What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

If your hands often feel numb, tingly, or weak, especially after a day of work or while sleeping, you might be dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome. This common condition affects millions and can make simple tasks frustrating or painful. But the good news is, with the right knowledge and care, you can ease the symptoms and protect your wrist health. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about carpal tunnel syndrome—from what causes it to how you can treat and prevent it effectively.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition affecting the hand and wrist. It occurs when the median nerve, which travels through a narrow passage in the wrist known as the carpal tunnel, becomes compressed or squeezed. The carpal tunnel is a tight space made of bones and ligaments on the palm side of your wrist. When pressure builds on the median nerve, it can cause numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in parts of your hand. This condition can impact your ability to grip objects or perform everyday tasks comfortably.

Causes and Risk Factors of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome usually happens because several factors increase pressure within the narrow wrist passage. Sometimes, it’s hard to pinpoint the exact cause, but certain habits and health issues can raise your risk. Women tend to get it more often, possibly because their wrists are generally smaller. Conditions like diabetes or arthritis can cause swelling that adds pressure inside the tunnel. Repetitive motions—such as typing or using vibrating tools—can irritate the tendons there. Wrist injuries like fractures or sprains can also play a part. Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can cause swelling that leads to symptoms.

Common causes and risk factors include:

• Anatomical differences like a naturally smaller carpal tunnel
  
• Repetitive hand and wrist motions
  
• Medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or hypothyroidism
  
• Pregnancy and menopause
  
• Wrist injuries and fractures
  
• Obesity and metabolic changes
  
  

Recognising the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Symptoms usually begin gradually and can come and go at first. Early on, you might notice tingling or numbness in your thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. Many people describe it like pins and needles or even a sudden electric shock. These sensations often get worse at night, sometimes waking you up. Shaking your hands can help ease the feeling for a little while. As the condition gets worse, you might find your grip getting weaker, making it harder to hold onto things or causing you to drop items. In more serious cases, the muscles at the base of the thumb can start to shrink.

Typical symptoms include:

• Tingling or burning sensations in the fingers
  
• Numbness in the thumb and first three fingers
  
• Weakness or difficulty gripping objects
  
• Pain in the wrist or hand, sometimes radiating up the arm
  
• Symptoms worsening at night or with certain activities
  
  

Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Treatment depends on symptom severity and your overall health. Most people find relief through non-surgical methods. Wearing a wrist splint keeps the wrist neutral, preventing movements that worsen nerve compression. This is especially helpful at night when symptoms flare. Anti-inflammatory medications can reduce swelling and ease pain. Steroid injections may be recommended to calm inflammation in some cases. Physical therapy and ergonomic changes at work can help reduce strain. If symptoms persist or worsen, surgery may be necessary to relieve nerve pressure.

Common treatments include:

• Wearing wrist splints or braces
  
• Taking anti-inflammatory medicines (oral or injected)
  
• Modifying hand and wrist activities to reduce strain
  
• Physical therapy exercises to stretch and strengthen the wrist
  
• Surgery to cut the ligament pressing on the nerve
  
  

Surgical Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Surgery is usually recommended when other treatments fail or if nerve damage is severe. The procedure involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve. This can be done as open surgery or through a less invasive endoscopic technique using a small camera. Surgery is often an outpatient procedure performed under local or general anaesthesia. After surgery, your wrist may be splinted briefly, and you might experience some pain or swelling. Recovery times vary, but most people regain strength and sensation gradually. Early finger and wrist movement helps prevent stiffness during healing.

Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

While not all cases are preventable, some measures can lower your risk. Maintaining good wrist posture and avoiding prolonged bending protects the median nerve. Adjust your workstation so wrists stay straight, and take regular breaks to stretch your hands. If your work involves repetitive tasks or vibrating tools, use protective gear and alternate activities. Managing underlying conditions like diabetes and keeping a healthy weight also help. Regular wrist exercises can improve flexibility and reduce strain.

Also read : What is a Flexor Tendon Injury

Choosing the Right Wrist Brace

There are lots of wrist braces out there, each designed for different needs. Nighttime resting splints help keep your wrist straight while you sleep, which can ease symptoms. During the day, working splints give stronger support when you’re doing activities that might irritate your wrist. Comfort and a good fit matter most when picking a brace. You want something adjustable that holds your wrist in a neutral position but doesn’t stop your fingers from moving freely. From VibrantFit, the UltraFlex Wrist Brace is a great lightweight and breathable option for everyday use. If you need more firm support, the Performance Wrist Brace helps stabilize your wrist during active tasks. For more specific support, the TFCC Support Wrist Brace is designed to ease pressure on the outer side of your wrist. Wearing the right brace regularly can reduce pressure on your median nerve and stop your symptoms from getting worse. It’s always a good idea to check with a healthcare professional to find the best brace for you.

Conclusion

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common but treatable condition caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. Early symptoms like tingling and numbness should not be ignored. Proper diagnosis and treatment can prevent lasting damage and restore hand function. Simple measures such as wrist splints and activity changes often bring relief. Surgery may be necessary in some cases. If symptoms affect your daily life, seek medical advice promptly. Caring for your wrists today helps protect your hands for the future.