Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition caused by compression of a nerve in the wrist (median nerve) as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway made up of bones and ligaments, and when pressure builds up within this space, it can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers.

What Are the Symptoms?

People with CTS often experience:
✅ Numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger
✅ Weakness or clumsiness in the hand, making it difficult to grip objects
✅ Pain that may radiate up the forearm or worsen at night
✅ "Shaking out" the hands provides temporary relief
✅ In severe cases, muscle wasting at the base of the thumb (this is called thenar atrophy)

Who is at Risk?

CTS can affect anyone, but some factors increase the risk:
✔ Repetitive hand use – typing, manual labor, or assembly-line work
✔ Pregnancy – fluid retention can cause swelling in the carpal tunnel
✔ Medical conditions – diabetes, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis
✔ Wrist injuries – fractures or dislocations that alter wrist anatomy

What Else Could It Be? (Differential Diagnoses)

Not all hand numbness is caused by CTS. Other conditions that can mimic CTS include:
Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the neck) – pain and tingling that extends up the arm or into the shoulder
Ulnar nerve compression (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome) – numbness in the small and ring fingers
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome – nerve compression at the base of the neck
Arthritis or tendonitis – joint pain and stiffness

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

In mild to moderate cases, non-surgical treatment may help alleviate symptoms:
🖐 Wrist splinting – particularly at night to keep the wrist in a neutral position
💊 Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) – reduce swelling and pain
💉 Corticosteroid injections – temporary relief from inflammation (uncommon)
💪 Hand therapy & ergonomic modifications – activity modification and specific exercises to reduce strain

When to Seek Medical Attention?

If your symptoms persist despite rest, worsen over time, or begin to interfere with daily activities such as driving, holding objects, or typing, it’s time to seek medical advice.

When is Surgery Needed?

Surgery is recommended if:
✔ Symptoms are severe or persistent despite non-surgical treatment
✔ Muscle weakness or atrophy is present in the hand
✔ Nerve conduction studies show significant compression

Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

Naveen performs his carpal tunnel releases as a minimally invasive procedure that involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve. The procedure is performed using a small incision in the palm and this usually take 20 minutes.

Postoperative Recovery & Care

🩹 Mild discomfort, swelling, and stiffness are normal for a few weeks
🖐 Hand exercises and gentle movement help restore function
💪 Return to light activities within a few days, but avoid heavy lifting for several weeks
⏳ Full recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks, with improvement in symptoms sometimes noticeable within days

Naveen usually advises wrist elevation (usually a sling is not necessary), keeping the wrist dry for a week and no driving for two weeks.

If you’re experiencing persistent wrist and hand symptoms, don’t ignore them. Early treatment can prevent worsening nerve damage.