Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Pressure on a nerve in the wrist that causes tingling, numbness and pain in the hand and fingers.
Quick Summary
Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers, worse at night, weak grip and hand pain.
Wrist splints at night, avoiding triggers, steroid injections and surgery for severe cases.
Repetitive hand use, pregnancy, diabetes, hypothyroidism, obesity and rheumatoid arthritis.
Overview
The median nerve passes through a narrow tunnel in the wrist. Swelling in the tunnel squeezes the nerve.
Symptoms often improve with simple treatment. Long-standing pressure can cause permanent weakness.
Symptoms
Tingling and numbness
In the thumb and first fingers.
Night symptoms
Waking with numb hands.
Weak grip
Dropping things.
Pain
In the wrist and hand, sometimes the arm.
Causes & Risk Factors
Biological Causes
Increased pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel.
Key Risk Factors
- Repetitive work Typing, tools and assembly work.
- Medical conditions Diabetes, thyroid problems and arthritis.
- Pregnancy Fluid retention.
Management & Treatment
01. Splints
Wearing a wrist splint at night.
02. Injections
Steroid injections for short-term relief.
03. Surgery
Releasing the ligament to relieve pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is it diagnosed?
Does it go away in pregnancy?
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Carpal tunnel syndrome(opens in a new tab) · NHS