Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The carpal tunnel is a narrow canal at the wrist, much like a tunnel a car might pass through, allowing the median nerve and finger tendons to travel between the forearm and hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when this tunnel narrows and presses on the median nerve, cutting off normal sensation and signals to the fingers. It is more common in women in middle age.

Symptoms usually start gradually and can occur at any time. Many patients first notice tingling, numbness or pain at night, especially if they sleep with wrists curled. Shaking the hands often relieves early symptoms. As wrist nerve compression treatment is delayed, symptoms become more constant, with daytime numbness, weakened grip and difficulty performing fine tasks like buttoning shirts or holding small objects.

In severe, neglected cases, the muscles at the base of the thumb visibly shrink, a sign of advanced nerve damage. Some patients develop tiny burns or ulcers on the fingertips because they no longer feel heat or sharp objects. Diagnosis at Kayakriti combines a careful history with provocative clinical tests such as Tinel's sign and Phalen's test, which target the median nerve.

Investigations are then used to confirm and grade severity. Nerve conduction velocity and electromyographic studies are highly diagnostic, while MRI or high-resolution ultrasonography of the wrist may be added in selected cases. Mild disease often responds to splints, activity changes and steroid injections, while moderate to severe cases benefit from carpal tunnel release surgery, providing reliable hand numbness treatment.

What to expect

• History of night-time numbness, tingling and grip weakness.
• Clinical tests including Tinel's, Phalen's and thumb muscle assessment.
• Nerve conduction studies and EMG to confirm and grade severity.
• Splints, ergonomic advice or steroid injection for early disease.
• Day-care carpal tunnel release surgery for moderate to severe cases.

Recovery

• Carpal tunnel release is usually a day-care procedure under local anaesthesia.
• Light desk work resumes within three to seven days post-surgery.
• Heavy gripping or lifting is avoided for four to six weeks.
• Night-time numbness often improves immediately; strength returns over weeks.