Symptoms of carpal tunnel usually start slowly. Many people first notice the signs overnight because they sleep with their wrists bent. As time goes on, that tingling or numbness may last through the day as well.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when one of the main nerves in your forearm, called the median nerve, is squeezed or compressed.
“That nerve is really important in the function of the hand,” says Dr. Kevin Chung, chief of hand surgery at the University of Michigan. It gives sensation to the palm side of your thumb, index, middle finger, and part of the ring finger. It also moves some of your hand muscles.
“It can become trapped in the very tight space that goes through your wrists,” he says. “That space is known as the carpal tunnel.”
Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually caused by a combination of factors that shrink this space. The heavy, repetitive work of certain jobs can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s common to people who work in meat-packing plants or perform intense assembly line work. Injury to the wrist can also cause swelling that compresses the median nerve.
But it’s often unclear why some people develop carpal tunnel syndrome. People who have rheumatoid arthritis or an underactive thyroid gland are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause can also contribute.
To treat the issue, doctors will first try splinting the wrist. This limits movement and helps reduce pressure on the nerve. Sometimes splints are only worn at night. During the day, experts recommend taking breaks from tasks that put stress on your hands. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage the discomfort.
“Surgery is necessary when the patient has persistent numbness of the hand and when the muscles stop working because the nerve is not functioning well,” says Chung.
Carpal tunnel surgery is one of the most common surgeries in the U.S. It involves dividing the ligaments—bands of elastic tissue—that support the wrist to reduce pressure on the median nerve. These ligaments usually grow back after surgery in a way that gives the nerve more room. The surgery only takes about 10 to 30 minutes.
“Relief can be quite immediate, between one to two weeks,” says Chung. “But it depends on how badly the nerve was compressed and for how long.”
Some strategies, like stretching your hands and wearing fingerless gloves, may help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. But research hasn’t proven that these approaches work.
Many conditions can mimic carpal tunnel symptoms, so it’s important to go to a medical professional with expertise in the condition.
“Carpal tunnel syndrome can be disabling. It is so important that patients choose a surgeon wisely,” says Chung. He recommends choosing a board-certified hand surgeon trained to diagnose and treat carpal tunnel.
Carpal Tunnel Relief
These strategies may provide short-term relief from carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Take frequent breaks from repetitive physical activities.
- Apply cool packs if the wrist is red, warm, and swollen.
- Be sure to use correct posture and wrist position.
- Wear a brace at night to keep wrists straight while asleep.
- Take over-the-counter medicines that reduce swelling.
