Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve as it passes through a narrow passageway in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. This nerve provides sensation to the thumb and fingers, so when it is compressed, it can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. It's a common condition, often affecting individuals who perform repetitive hand and wrist movements.
 

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
 

Common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Pins and needles: A tingling or "pins and needles" sensation in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.

• Numbness: A loss of sensation or feeling in the fingers.

• Pain: Pain that can radiate up the arm, and in some cases, carpal tunnel can affect your elbow, cause arm pain, or even cause shoulder pain and neck pain.

• Weakness: A loss of strength in your hand and a tendency to drop objects.

• Night symptoms: Waking from sleep with pain or tingling in the hand.

• Intermittent symptoms: Many people experience that carpal tunnel can come and go, with symptoms fluctuating over time.

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How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?

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A clinical diagnosis is often the first step, where your hand surgeon will evaluate your symptoms and perform a physical examination. To confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the nerve compression, a nerve conduction study may be performed. This test measures how quickly electrical impulses travel along the nerve, which may be slower if the nerve is compressed.

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How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

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Effective carpal tunnel syndrome treatment can range from conservative care to surgical intervention. 

• Non-surgical treatments: Wearing a wrist splint at night, avoiding activities that trigger symptoms, and steroid injections to reduce inflammation and ease pain.

• Surgical treatment: For severe or persistent cases, carpal tunnel decompression surgery may be recommended. This is a common and highly effective procedure that relieves pressure on the median nerve.​

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Patients often wonder, "can carpal tunnel come back after surgery?". While it is rare, a return of symptoms is possible but usually a full recovery is expected.

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Get expert help for your hand pain

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If you are experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, it's time to get a professional opinion. As a leading consultant hand, elbow and shoulder surgeon, Mr Shyamalan is an expert in diagnosing and treating this condition.

 

Contact Midland Hand Clinic today to book your consultation and find out why he is considered one of the best hand surgeons in the West Midlands.