Understanding the condition
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the wrist. It commonly causes tingling or numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers, sometimes with pain or weakness.
What might you notice?
- Tingling or numbness in the hand, often worse at night.
- Symptoms during gripping or sustained wrist positions.
- Weakness, clumsiness or difficulty with small objects.
These symptoms can have more than one cause. A clinical assessment is needed to establish the diagnosis.
Specialist assessment
The distribution of symptoms and examination help establish the diagnosis. Nerve conduction studies may be helpful when the diagnosis is uncertain or to assess severity.
Your treatment options
Options include a wrist splint, changes to aggravating activities and, in some circumstances, an injection. Carpal tunnel release may be considered for persistent or severe symptoms. Recovery depends on how severely and for how long the nerve has been affected.
Common questions
Does carpal tunnel syndrome always need an operation?
No. Mild symptoms may improve with non-operative treatment. Persistent or severe symptoms can lead to a discussion about surgical release.
What should I bring to an appointment?
Bring any previous nerve test results, details of splints or injections, and a note of which fingers are affected and when symptoms occur.
General patient information from London Nerve Injury. Decisions about investigations and treatment require an individual clinical assessment.