Carpal tunnel syndrome refers to a nerve compression at the wrist which results in wrist and finger pain, pins and needles or numbness in the fingers, and hand/finger weakness. Often the symptoms are worse at night, and patients normally shake their hands in the morning to ease their tingling symptoms. Weakness will often also be present, most noticeably when trying to grip objects.
Treatment may include anti inflammatory medication, splinting, massage, ultrasound and rest from your aggravating activities. A physiotherapist will assess if there is also a contribution from your neck or spine. If left without diagnosis and treatment , recovery can be delayed and severe weakness and loss of sensation occur. In severe or long standing cases surgery may be required to decompress the nerve and relieve the pressure.
