What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that affects your hand and wrist. It causes symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness.

Inside your wrist, there is a narrow passage called the carpal tunnel. This tunnel allows tendons and a nerve (called the median nerve) to pass from your forearm to your hand. When this tunnel becomes tight or swollen, it puts pressure on the median nerve, leading to symptoms.

If not treated on time, it can damage the nerve permanently.

What are the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The most common symptoms include:

  • Numbness in the fingers or hand (especially thumb, index, and middle fingers)
  • Tingling sensation (like pins and needles)
  • Pain in the wrist or hand
  • Weak grip strength
  • Difficulty holding objects (phone, pen, cup)

How do symptoms develop?

  • Symptoms usually start slowly
  • Often worse at night
  • May wake you up due to pain or tingling
  • Can become worse during the day with repeated hand use.

What does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome feel like?

People with this condition often describe:

  • A “sleeping” or numb feeling in the hand
  • Tingling like electric shocks
  • Burning or sharp pain inside the wrist
  • Weakness while gripping objects
  • Clumsy hand movements (difficulty buttoning clothes or holding keys)

What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome happens due to pressure on the median nerve.

Common causes include:

  • Repetitive hand movements (typing, writing, tools)
  • Wrist injuries (fracture, sprain)
  • Arthritis
  • Swelling in the wrist
  • Ganglion cysts

Who is at higher risk?

Some people are more likely to develop this condition:

  • People doing repetitive hand work
  • People using vibrating tools
  • Women
  • Adults above 40 years
  • Pregnant women
  • People with family history

Medical conditions that increase risk:

  • Diabetes
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Obesity
  • Gout

What are the complications?

If not treated early, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can cause:

  • Permanent nerve damage
  • Loss of sensation in fingers
  • Weak hand function
  • Difficulty in daily activities

How is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose it through:

  • Physical examination
  • Asking about symptoms

Common tests include:

  • Tinel’s sign test
  • Phalen’s test
  • X-ray
  • EMG (Electromyography)
  • Ultrasound
  • MRI

What are the treatment options?

  1. Non-surgical treatments (first step): Most people improve with simple treatments:
    • Wrist splint (especially at night).
    • Physical therapy to strengthen muscles.
    • Work posture changes.
    • Pain relief medicines.
    • Corticosteroid injections.
  2. Surgery: If symptoms are severe or don’t improve:
    • Carpal tunnel release surgery is done.
    • It relieves pressure on the nerve.
    • Usually a day-care (same-day discharge) procedure.

How long does recovery take?

  • Mild cases improve in a few weeks
  • Non-surgical treatment takes time but works gradually
  • Surgery recovery usually takes 1–2 months

Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome be prevented?

You can reduce the risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by:

  • Taking breaks during repetitive work
  • Maintaining proper posture
  • Stretching hands and wrists regularly
  • Using ergonomic tools
  • Avoiding excessive strain

Can it heal on its own?

Sometimes mild cases may improve with rest.

However, most cases need proper treatment.

Ignoring symptoms can lead to permanent damage, so it’s important to consult a doctor early.

When should you see a doctor?

You should seek medical help if you notice:

  • Persistent numbness or tingling
  • Hand weakness
  • Difficulty holding objects
  • Pain that worsens over time

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons who provide accurate diagnosis and both non-surgical and surgical treatment options including nerve decompression and carpal tunnel release procedures. Our Orthopedics and Neurology team has decades of experience in successfully treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

Request an Appointment
Mon - Sat 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM IST

Our Experts

Awards & Accreditations