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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on a nerve at the wrist, leading to numbness, tingling and pain in the hand. It is common and often responds well to simple treatment.
Causes & risk factors
- Repetitive hand or wrist movements
- Pregnancy (fluid retention)
- Diabetes and thyroid problems
- Wrist injury or arthritis
- Being overweight
- Sometimes no clear cause
Common symptoms
- Numbness and tingling in the hand
- Symptoms worse at night
- Pain in the hand or wrist
- Weak grip or dropping things
- Tingling in the thumb and first fingers
Tests & diagnosis
- Clinical diagnosis (history and exam)
- Nerve conduction study
- Thyroid function
- Blood sugar
Treatment & management
- A wrist splint, especially worn at night
- Adjusting activities that aggravate it
- Treating underlying causes such as thyroid problems or diabetes
- Steroid injection in some cases
- A minor surgery to release the nerve if symptoms persist
When to see a doctor urgently
- Constant numbness or a wasting, weakening hand — get reviewed (nerve damage risk)
- Symptoms disturbing sleep most nights
- Weak grip or difficulty with fine tasks
- Symptoms not improving with a splint
Frequently asked questions
Will carpal tunnel go away on its own?
Mild cases, especially in pregnancy, can settle. Otherwise a night splint and activity changes help many people, while persistent or severe symptoms may need an injection or a small operation.
Why is it worse at night?
The wrist tends to bend during sleep, increasing pressure on the nerve, which is why tingling and pain often wake people. A splint that keeps the wrist straight can help.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.