Overview
Carpal tunnel syndrome, often shortened to carpal tunnel, is a common condition that affects the wrist and hand, often causing pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. Repetitive movement, inflammation, or underlying health conditions can all cause it. Treatments include a wrist support (or splint), exercises, or surgery.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist made up of bones and ligaments. It protects the median nerve, which helps control sensation and movement in your thumb and first three fingers.
Carpal tunnel happens when this tunnel becomes narrowed or the surrounding tissues become inflamed, placing pressure on the nerve. It can affect anyone, especially those who use their hands frequently for work or hobbies that involve repeated wrist movement.
What Are The Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Symptoms of carpal tunnel can vary in intensity and may come and go. Common signs include:
- Tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” sensation in the fingers – often the thumb, index, and middle finger
- Pain in the wrist, hand, or forearm
- Difficulty gripping or holding objects
- Weakness in the hand or a tendency to drop things
Symptoms often worsen at night as many people sleep with their wrists bent, further compressing the median nerve.
What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
There isn’t any one cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. Anything that causes irritation or inflammation in your wrist can cause carpal tunnel. Some common contributing factors include:
- Repetitive strain from wrist or hand movements, especially typing or tool use
- Pregnancy, due to increased fluid and pressure in the body
- Conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or thyroid disorders
- Wrist injury or fracture
- Obesity, which can increase pressure on the nerve
- Genetic factors, such as a naturally narrower carpal tunnel.
How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?
Diagnosis often begins with an appointment with your doctor to discuss symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. Then they will examine your wrist and hand, including pressing on the nerve or asking you to hold your hand in certain positions to see if symptoms happen.
In some cases, further testing may be helpful:
- Nerve conduction studies: These non-invasive, painless tests measure how quickly electrical signals travel along the median nerve.
- Electromyography (EMG) test: This test, which involves placing small electrodes on the skin or occasionally a fine needle into the muscle, is used to assess how well the muscles respond to nerve signals. It helps rule out other nerve or muscle-related conditions.
What Treatments Are There For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
There are several effective carpal tunnel syndrome treatments, and early care often leads to better outcomes.
- Wearing a wrist support or splint, especially at night, can keep the wrist in a neutral position, helping to relieve pressure and allow the nerve to rest.
- Carpal tunnel exercises can help gently stretch and strengthen the wrist.
- Weight management or reducing repetitive movement can reduce the pressure on the wrist.
- Ice packs and over-the-counter pain relief for carpal tunnel, such as ibuprofen, can reduce inflammation.
- A steroid injection for carpal tunnel may offer short-term relief by reducing swelling around the nerve.
- In more severe or persistent cases, surgery for carpal tunnel may be an option to release pressure on the nerve.
The best treatment will depend on how severe your symptoms are and their impact on your daily life. It’s important to see your doctor early to prevent carpal tunnel from worsening.
Living With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Sometimes, carpal tunnel can go away by itself, with some lifestyle changes and treatment. However, carpal tunnel doesn’t tend to go away entirely. Symptoms may come and go, particularly with changes in activity or stress on the wrist.
Recognising when to rest, using a wrist support when needed, especially at night, and addressing symptoms early can help slow progression. Lifestyle adjustments and symptom management play a key role in preventing flare-ups and maintaining function in the long term.
Why Go Private with Mid Ulster Clinic For Your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment?
Getting support for carpal tunnel syndrome from a doctor sooner rather than later can prevent symptoms from worsening. Going privately with Mid Ulster Clinic for your carpal tunnel treatment gives you:
- Fast access to experienced doctors.
- Personalised advice based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and activity levels.
- Access to our upper limb orthopaedic surgeon specialising in conditions affecting the wrist, hand, and forearm.
- Referral for diagnostic testing, when needed.
- A calm and professional setting focused on addressing your concerns.
Get back to comfort and control in your daily life. Book your appointment today.
- Medically Reviewed
