[Closed] Carpal tunnel and steroid injections

Not had them in my wrist but have had them in my shoulder. First 48 hours the pain increases, and I'd advise not to do anything too strenuous for 48 hours. But after that the pain eases. For me though I'd say it hasn't worked. But I'd give one more injection a go before the sub acromial decompression they want to do.

Misses had them a few times and worked very well and worth it to confirm diagnosis, however it usually returns within 4-6 weeks. Other half now had op and it has permanently gone

I can see having the op at some point....

I had them a few years ago, after the first day or so, no problems.

I had the op' a month ago on my left hand which was showing less than half speed on the nerve tests. Within a day I was in less pain than after a few hours on the MTB before the op'. After three weeks the hand was useful for light work again and today I've been playing my guitar comfortably with faster fingers than I've had for years - I finally decided on the op' when I couldn't get through a three-minute song without my fingers grinding to a painful halt.

Don't leave it too long, if you have the op' early enough I can confirm your hand is as good as new after but if you leave it too long the nerve damage can be permanent.

Edit: and thanks to an STW member from the Yorkshire Dales whose positive reports about the 'op on another thread encouraged me to make the decision.

Thanks for that info! I don't get much pain except sometimes when riding but numbness every night that wakes me up and my grip seems weak. I wonder how bad you have to be before they will do the op...

A neurologist did a test which checks speed and intensity along the median nerve. The right hand was/is on the limit of acceptable values so a steroid injection was/is an option or I can live with it, or have an op'. Given the results and time I'd had pain in the left hand he said a steroid injection probably wouldn't help and if I didn't have the op' soon there was a risk the nerve would be permanently damaged.

So, see a neurologist.

Ive had both hands done, 15 years apart. I was advised the injections are largely a waste of time. The op is quick and both times I've been back on a bike/motorbike within 3 weeks.

Check your not going in plaster after.

MrsMC has had the injection. No problems afterwards, lasted about a year before she complained about it again and now two years on she hardly ever resorts to her support. Will probably get worse this summer as she is writing her Masters dissertation.

Not met anyone who has regretted having the operation though. We are trying to avoid that as she only has one properly working hand so having that out of action for a couple of weeks would be an issue.