Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is an often-painful condition which is common in pregnancy and in older women.¹

We look at some of the symptoms and causes, plus treatment options that may be available to you.

Your carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in your wrist surrounded by bones and ligaments. It houses the median nerve, which controls movement and sensation in your thumb, index, middle and part of your ring finger (but not the pinkie).

There are also many tendons in the carpal tunnel, and because it is narrow, if your tendons swell or thicken they take up space in the carpal tunnel. This places pressure on the median nerve causing pain, weakness and numbness in one or both of your hands and/or wrists.

As well as repetitive overuse of your wrist and hand (which may be connected to your work), carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by:

• arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
• pregnancy
• wrist or arm injuries
• inflamed tendons (tendinitis)
• cysts or tumours inside your carpal tunnel
• diabetes
• an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
• being overweight.²

Signs that you may have developed carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• numbness or pins and needles in your hand and/or wrist
• pain in your hand and/or wrist that often worsens at night
• a weakened hand
• pain that travels to your arm and shoulder (less common).

A further sign of the syndrome is experiencing sensations in your hand that don’t affect your pinkie and half of your ring finger.³

Advanced carpal tunnel syndrome can result in ongoing symptoms and may impact your ability to grasp things, so it’s important to address any concerns before it becomes too late.3

You’re most at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome if you:

• use your hands repetitively at work (such as typing or working in a trade)
• are aged between 40 and 60
• are female
• are genetically predisposed
• have past fractures or injuries
• are pregnant.²

If you’re concerned about any symptoms, talk to your GP. They will examine your hands and wrist and may assess other potential conditions to make a diagnosis. They may also order an X-ray or additional tests to rule out other potential conditions.

Treating carpal tunnel syndrome typically involves relieving pressure on the median nerve and addressing the causes behind the condition. This may include:

• avoiding or limiting the amount of time you spend on an activity that’s causing symptoms
• increasing rest periods between impactful activities
• using a cold compress when symptoms flare up
• wearing a wrist brace (also known as a splint)
• making your work environment more ergonomic
• treating a connected condition, such as arthritis.

Your doctor may recommend certain medications to alleviate pain, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids.

If your symptoms are severe or haven’t improved with other treatments, surgery is an option. Carpal tunnel release surgery typically involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve.

Your doctor may also recommend physiotherapy or occupational therapy to help address your symptoms. Carpal tunnel syndrome that’s the result of pregnancy typically goes away on its own after the birth.