carpel tunnel syndrome: what you need to know

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common hand conditions. It is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel of the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments on the palm side of the hand.

Symptoms of CTS include:

CTS can be diagnosed through a combination of physical examinations, symptom assessments, and diagnostic tests to evaluate the median nerve’s function.

Treating CTS as early as possible minimizes the risk of nerve damage. In the early stages, symptoms are likely to go away on their own through these lifestyle practices:

If symptoms persist, a healthcare professional may recommend the following:

Wearing a splint or brace at night gives your wrist and hand rest, holding it in place by preventing unnecessary movement that can result in pain.

A doctor will administer an injection in your wrist containing a combination of anesthetic and an anti-inflammatory medicine. This helps decrease inflammation and swelling, which relieves pressure on the median nerve. Sometimes an ultrasound is used to guide the injection.

In cases where surgery is necessary, the doctor creates more space for the nerve in the wrist. Patients have a better chance of complete symptom resolution than with an injection or a splint. However, surgery does not guarantee complete recovery. During the healing process, the ligament tissues gradually grow back together while allowing more room for the nerve. This internal healing process typically takes several months, but the skin heals in a few weeks.

At SMMC, our goal is to improve your quality of life through personalized, compassionate care. From diagnosis to treatment, we are here to support you every step of the way. For more information, please contact the Neurology Department using the information on the back of this brochure.