frequently dropping objects. In the more severe spectrum, you may notice wasting of the muscles supplied by the median nerve, usually in the palm towards the base of the thumb.
What problems can an injection help with?
Frozen Shoulder
Shoulder Bursitis
Shoulder Impingement
Acromioclavicular Joint Pain
Tennis Elbow
Golfer’s elbow
Osteoarthritis of the Hip
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Bakers Cyst Aspiration
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Trigger Finger
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Plantar Fasciitis
Morton’s Neuroma
What is a Carpal Tunnel Injection?
Carpal tunnel syndrome has various treatments, including simple ones like wrist stretching and wearing a splint at night to help relieve pressure. However, in some cases, carpal tunnel injections with the aid of ultrasound can also be recommended to reduce discomfort by injecting a small dose of steroid and local anaesthetic medication.
Carpal tunnel injections are recommended when simple measures such as rest and changing activities do not help relieve the symptoms. They have been found to be extremely effective in reducing sweeling and pressure of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel.
Using ultrasound makes the injection more effective. It can confirm the thickening of the nerve in the tunnel and guide the needle to the right spot.
What to Expect During a Carpal Tunnel Injection
No specific preparation is needed before your carpal tunnel injection appointment. However, we recommend bringing any previous x-rays or scans to your appointment.
Once you arrive at our clinic, our specialist will take you into the scanning room. You will be asked to lie on a scanning bed or sit down with your hand on a table in a comfortable position. The specialist will apply a gel over your wrist and take images using ultrasound.
Once carpal tunnel syndrome has been confirmed, the skin around the area will be cleaned with antiseptic fluid. The ultrasound will guide a small needle through your skin directly into your carpal tunnel.
A small amount of steroid and local anaesthetic is then injected, and the needle is removed. The process is relatively quick and painless. The specialist may advise you on how to care for the hand over the next few hours as the treatment kicks in.
FAQ's
How Much is a Carpal Tunnel Injection in London?
Carpal tunnel injection costs in London vary depending on where you get the injection. At the Scan clinic, we provide ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel injections starting at £250.
How Long Does a Carpal Tunnel Injection Take?
The time it takes to get the injection depends on whether you already have a diagnosis or are coming in for the first visit. The full ultrasound scan can take up to 40 minutes. The injection process itself takes no more than 20 minutes because of the preparation, which includes scanning, marking, and cleaning the skin.
Are There Risks of a Carpal Tunnel Injection?
Carpal tunnel injection is a safe procedure with minimal risks. However, some problems can arise, including allergic reactions to the steroid or local anaesthetic, which are uncommon. Allergies to antiseptic liquid, dressings, and band aids can also occur. It’s also possible for the effects of the injection to be short-lived, in which case, your doctor would recommend a different treatment.
There is a very small risk of infection. This is further minimised by ensuring we carry out the procedure in a clean environment and cleaning the skin before administering the injection.
Is the Injection Painful?
Yes, there is some discomfort associated with a carpal tunnel injection. However, using ultrasound guidance ensures quick administration of the injection and allows us to use a smaller needle, reducing the discomfort and pain associated with the procedure.
Can I Get a Carpal Tunnel Injection If I’m Pregnant?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is common during pregnancy due to fluid retention. The injection is safe during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters.
How Long Do the Effects of the Carpal Tunnel Injection Last?
The duration of the injection’s effects varies depending on the severity of the condition. For most people, the injection can provide relief for up to three months, while others report relief up to six months.
What are the potential side effects?
Any procedure carries its own potential risks and side effects and the decision to go ahead must balance these risks with the potential benefits. There may be specific risks specific to you based on your condition/ medical history which will be discussed at your appointment.
To help we have created a patient information page, which outline potential risks and side effects associated with the specific injection that you are booking in for.
Where can I find more information
We have a dedicated page with further information written and approved by our medical experts – click the first button to be taken there and below that there is a convenient link to an NHS page with lots of useful information.
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AI Scan AssistantCarpal Tunnel Injections at The Scan Clinic London
- Ultrasound guided injection of corticosteroids for pain and inflammation.
- For specific areas and/or conditions we can offer Advanced visco-supplementation gel medications to help relieve pain from osteoarthritis/ tendonitis.
- One-to-One Consultation with Advanced Physiotherapist
- Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Scan for One area, there are additional charges for multiple areas – please contact customer care team for more information.
- Diagnostic Report including ultrasound findings and physiotherapist consultation notes