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Carpal tunnel syndrome Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, September 2008.

Answers to questions about carpal tunnel syndrome

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

I have carpal tunnel syndrome and I am pregnant. Are steroids safe to use during pregnancy?

Corticosteroids are often prescribed to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. There is no evidence that short-term treatment with corticosteroids will harm your baby. You should tell your doctor if you think you might be pregnant.

Explanation

Medicines called corticosteroids (such as prednisolone and hydrocortisone) are often prescribed to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. It's important to tell your GP if you think you might be pregnant. He or she will discuss potential treatments with you and explain the risks and benefits.

Although some corticosteroids can cross the placenta and enter your baby's bloodstream, there is no evidence that short-term treatment will harm your baby. Often, if you are pregnant and have carpal tunnel syndrome, your symptoms get better once you have had your baby. For this reason, if it's possible that you will need surgery, it's likely be delayed until after you have had your baby.

Sources

  • Joint Formulary Committee, British National Formulary. 54th ed. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2007; 378-379
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome. Fuller DA. eMedicine. www.emedicine.com, accessed 31 March 2008
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I had a steroid injection for my carpal tunnel syndrome. How long will the effects of the injection last? Can I just have another one if this wears off?

About three-quarters of people who have a steroid injection find that their symptoms improve. However, symptoms come back for some people after a few months. You may be able to have repeat injections.

Explanation

It has been shown that about seven out of 10 of people feel their symptoms get better after a single steroid injection but the effects don't last for everybody. Some studies have suggested that about nine out of 10 people will feel their symptoms returning within two years whereas in other studies about half the people treated with steroid injections are still free of symptoms after seven years.

You can only take steroids for a short time because of side-effects. Although this is true for steroid tablets, it doesn't apply to steroid injections. You may be able to have a second or third injection if your symptoms return and the first injection worked for you for a while.

You should see your GP and ask his or her advice if you feel your symptoms are getting worse again.

Further information

Sources

  • Bland JDP. Carpal tunnel syndrome. BMJ 2007; 335:343-346. www.bmj.com
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What is the difference between carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injury?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is just one of a number of disorders that affect the arms and hand. One umbrella term for these disorders is repetitive strain injury (RSI).

Explanation

There are a number of disorders that affect the neck, shoulder, arm and hand - carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the median nerve in the wrist, is just one of these.

RSI is often used as an umbrella term to describe these types of condition, although a more useful and descriptive term is upper limb disorder (ULD), as it's not always repetitive actions that cause them. ULDs are often very painful and can stop you performing daily activities and interfere with your work.

If you think you have carpal tunnel syndrome or a ULD, visit your GP for advice. Also talk to your employer who may be able to advise you about workplace equipment and practices to help your symptoms.

Further information

Sources

  • The MSD programme of work. Health and Safety Executive. www.hse.gov.uk, accessed 31 March 2008
  • Musculoskeletal disorders. European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. http://osha.europa.eu, accessed 31 March 2008
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr W H Simpson, MBBS, General Practitioner, and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: September 2008

 

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