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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that happens when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This can cause numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hand. At RAD Clinics, we assess carpal tunnel syndrome carefully and offer ultrasound-guided injection treatment for suitable patients.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the median nerve, which travels through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. When pressure builds inside this space, the nerve becomes irritated or compressed.

This can affect hand function, grip strength, and sleep. Symptoms often begin gradually and may worsen over time if the underlying compression continues.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when pressure increases around the median nerve. Several factors can contribute to this, including:

Repetitive hand or wrist movements
Wrist injuries, such as sprains or fractures
Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
Diabetes or hypothyroidism
Fluid retention during pregnancy or hormonal changes
Swelling within the carpal tunnel

In some patients, symptoms relate to a combination of mechanical strain and underlying health factors.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Symptoms usually affect the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger. Common symptoms include:

Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers
Hand weakness
Pain in the wrist or hand
Discomfort that may travel into the forearm
Difficulty gripping objects
Trouble with fine motor tasks, such as fastening buttons

Symptoms can become more noticeable at night or during activities that involve prolonged wrist position or repetitive use.

Anatomy of the Carpal Tunnel

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage in the wrist formed by the carpal bones and the transverse carpal ligament. The median nerve passes through this tunnel alongside the flexor tendons.

When the tunnel becomes tight or the surrounding tissues swell, pressure on the median nerve increases. That pressure can trigger the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a clinical assessment. At RAD Clinics, this may include:

A review of your symptoms and medical history
Examination of the hand and wrist
Assessment of sensation, strength, and symptom pattern
Provocative tests such as Tinel’s sign or Phalen’s test
Ultrasound imaging where appropriate
Nerve conduction studies when needed

A clear diagnosis helps distinguish carpal tunnel syndrome from other causes of hand pain, numbness, or weakness.

Cortisone Injections for carpal tunnel syndrome

For suitable patients, a cortisone injection can help reduce inflammation and pressure around the median nerve. At RAD Clinics, injections are performed under ultrasound guidance to support accurate placement. This approach is minimally invasive and may help improve pain, tingling, and hand function without surgery.

Benefits of Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injections

Ultrasound guidance helps the clinician see the carpal tunnel structures in real time during the procedure. Potential benefits include:

Accurate placement of the injection
Reduced inflammation around the median nerve
Relief of pain, tingling, and numbness
A non-surgical treatment option for selected patients
A quick and minimally invasive procedure

Injection treatment is not right for every patient. Suitability depends on symptom severity, duration, examination findings, and response to previous treatment.

Is a cortisone injection a cure for carpal tunnel syndrome?

A cortisone injection can reduce inflammation and improve symptoms, but it does not always address every underlying cause of nerve compression. Some patients get meaningful relief, while others may need additional treatment or further investigation.

The best treatment plan depends on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and how long the condition has been present.

What to Expect During the Procedure

An ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel injection usually involves the following steps:

The skin is cleaned and prepared
A local anaesthetic may be used
Ultrasound is used to identify the target area
A fine needle is guided into position
The medication is injected into the selected site
Aftercare advice is provided before discharge

Most patients return to normal daily activity soon afterwards, although short-term activity modification may be advised.

When to Seek Treatment

If you are experiencing persistent symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in your hand or wrist, it may be time to seek treatment. Early intervention can prevent the progression of carpal tunnel syndrome and help avoid more invasive treatments like surgery. We recommend consulting a specialist at RAD Clinics if:

Symptoms are disrupting your daily activities or sleep.
You experience weakness or difficulty gripping objects.
Home remedies such as wrist splints and anti-inflammatory medications have not provided relief.

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DISCLAIMER

We do not accept insurance coverage. If you wish to reimburse your fees, then please kindly check with your insurance provider prior to booking as we cannot be held responsible for any non-payments.