Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) happens when the median nerve—which runs from your forearm into your hand—gets compressed at the wrist. This nerve passes through a narrow space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel, along with tendons that help move your fingers.
When that tunnel gets crowded or inflamed, the nerve gets squeezed—and your hand pays the price.

If CTS is suspected, you will likely be scheduled for a Nerve Conduction Velocity Study (NCV). The results if this are used to make the diagnosis. Basically if the nerve isn't conducting fast enough, it is likely being compressed.

DSYG You’ve Got Carpal Tunnel Syndrome...

How did it happen?

CTS usually doesn’t come out of nowhere. It often builds slowly over time.
Here are some common causes: Repetitive motion (typing, using tools, assembly line work); Poor wrist posture over long periods; Swelling or inflammation from conditions like arthritis, diabetes, or pregnancy; Fluid retention (common in pregnancy or certain medical conditions)

The good news? Many people improve without surgery—especially if it’s caught early.

Conservative treatments include:

Wrist braces (especially at night—to keep the wrist in a neutral position)

Activity changes (avoiding things that worsen symptoms)

Anti-inflammatory meds

Corticosteroid injections

Nerve gliding exercises

If symptoms don’t improve—or if there’s significant weakness or nerve damage—your doctor may recommend Carpal Tunnel Release surgery to take the pressure off the nerve.

When Should You Be Concerned?

🚨 Numbness or tingling that wakes you up at night

🚨 Dropping things because of hand weakness

🚨 Symptoms that aren’t improving with rest or bracing

🚨 Thumb muscle wasting (that dip at the base of your thumb looks like it’s shrinking)

These are signs to follow up with your doctor quickly. The earlier such things are treated, the better the outcome.