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Drug therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you don't get adequate relief from splints or activity modification, your doctor may suggest trying medications to improve your carpal tunnel symptoms.
Corticosteroids
Although a short course of oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may help relieve some of your symptoms, the most effective drug treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is delivered with a needle.
Injecting a corticosteroid, such as cortisone, directly into the carpal tunnel sometimes provides immediate relief from pain, tingling and numbness. In most cases, relief peaks about one month after injection. The length of time an injection is effective varies greatly — from several weeks to more than a year.
You may get renewed relief from a second injection. Most doctors limit the number of injections you can receive to three a year, because of the potential for side effects such as nerve injury and tendon rupture.
Nonsurgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: Pros and cons Physical therapy to treat carpal tunnel syndrome
