The Article in Brief

Carpal tunnel syndrome, which involves pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, can result in numbness, weakness, and pain in the hand or arm. In about half of cases, symptoms go away without treatment. Medications called corticosteroids have been shown to be provide short-term relief for people with carpal tunnel syndrome. Corticosteroids, however, have possible side effects. Surgery can be very effective in treating carpal tunnel syndrome, especially if it is done early in the course of the condition.