CTS

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when a nerve in your wrist (called the median nerve) gets squeezed. This nerve passes through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. When there is pressure in this tunnel, the nerve cannot work normally, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the hand.

Common symptoms

You may notice:

• Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger

• Hand pain, especially at night or early morning

• Weak grip or dropping objects

• A feeling of swelling in the fingers (even if no swelling is visible)

Symptoms often start gradually and may come and go at first.

Why does it happen?

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused or worsened by:

• Repetitive hand or wrist movements

• Long hours of typing or phone use

• Wrist injuries

• Pregnancy or hormonal changes

• Diabetes, thyroid problems, or arthritis

Sometimes, no clear cause is found.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually based on:

• Your symptoms and medical history

• Physical examination of the hand and wrist

• Nerve conduction studies or EMG, which measure how well the nerve is working

Imaging is rarely needed.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on how severe the symptoms are:

Non-surgical treatments (often first):

• Wrist splint, especially at night

• Activity modification and ergonomic changes

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Cortisone (steroid) injection in selected cases

Surgical treatment:

• If symptoms are severe or do not improve, carpal tunnel release surgery may be recommended

• The surgery relieves pressure on the nerve

• It is usually a short procedure with good outcomes in most patients

What happens if it is not treated?

If left untreated for a long time, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to:

• Permanent numbness

• Weakness of the thumb muscles

• Loss of hand function

Early evaluation and treatment help prevent permanent nerve damage.

When should you see a doctor?

You should seek medical advice if:

• Numbness or pain persists or worsens

• Symptoms wake you up at night regularly

• You notice hand weakness or muscle wasting

Key message for patients

Carpal tunnel syndrome is common and treatable. Most patients improve significantly with proper diagnosis and timely treatment. Early care leads to better results and faster recovery.