Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve is squeezed as it passes through a narrow tunnel at the wrist. It causes tingling, numbness and pain in the thumb, index and middle fingers, often waking people at night. It is common in women, in pregnancy, and in people with diabetes, an underactive thyroid, arthritis or work that involves repetitive gripping. Mild cases often improve with a splint; persistent or severe cases are cured by a short operation.
Find a Orthopaedics SpecialistGet a fixed surgery quote on Mezo SurgeryMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Tingling or pins and needles in the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger
- Numbness or burning in those fingers
- Symptoms that wake you at night and ease when you shake the hand
- Pain that can spread up the forearm
- Weak grip and dropping things
- Thinning of the muscle at the base of the thumb in severe cases
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if tingling or numbness in your hand lasts more than a few weeks or wakes you at night. See an orthopaedic or hand surgeon promptly if the numbness is constant, your hand is weak, or the muscle at the base of your thumb is getting thinner, because nerve damage can become permanent.
Treatment options
- A wrist splint worn at night
- Changing the activities that make it worse
- Steroid injection into the carpal tunnel
- Treating related conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease or arthritis
- Nerve conduction studies to confirm the diagnosis and its severity
- Carpal tunnel release surgery under local anaesthetic
What it costs on Mezo
Published cash prices for the operations used to treat this condition. Your own quote follows an examination.
Common Questions
Does carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy go away?
It usually improves within weeks to months after delivery, as fluid retention settles. A night splint helps in the meantime.
Is carpal tunnel surgery successful?
Carpal tunnel release relieves symptoms for most people, especially night pain and tingling. Recovery of numbness and strength can take longer, and may be incomplete if the nerve was badly damaged before surgery.
How soon can I work after carpal tunnel surgery?
Light use of the hand is encouraged within days. Most people return to desk work within one to two weeks, and to heavy manual work after four to six weeks.
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