Medicines are used to ease swelling in the carpal tunnel. Here are the basics about each of the medicines below. Only common problems with them are listed.
Glucocorticoids- Prednisone
- Prednisolone
- Triamcinolone
- Dexamethasone
- Indomethacin
- Naproxen
- Celecoxib
- Diclofenac
- Etodolac
- Flurbiprofen
- Ketoprofen
- Meloxicam
- Nabumetone
- Oxaprozin
- Sulindac
- Piroxicam
- Diflunisal
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
Prescription Medicines
These medicines can help ease swelling. They can have side effects when taken for a long time. This is why they are often used for a short time.
Common names are:
- Prednisone
- Prednisolone
- Dexamethasone
- Triamcinolone
NSAIDs also help ease swelling. They can be taken for a long time, but they do have side effects. There are many types of NSAIDs. Each is slightly different.
Some common names are:
- Indomethacin
- Naproxen
- Celecoxib
- Diclofenac
- Etodolac
- Flurbiprofen
- Ketoprofen
- Meloxicam
- Nabumetone
- Oxaprozin
- Sulindac
- Piroxicam
- Diflunisal
NSAIDs can cause problems in people who have had an ulcer or gastritis.
References
Carpal tunnel syndrome. American Society for Surgery of the Hand website. Available at: https://handcare.assh.org/Anatomy/Details-Page/ArticleID/27950/Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome. Accessed May 3, 2022.
Carpal tunnel syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/carpal-tunnel-syndrome. Accessed May 3, 2022.
Carpal tunnel syndrome fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/patient-caregiver-education/fact-sheets/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-fact-sheet. Accessed May 3, 2022.
Clinical Practice Guideline on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: https://www.aaos.org/quality/quality-programs/upper-extremity-programs/carpal-tunnel-syndrome. Accessed May 3, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD
- Review Date: 03/2022
- Update Date: 05/03/2022