Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. This nerve controls sensation and movement in parts of the hand.
It’s one of the most common nerve compression disorders, especially in adults who do repetitive hand activities.
What causes it?
The carpal tunnel can become narrowed or irritated due to:
- Repetitive wrist movements (typing, phone use, assembly work)
- Wrist injury or swelling
- Arthritis or inflammation
- Pregnancy (temporary fluid retention)
- Diabetes or thyroid disorders
Main symptoms
Symptoms usually develop gradually and often worsen at night:
Early symptoms:
- Tingling or “pins and needles” in thumb, index, and middle fingers
- Numbness in the hand
- Burning sensation in fingers
Progressing symptoms:
- Hand weakness
- Dropping objects frequently
- Pain radiating up the arm
- Reduced grip strength
A classic sign is waking up at night needing to shake the hand for relief.
Who is at risk?
- People who use computers or phones for long hours
- Manual workers (tools, assembly lines)
- Middle-aged and older adults
- People with diabetes or thyroid disease
- Pregnant women (temporary cases)
Diagnosis
Doctors may check:
- Physical exam (wrist compression tests)
- Nerve conduction studies (measures nerve signal speed)
- Sometimes ultrasound or MRI in unclear cases
Treatment options
1. Non-surgical (mild to moderate cases)
- Wrist splints (especially at night)
- Activity modification (reduce repetitive strain)
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Hand exercises or physiotherapy
- Steroid injections in some cases
2. Surgical treatment (severe cases)
- Carpal tunnel release surgery
- Relieves pressure by cutting the ligament covering the tunnel
Can it be prevented?
To reduce risk:
- Take frequent breaks from repetitive hand use
- Keep wrists in a neutral position while typing
- Use ergonomic keyboards or tools
- Avoid prolonged wrist bending
Simple takeaway
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve compression in the wrist that causes numbness, tingling, and hand weakness, especially in people with repetitive hand use. Early treatment is usually very effective.
If you want, I can also explain:
- carpal tunnel vs arthritis (differences)
- simple home exercises for relief
- or how to test yourself for early signs at home
