Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common wrist condition that affects how the hand and fingers feel and work. It often starts with mild discomfort and worsens over time without treatment. Many people have the same questions when symptoms first appear. The answers below cover what the condition is, how it feels, and how doctors treat it.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that creates pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand and fingers. It happens when pressure builds on the median nerve, one of the major nerves in the hand. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist bones. Tendons, ligaments, and nerves pass through it to reach the hand. When the wrist becomes swollen or irritated, that swelling can press on the median nerve as it runs through the tunnel.
The median nerve provides sensation to the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. It also helps move the forearm. When the nerve is compressed, it sends incorrect signals to the hand and wrist.
What Are Its Symptoms?
Symptoms tend to develop slowly and grow worse over time. Early treatment matters because untreated carpal tunnel can cause permanent nerve damage. Common symptoms include:
- Intermittent tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
- Pain or burning sensations in the affected fingers
- Weakness in the hand
- Difficulty using the hand for normal tasks, including dropping things
- Tingling, numbness, or pain that worsens at night and can interrupt sleep
These symptoms may come and go at first. Over time, they tend to last longer and occur more often. Many people first notice them at night, when pain or tingling is strong enough to wake them. Symptoms may also worsen during the day with activities like typing, driving, or using a computer mouse.
How Is It Treated?
Diagnosis begins with a review of symptoms and medical history. A doctor examines the wrist, hand, and fingers through a series of physical tests and imaging such as wrist X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, or electromyography.
Doctors usually start with nonsurgical treatments, like prescribing a splint for patients to wear at night to hold the wrist in a neutral position. Other non-surgical options include anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce swelling, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the wrist.
When nonsurgical treatments do not relieve symptoms, or in severe cases, surgery is an option. The procedure, called carpal tunnel release, removes pressure on the nerve. The surgeon makes an incision in the ligament that connects the wrist to the palm, creating more space inside the tunnel. It is usually an outpatient procedure, with recovery often taking a month or two.
Find a Doctor
If your hands or fingers feel weak, tingly, or numb, do not wait to seek care. Carpal tunnel syndrome responds well to treatment, but delaying it risks permanent damage to the median nerve.
Start by scheduling an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon who treats wrist and hand conditions. Ask whether your symptoms point to carpal tunnel syndrome or another issue. A specialist can examine your wrist, confirm the cause, and guide you toward the right treatment.
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