What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common conditions affecting the hand and wrist. It occurs when the median nerve, which provides feeling and movement to parts of the hand, becomes compressed as it passes through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. Without treatment, symptoms can gradually worsen, making everyday tasks such as typing, driving, or holding objects increasingly difficult. Fortunately, early diagnosis and treatment can help relieve symptoms and prevent permanent nerve damage.

Key Takeaways

• Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve.
• Early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes and reduces the risk of permanent nerve damage.
• Symptoms often begin gradually and may worsen at night.
• Most patients improve with non-surgical treatment, while severe cases may require surgery.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage in the wrist surrounded by bones and ligaments. When swelling or increased pressure develops within this tunnel, the median nerve becomes compressed, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. The condition can affect one or both hands and is often linked to repetitive hand movements, pregnancy, diabetes, arthritis, thyroid disorders, or previous wrist injuries.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger
• Pain that may spread to the wrist or forearm
• Weak grip strength
• Frequently dropping objects
• Symptoms that worsen during the night or after repetitive hand activities

How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?

Your specialist will review your symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical examination of your hand and wrist. Depending on your condition, additional investigations such as nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG), ultrasound, or imaging may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of nerve compression.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity of your condition and may include:

• Wrist splints, especially at night
• Activity modification and ergonomic advice
• Anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate
• Physiotherapy and hand exercises
• Corticosteroid injections
• Minimally invasive carpal tunnel release surgery for persistent or severe cases

Why the Correct Diagnosis Matters

Not every case of hand numbness is caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. Similar symptoms may result from neck problems, arthritis, tendon disorders, or other nerve conditions. Receiving the correct diagnosis ensures the most effective treatment and helps prevent permanent nerve damage or loss of hand function.

Who Should See a Specialist?

You should seek medical advice if:

• Symptoms persist for more than a few weeks.
• Numbness wakes you from sleep.
• You notice weakness in your hand or difficulty gripping objects.
• Symptoms interfere with work or daily activities.
• Pain continues despite home treatment.

How to Access Care

At Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Hospital, our Orthopaedics, Neurology, and Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation teams work together to diagnose and treat carpal tunnel syndrome using evidence-based care tailored to each patient. Whether you require conservative treatment or surgical intervention, our multidisciplinary team is committed to helping you regain comfort, strength, and hand function.

To book an appointment, call 800 642.