Tunnel Injections

There are “tunnels” that enclose nerves, especially in the arms, wrists and ankles. When a tunnel becomes inflamed, it can cause pressure on the nerve, causing pain and limiting function. Tunnel injections are one treatment option that can give relief for a few different tunnel syndromes that impact the hands and feet. We offer tunnel injections at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine as one of our many treatment options to give our patients with chronic conditions relief.

There are a few different conditions that can be treated with tunnel injections. These include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome – affecting the wrist and hand
• Cubital tunnel syndrome – affecting the ulnar nerve in the elbow, causing pain and weakness
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome – affecting the tibial nerve in the ankle
• Radial tunnel syndrome – affecting the radial nerve in the tunnel on the outside of the elbow

Each syndrome can cause symptoms of pain, tingling and weakness from impingement on the nerve. By reducing inflammation and pressure in the tunnel, improved function and less pain can be experienced. Tunnel injections offer a conservative treatment option for those with various tunnel syndromes to give them relief without surgery.

Pain Relief for Tunnel Syndromes

Tunnel injections can be performed during an office visit. They provide a quick option for effective pain relief for carpal, cubital, tarsal and radial tunnel syndromes. The injection contains a local anesthetic and an anti-inflammatory steroid that is delivered to the affected tissues in the nerve tunnel. Patients usually experience immediate pain relief due to the local anesthetic. It can take 3-5 days for the steroid medication to begin reducing inflammation for pain relief that can last for several weeks or a few months.

If you have pain, tingling or weakness in your arms, hands or feet that is caused by a tunnel syndrome, tunnel injections may be an option to give you relief. Contact us at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine to schedule a consultation to discuss treatment options for your chronic pain condition.