A common cause of tingling and numbness in the hand, from pressure on a nerve at the wrist, that often responds well to treatment
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when a nerve that runs through a narrow channel at the wrist becomes compressed, causing tingling, numbness and sometimes weakness in the hand. It is very common, often troublesome at night, and in many cases responds well to treatment, particularly when addressed before symptoms become persistent.
Written for patients and reviewed by Dr Liubov Borukhson, Consultant Rheumatologist (GMC 7021928).
Carpal tunnel syndrome has a fairly typical pattern. Features include:
The diagnosis can usually be made from the characteristic symptoms and an examination, sometimes supported by nerve studies. It is also worth checking whether any underlying factor is contributing.
Ultrasound can be used to look at the nerve at the wrist and assess the surrounding structures, supporting the diagnosis. It also allows any injection to be placed accurately. Dr Borukhson uses point-of-care ultrasound during the consultation. You can read more on the ultrasound clinic page.
Treatment depends on how troublesome and long-standing the symptoms are. Milder cases often respond to simple measures such as a wrist splint, particularly at night. Where symptoms persist, an ultrasound-guided injection around the carpal tunnel can relieve them, and ultrasound guidance helps place it precisely. More severe or persistent cases may need referral for consideration of a surgical option. The right approach is discussed with you.
Addressed early, carpal tunnel syndrome often responds well to straightforward measures, and assessing it promptly helps protect the nerve before any weakness develops. If you have tingling or numbness in the hand, especially at night, a specialist review can confirm the cause and set out the options.
A specialist assessment, with ultrasound where helpful, can confirm carpal tunnel syndrome and offer treatment including a guided injection where appropriate
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