My doctor wants to inject my wrist with steroids for carpal tunnel syndrome. I’ve heard so many negative things about steroids. Should I do it?

As the old saying goes, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.” In other words, steroid injections have their place. A single injection to the carpal tunnel area can reduce swelling and give relief from symptoms. It may even cure the problem.

Patients who get relief from pain, numbness, and tingling with a steroid injection may be good candidates for surgery. If the symptoms are relieved but return some time later, surgery is likely to have a good result. These are the findings of a recent study at the University of Louisville in Kentucky.

Sometimes, a second steroid injection is needed. This is okay, too. Multiple injections aren’t advised because of the negative effects of steroids.