What is it?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into your hand, becomes compressed as it passes through a narrow tunnel in the wrist. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. CTS is one of the most common nerve-related conditions affecting the upper limb.

 

What causes it?

Several factors can increase the risk of developing CTS, including:

  • Repetitive hand and wrist movements
  • Frequent use of vibrating tools
  • Pregnancy
  • Diabetes
  • Thyroid conditions
  • Obesity
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Previous wrist injuries or fractures

Women are more commonly affected than men, and symptoms are most common between the ages of 40 and 60.

 

How it feels

  • Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger
  • Pain in the hand or wrist that may travel into the forearm
  • Symptoms that are often worse at night
  • Waking up with numb or painful hands
  • Weakness when gripping objects
  • Difficulty with tasks such as opening jars, buttoning clothes, or holding small objects

 

Many people find temporary relief by shaking or moving their hand.

What you can do

  • Avoid prolonged positions that bend the wrist
  • Take regular breaks from repetitive activities
  • Maintain good hand and wrist posture during work and hobbies
  • Wear a wrist splint at night if recommended by your healthcare provider
  • Follow your exercise program consistently

 

How physiotherapy helps

Your physiotherapist will:

  • Assess your symptoms, strength, and hand function
  • Identify activities that may be aggravating the nerve
  • Provide advice on workplace and daily activity modifications
  • Prescribe nerve gliding and tendon gliding exercises
  • Improve wrist and hand mobility where appropriate
  • Guide a gradual return to normal activities
  • Help prevent progression of symptoms through education and load management

Hand therapy techniques may also be used to improve comfort and function.

 

Other treatment options

For mild to moderate CTS, doctors may recommend:

  • Night-time wrist splinting
  • Corticosteroid injections

If symptoms are severe, persistent, or associated with significant weakness, surgery may be recommended to relieve pressure on the nerve.

 

Recovery and outlook

Many people with mild to moderate CTS improve with conservative treatment such as splinting, physiotherapy, and activity modification. Early treatment is important, as long-standing nerve compression can lead to permanent weakness and loss of sensation.

 

Reference:
Sevy JO, Sina RE, Varacallo M. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448179/