Overview
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through a narrow passage in the wrist. This causes numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand. Symptoms often start gradually and are frequently worse at night. Early treatment can prevent lasting nerve damage.
Symptoms
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle and part of the ring finger
- Symptoms that wake you at night or occur when holding a phone or steering wheel
- Weak grip or tendency to drop objects
- Aching or pain in the wrist or hand that may travel up the arm
- Wasting of the muscle at the base of the thumb in advanced cases
Causes & risk factors
- Repetitive hand and wrist movements or sustained gripping
- Wrist anatomy or previous wrist injury
- Pregnancy and fluid retention
- Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis
- Family history
Treatment & self-care
Care may involve wrist splinting (especially at night), activity changes, and treating any underlying condition, with hand therapy and, for persistent or severe cases, a procedure to relieve pressure on the nerve. A clinician confirms the diagnosis, sometimes with nerve tests, and recommends the right approach.
See a doctor urgently if
- Numbness or tingling in the hand persists or keeps disturbing your sleep
- You notice weakness, clumsiness or wasting of the thumb muscle
- Symptoms are constant rather than coming and going
- Hand function is affecting your work or daily tasks