Examples
|
| betamethasone |
| methylprednisolone |
Although corticosteroids come in oral (tablets or
syrup) form, injections (shots) are most commonly used for treating
carpal tunnel syndrome.
Why It Is Used
Corticosteroids are given to relieve
inflammation due to carpal tunnel syndrome when other forms of treatment (such
as rest, using a wrist splint, or using anti-inflammatories) have not helped
relieve pain.
When it should not be used (contraindications)
Some doctors believe that corticosteroids should not be given to
children, nor to women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.
If
infection is suspected, shots are usually not given.
How Well It Works
Short-term oral corticosteroid
treatment has been shown to reduce carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.1 It is not clear how long the effect of the oral
corticosteroids lasts.
Corticosteroid shots have been shown
to reduce carpal tunnel symptoms.1 But although they
often provide temporary relief (for several weeks or more), they do not
typically provide permanent relief from carpal tunnel symptoms.
If
three shots over several months have not helped to relieve pain, more
shots are not likely to help and may cause harm. Even if the shots
help to relieve pain, the number of shots should be limited. Talk to your
doctor about corticosteroid shots.
Side Effects
Corticosteroids (oral or injections)
have serious side effects and must be used with caution. Side effects
include:
- Nausea.
- Anxiety.
- Acne.
- Menstrual
irregularities.
- Insomnia.
- Headaches.
- Mood
swings.
Although they may relieve pain and inflammation,
corticosteroids can also slow healing and weaken tendons and bones (osteopenia or
osteoporosis). Other side effects of corticosteroid
injection include:
- Pain that gets worse after the injection.
Applying ice at home for 15 to 20 minutes after the injection may help reduce
pain.
- Loss of strength and movement in the
tendon.
- Breakdown (degeneration), tearing, or rupture of the
tendon.
- Accidental injury to the
median nerve in the wrist during
injection.
- Scarring of the tendon.
- Skin color
(pigmentation) changes at or near the injection
site.
- Infection.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Other forms of treatment to
relieve pain and inflammation (such as rest, ice, nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatories, and splints) are usually tried before corticosteroids are
used.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Ashworth N (2010). Carpal tunnel syndrome, search date
March 2009. Online version of Clinical Evidence (3).
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | David Pichora, MD, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery |
|---|
| Last Revised | October 21, 2010 |
|---|
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