Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects your hand and wrist. It happens when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into your palm, becomes compressed or irritated as it passes through a narrow space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. This can lead to discomfort, numbness, or weakness in your hand and fingers. 

The symptoms can develop gradually and may become more noticeable at night or during repetitive hand movements. Early recognition and management can make a big difference in your comfort and daily function.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

When you begin to experience symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, they may seem mild at first. You might notice them when holding your phone, typing, or driving. Over time, they can become more frequent and may affect your daily life and sleep.

What Does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Feel Like?

The signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can vary, but here are common ways it may affect how your hand feels and functions:

• Tingling or numbness: This often affects the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger. You might feel like your hand has “fallen asleep”, especially at night or early in the morning.
• Pain in the wrist or hand: The pain might radiate up to your arm or even the shoulder. It may feel sharp, aching, or like a burning sensation.
• Weakness or clumsiness: You might find it hard to grip objects firmly or notice yourself dropping things more often.
• Shock-like sensations: These might shoot from your wrist into your fingers, especially when flexing your wrist.
• Worsening symptoms at night: Sleeping with bent wrists often intensifies symptoms, waking you with discomfort or a need to shake your hand for relief.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The exact cause of CTS isn’t always clear, but it’s usually due to pressure on the median nerve. Here are some detailed explanations of common Carpal Tunnel Syndrome causes:

• Repetitive wrist use: Activities involving repeated hand and wrist movements, such as typing or using tools, can irritate the tendons and put pressure on the median nerve.
• Wrist anatomy: Some people naturally have a smaller carpal tunnel, making them more prone to nerve compression.
• Inflammatory conditions: Illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis can cause swelling in the wrist that affects the nerve.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause fluid retention, increasing pressure in the carpal tunnel.
• Health conditions: Conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, and kidney failure can raise the risk due to nerve damage or swelling.
• Injuries: Wrist fractures or sprains can alter the tunnel structure, pressing on the nerve.

Risk Factors

Certain lifestyle factors or medical conditions may increase your chances of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Understanding them can help you identify risks early:

• Age and sex: Women and people over 40 are more likely to develop CTS, possibly due to hormonal changes or smaller wrist structure.
• Family history: If a close relative has CTS, you may be more likely to develop it due to inherited wrist anatomy.
• Occupational factors: Jobs that involve repetitive wrist movements, vibration (like construction tools), or computer use can heighten the risk.
• Obesity: Carrying excess weight may increase pressure within the carpal tunnel.
• Chronic conditions: Diabetes, gout, and thyroid disorders can contribute to nerve irritation.
• Posture and wrist position: Working with wrists flexed for long periods may cause nerve compression.

Diagnosis

If you’re experiencing symptoms of CTS, it’s important to seek a diagnosis before the condition worsens. Your doctor will begin by asking about your symptoms, medical history, and daily activities. They will then perform a physical examination to check for signs of weakness, numbness, and muscle wasting around the thumb.

Diagnostic Tests for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may recommend a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome test like:

• Tinel’s Sign: Tapping over the median nerve to see if it causes tingling in the fingers.
• Phalen’s Test: Holding your wrists in a bent position for about a minute to check for symptoms.
• Electromyography (EMG): Measures how well your muscles respond to electrical signals and can detect nerve damage.
• Nerve conduction studies: These evaluate the speed of nerve signals through the median nerve, helping confirm CTS.
• Ultrasound or MRI: These imaging tests are occasionally used to assess swelling or rule out other causes.

Also, for record purposes, your healthcare provider may note the condition using Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ICD 10 code: G56.0.

Treatment

Treatment for CTS depends on the severity of your symptoms. Some people benefit from home care and lifestyle changes, while others may need medical intervention. Thankfully, most people improve with proper Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment.

Nonsurgical Therapy

If your symptoms appear to be mild or just beginning, nonsurgical options are usually recommended first:

• Wrist splints: Wearing a splint, especially at night, keeps your wrist in a neutral position, relieving pressure on the nerve.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen may help reduce swelling and pain.
• Activity changes: Taking frequent breaks, adjusting hand position, and avoiding repetitive movements can provide relief.
• Steroid injections: Cortisone can be injected into the carpal tunnel to quickly reduce inflammation and ease symptoms.
• Nerve gliding: Gentle Carpal Tunnel Syndrome exercises may help the nerve move more freely within the tunnel.

Surgery

If your symptoms are severe or do not improve with other treatments, your doctor might suggest Carpal Tunnel Syndrome surgery:

• Carpal tunnel release: The most common surgical option, this procedure involves cutting the ligament pressing on the median nerve.
• Open or endoscopic surgery: Both techniques are effective. Recovery time and scarring may differ slightly, depending on the method.

How Soon After Treatment Will I Feel Better?

Recovery time depends on the severity of your CTS and the type of treatment used. Most people notice gradual improvement after starting treatment.

• After nonsurgical therapy: You may begin to feel relief within days or weeks, but full improvement might take a few months.
• After surgery: Many people feel better within a week or two, especially at night. Full recovery of strength and sensation may take 2 to 6 months.
• Long-term outcomes: People with severe CTS may not regain full sensation or strength, but treatment usually stops further damage.
• Follow-up care: Ongoing hand therapy or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome exercises might be needed after surgery for best results.

Prevention

While not all cases can be prevented, you can take steps to reduce your risk and protect your hands and wrists:

• Take breaks: If you use your hands for long periods, pause regularly to stretch and rest your wrists.
• Use correct posture: Keep your wrists straight while working, especially when typing or using tools.
• Stay active: Regular hand and wrist exercises can keep tendons flexible and reduce swelling.
• Modify your workstation: Make sure your keyboard and mouse are at a comfortable height to prevent strain.
• Watch your grip: Avoid holding tools or devices too tightly; loosen your grip whenever possible.
• Manage underlying conditions: Keep chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis under control to prevent nerve inflammation.

Conclusion

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can affect your comfort, sleep, and daily tasks, but recognising the signs early gives you the best chance for effective relief. With the right care, symptoms often improve and daily activities become easier again. 

For accurate diagnosis and monitoring, trusted lab testing is key. Metropolis Healthcare offers reliable, science-backed tests and convenient home sample collection—making it easier for you to take the next step toward better hand health.

FAQs

What can I expect if I have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

You may experience tingling, numbness, or pain in your hand and wrist, particularly at night. Over time, symptoms can affect your grip strength and daily function. With timely diagnosis and proper treatment, most people find significant relief and are able to manage the condition effectively and comfortably.

Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome heal on its own?

In some mild cases, symptoms may ease with rest, better posture, and avoiding repetitive hand movements. However, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome typically doesn’t resolve completely without medical care. Early intervention is important to prevent permanent nerve damage and to ensure you regain full hand function as quickly and safely as possible.

What is the best way to fix Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are. Splinting, activity adjustments, and medications can help in early stages. For persistent or advanced cases, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome surgery may be necessary. A healthcare provider will recommend the most effective and personalised approach to relieve symptoms and prevent long-term complications.

How do I know if I’m getting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

You may notice tingling, numbness, or pain in your thumb, index, or middle fingers, especially during the night. You might also drop objects or feel hand weakness. A proper Carpal Tunnel Syndrome test can confirm the diagnosis and help you begin treatment before symptoms become more severe.