Hand — In-Office Procedures
Hand & Wrist Injections
In-office cortisone injections for trigger finger, thumb arthritis, and tendon irritation.
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What it is
A corticosteroid injection places anti-inflammatory medication, usually mixed with a local anesthetic, directly at the source of the problem — a joint, a tendon sheath, or a nerve tunnel. It is used for trigger finger, thumb-base (CMC) arthritis, de Quervain's tendinitis, wrist arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome, both to relieve symptoms and sometimes to help confirm where the pain is coming from. Injections are done in the office and take only a few minutes.
Common symptoms
- Localized hand or wrist pain from arthritis or tendinitis
- Trigger finger catching or locking
- Thumb-base pain with pinching and gripping
- Numbness and tingling from carpal tunnel syndrome
Non-surgical options
- Splinting or bracing the affected area
- Activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Hand therapy for tendinitis and arthritis
The procedure
The skin is cleaned and a small amount of local anesthetic and corticosteroid is injected at the target site, sometimes using ultrasound guidance. The whole visit takes a few minutes and you can drive yourself home.
Recovery timeline
- First 1–2 daysThe area may ache as the anesthetic wears off before the steroid takes effect — a “steroid flare.” Ice and acetaminophen help. Keep the site clean.
- Days 3–7The anti-inflammatory effect builds over several days. People with diabetes may see a short-lived rise in blood sugar.
- Weeks 2–6 and beyondRelief ranges from a few weeks to many months. Repeat injections into the same spot are limited over a year to protect the tendon and nearby tissue. If relief is short-lived, surgery may be the better option.
The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual cases vary. Always consult a qualified clinician about your condition. In an emergency call 911.