Carpal tunnel syndrome

Tingling and numbness in the hand from compression of the median nerve at the wrist.

Overview

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the wrist. It produces tingling, numbness and sometimes weakness in the thumb, index and middle fingers, often worse at night.

Symptoms

Tingling or numbness in the thumb and first fingers
Symptoms worse at night
Shaking the hand to relieve symptoms
Weakness or clumsiness in the hand in later stages

Causes

Repetitive or sustained wrist positions
Swelling from pregnancy or other conditions
Reduced space within the carpal tunnel

Treatment

Night splinting in a neutral wrist position
Activity and ergonomic modification
Nerve and tendon gliding exercise
Injection or surgical release in persistent cases