Carpal tunnel syndrome, often called CTS, affects the wrist and hand. Tingling and numbness can make everyday tasks frustrating, but the good news is that symptoms can be managed. Learning how CTS develops and how it is treated can help you make confident choices.
Common Signs You Might Notice
Tingling and numbness are the most frequent symptoms of CTS. Some people also feel hand pain or notice a weaker grip. Symptoms may wake you at night at first, then show up during daily routines like driving or holding a newspaper, and they can become more intense over time.
Partnering With Your Doctor
Your doctor will perform an exam to better understand your symptoms and rule out other causes. Once CTS is diagnosed, you can create a treatment plan together that may include symptom relief and, if needed, surgery. If you do have surgery, most people go home the same day.
The Exam Start with an exam from your POA Doctor
A Splint may be recommended along with medication
In certain severe cases surgery may be required
Inside the Wrist: What Is the Carpal Tunnel?
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage in your wrist that allows tendons and a major nerve to travel from the forearm into the hand. Knowing what lives in this space helps explain why symptoms occur and how treatment works.
Transverse carpal ligament: A strong band of tissue that forms the roof of the tunnel.
Median nerve: The main nerve that carries signals between your hand and brain.
Tendon sheath: A slick covering that helps tendons glide smoothly.
Flexor tendons: Cords that connect muscles to bones and move your fingers.
Carpal bones: A U-shaped group of small wrist bones that make the tunnel's floor and sides.
With CTS, the tendon sheath can thicken and take up extra space in the tunnel. This narrowing can squeeze the median nerve and lead to tingling, numbness, pain, or a weaker grip.
Diagnosis and Testing
There are a series of tests that may be required to confirm Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in your case.
Exam with Your Doctor
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and when they happen. Your hand and wrist may be placed in certain positions to check for irritation, and the median nerve will be assessed. Be ready to describe what makes symptoms better or worse.
Wrist X-Rays
X-rays of the hand or wrist can reveal a broken bone or arthritis, which may explain your symptoms. You may also have a nerve conduction study and an electromyogram, known as an EMG. These tests use low levels of electrical current to see how well your nerves and muscles are working and can also help guide surgical planning if needed.
Nerve Conductivity Test
Nerve connectivity tests help confirm carpal tunnel syndrome and assess nerve damage. A nerve conduction study checks how fast signals travel through the median nerve, while an EMG evaluates muscle and nerve communication. These low-current tests identify compression typical of CTS and guide treatment, including surgery if needed.
Relief and Treatment
There are a series of tests that may be required to confirm Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in your case.
Medicine
Over-the-counter medicines: Your doctor may suggest aspirin or ibuprofen to ease pain and swelling. If you find yourself needing them every day, call your doctor, since a prescription option may be better for you.
Cortison Injections
Cortisone injection: A corticosteroid shot can calm inflammation in the tunnel. Mild soreness for a day or two is common, and many people get relief for several weeks after the injection.
Wrist Splinting
Wrist splinting: Wearing a splint at night or during the day can keep your wrist in a neutral, straight position. This limits extreme bending that can narrow the tunnel. Use the type of splint your doctor recommends.
Considering Surgery
When Surgery Is an Option
Surgery may be advised if symptoms are severe or if splints, medicines, and injections do not provide lasting relief. Your care team will review your goals, daily demands, and test results to help you decide.
Preparing Safely for Your Procedure
Do your best to stop smoking in the weeks before surgery, since this can reduce complications and may help you heal faster.
Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements, including aspirin and other blood thinners.
You will learn what type of anesthesia you will receive so you know what to expect.
Do not eat or drink after midnight before surgery, or follow the specific instructions you are given.
Surgical Goal and How Long It Takes
The aim of surgery is to relieve pressure on the median nerve by releasing the transverse carpal ligament. This creates more space in the tunnel. The procedure typically takes about an hour.
There are several kinds of surgery, but the two most common are Open Surgery and Endoscopic Surgery
Open Surgery
Open surgery: Your surgeon makes a single incision in the palm to view and release the transverse carpal ligament with standard instruments.
*Blue indicates potential spot of incision.
Endoscopic Surgery
Endoscopic surgery: One or two small incisions are made so a thin scope with a tiny camera and surgical tools can be guided under the ligament. The surgeon watches a video screen to perform the release.
*Blue indicates potential spot of incisions.
Both approaches create space in the carpal tunnel and reduce pressure on the median nerve. Your surgeon will recommend the method that fits your needs.
Possible Risks
Although uncommon, risks can include damage to nerves or blood vessels, an infection, or symptoms that do not fully improve. Your surgeon will go over these risks and how they are minimized.
After Surgery: Healing and Next Steps
You will rest for a few hours after surgery while your hand's sensation and circulation are checked. Most people return home the same day with clear instructions for care. Your provider will teach you how to care for the incision before you leave.
At home, a few habits can support healing:
Keep your hand raised above heart level to limit swelling.
Limit hand and wrist use as instructed by your care team.
Take pain medicine only as directed.
Do hand and finger exercises as prescribed to ease back into activity. Keep your wrist in a neutral position when you exercise.
When to Call Your Surgeon
Contact your surgeon right away if you notice any of the following:
A white or pale-blue color in your hand or nails, especially if pinching the skin does not bring color back
Pain that does not improve with prescribed medicine
Loss of sensation or more than expected swelling in your hand or fingers
A fever higher than 101°F
Quick Summary
Many people experience meaningful relief with splints, medicines, or a cortisone shot. If you need surgery, most patients recover well and return to daily activities with fewer symptoms. We are here to answer questions and support you at every step.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact one of our offices. This information is provided solely for educational purposes and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. For detailed advice please contact us at (609) 924-8131, text us at (609) 757-9992 or send us a message via our contact form.
