13/02/2026
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common, often progressive, condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and arm, particularly at night. It is caused by swelling from repetitive motion, injury, or underlying conditions like diabetes or pregnancy.
Treatment includes wearing wrist splints, medication, and, in severe cases, surgery.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Numbness and Tingling: Frequently affects the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers, but not the little finger.
Nighttime Symptoms: Tingling that often wakes patients, frequently relieved by shaking the hand.
Pain and Weakness: Pain can extend from the wrist up the forearm. Weakness in the thumb's pinching muscles may cause dropped objects.
Clumsiness: Difficulty with fine motor tasks, such as buttoning shirts.
Causes and Risk Factors
CTS occurs when the median nerve is compressed in the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the wrist. Common causes and risk factors include:
Repetitive Motion: Prolonged, repetitive, or forceful hand and wrist movements.
Anatomical Factors: Wrist fractures, dislocations, or arthritis that deform the small bones.
Medical Conditions: Diabetes, thyroid issues, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Fluid Retention: Common during pregnancy or menopause.
Demographics: More common in women and individuals over age 40.
Stages of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Early Stage: Intermittent tingling, numbness, and, commonly, waking up at night with symptoms.
Moderate Stage: Symptoms become more frequent during daily activities like driving or reading.
Advanced/Severe Stage: Constant numbness, significant pain, and noticeable muscle waste (atrophy) at the base of the thumb.
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical (Mild to Moderate): Wearing a wrist splint, particularly at night to keep the wrist straight.
Lifestyle Changes: Adjusting work habits, taking breaks, and avoiding repetitive activities.
Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen to reduce inflammation.
Injections: Steroid injections into the carpal tunnel to relieve pressure.
Surgery (Severe): A procedure called carpal tunnel release, which cuts the ligament pressing on the nerve, is used when other treatments fail.
It is important to seek medical advice early to prevent permanent nerve or muscle damage.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to ask for any physiotherapy or exercises related help.
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