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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist from compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Early evaluation and treatment can keep symptoms from worsening. Non-surgical options are always considered first, and carpal tunnel release can relieve the pressure on the nerve when they are not enough.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage on the palm side of the wrist, formed by the wrist bones and a strong band of tissue called the transverse carpal ligament. The median nerve and nine finger tendons pass through it. When swelling or narrowing crowds the tunnel, the median nerve is compressed.
 
The median nerve provides feeling to the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger, and powers some thumb muscles. That is why carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness and tingling in those fingers and weakness in grip. Similar symptoms can come from a pinched nerve in the neck.

Treatments For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Surgery is not always necessary, and non-surgical options should always be considered first.

Non-surgical care

  • Splinting. A night splint keeps the wrist neutral and reduces pressure on the nerve.
  • Physical therapy. Exercises and stretches for the hand and wrist.
  • Medications. NSAIDs reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Corticosteroid injections. Reduce inflammation in more severe cases.
  • Lifestyle changes. Ergonomic changes, fewer repetitive motions, and a healthy weight.

Surgical options

  • Carpal tunnel release. A minimally invasive procedure that releases the ligament pressing on the median nerve.

Our orthopedic specialists create a personalized plan, whether through non-surgical therapies or carpal tunnel release.

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How Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is Diagnosed

Diagnosis begins with a history of symptoms and a physical examination of sensation and strength, including tests such as tapping over the nerve or holding the wrist bent to reproduce symptoms. Nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG) measure how well the median nerve is working and help rule out a pinched nerve in the neck.
 
If you are experiencing numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand or wrist, early evaluation can prevent symptoms from worsening.
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What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome usually results from a combination of factors that crowd the tunnel. Common contributors include:

Repetitive hand use

Prolonged gripping, typing, or vibrating tools.

Wrist position

Extended periods with the wrist bent up or down.

Health conditions

Diabetes, thyroid disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Fluid retention and weight

Pregnancy, menopause, and excess weight increase pressure.

Wrist injury

A fracture or swelling can narrow the tunnel.

Anatomy

A naturally smaller carpal tunnel raises the risk.

Wrist Or Neck?

Hand numbness can come from the wrist or from a pinched nerve in the neck. The pattern helps tell them apart.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

At the wrist

The median nerve is compressed

  • Numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
  • Often worse at night or when gripping.
  • Usually no neck pain.

Cervical radiculopathy

At the neck

A nerve root is pinched in the spine

  • Often with neck pain or pain into the shoulder and arm.
  • Symptoms can involve the forearm as well as the hand.
  • May change with neck movement.

Some people have both. Nerve studies help confirm the source; see radiculopathy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passage in the wrist. It causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.

Which fingers does carpal tunnel affect?

Carpal tunnel syndrome typically affects the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger. The little finger is usually spared, which helps distinguish it from other nerve problems.

Why are carpal tunnel symptoms worse at night?

Many people sleep with their wrists bent, which increases pressure in the carpal tunnel. Wearing a wrist splint at night keeps the wrist straight and often relieves nighttime symptoms.

Can carpal tunnel syndrome go away on its own?

Mild cases may improve with splinting, activity changes, and treatment of contributing conditions. Persistent or severe compression can cause lasting numbness and weakness, so ongoing symptoms should be evaluated.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?

A physical examination with tests that reproduce symptoms, along with nerve conduction studies and electromyography, confirms the diagnosis and shows how severe the compression is.

Could my hand numbness come from my neck?

Yes. A pinched nerve in the neck (cervical radiculopathy) can cause similar hand symptoms, and some people have both. An examination and nerve studies help identify the source.

What is carpal tunnel release?

Carpal tunnel release is a procedure in which the transverse carpal ligament is divided through a small incision in the palm, relieving pressure on the median nerve. It is usually an outpatient procedure.

How long is recovery after carpal tunnel surgery?

Recovery varies. Many patients use the hand for light tasks within days and wear a splint for several weeks, with strength returning over a few months. Call (321) 499-4646 to schedule an evaluation.

Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Symptoms usually begin gradually. Common signs include:

  • Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.
  • Symptoms that wake you at night or are worse in the morning.
  • Weak grip or dropping objects.
  • Pain in the wrist or hand that can travel up the forearm.
  • Clumsiness with buttons or small objects.
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Related Conditions And Treatments

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS), also known as ulnar neuropathy, is a condition that affects the ulnar nerve causing pain, numbness, pain, and a variety of other symptoms. The ulnar nerve runs from the neck to the hand and passes through a narrow tunnel of tissue on the inside of the elbow called the cubital tunnel. When the ulnar nerve becomes compressed or irritated in this area, it can cause a range of symptoms in the arm, wrist, and hand.

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a condition that affects the tendons in the fingers, making it difficult to straighten or bend the affected finger. The condition is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis and is caused by inflammation of the tendons in the fingers. The most common symptoms of trigger finger include pain, swelling, and a clicking or popping sound when attempting to straighten or bend the affected finger.

Arm Pain

Arm pain can come from overuse, injury, inflammation, or a pinched nerve in the neck or wrist, and occasionally signals a heart problem.

Joint Pain

Pain in the joints is a very common symptom often experienced in the feet, hips, spine, knees, or hands. In addition to pain, joint stiffness, as well as a burning or throbbing sensation in or near the joints, are also commonly associated with joint-related issues. It is important to note that in many cases the pain or burning sensation may not be constant but can increase or decrease depending on activity.

Nerve Pain

Nerve pain, also known as neuralgia, can occur when a nerve in the body is pinched or compressed. Nerve pain is something that nearly everyone experiences at some point in their lives. While this pain can occur anywhere, it commonly occurs in the neck or back. Because the nerves in the spinal column are so tightly packed, they can very easily become compressed by displaced or strained anatomy.

Pinched Nerves

Pinched nerves are one of the most common causes of chronic neck and back pain. A nerve becomes “pinched” when it is placed under pressure from an external source, such as an out of place bone or soft tissue from a herniated disc.

Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy is a pinched spinal nerve root causing pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates into an arm or leg. Learn the causes and minimally invasive treatments.

Neck Pain

At some point in life, most adults experience some level of neck pain. Whether you woke up in the morning with a “crick in your neck” or you have felt the constant dull pain of a spine condition, you understand the frustration neck pain can cause.

Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal tunnel release relieves pressure on the median nerve at the wrist to ease numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.

Cubital Tunnel Release

Cubital tunnel release relieves pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow to ease numbness in the ring and little fingers.

Trigger Finger Release

Trigger finger release opens the tight tendon pulley so a catching or locked finger can bend and straighten smoothly again.

What To Expect From Carpal Tunnel Surgery

During carpal tunnel release, a small incision is made in the palm and the transverse carpal ligament is divided to release pressure on the median nerve. Recovery varies with the individual and the procedure.

Procedure day

Outpatient

A short procedure; most patients go home the same day.

First weeks

Protect and heal

A splint or brace protects the incision; gentle finger motion is encouraged.

Weeks to months

Regain strength

Physical therapy may be recommended to restore strength and function.

Numbness often improves first; grip strength can take longer to return.

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