What it is
The median nerve passes through a tight tunnel at the wrist. When it is compressed, the thumb, index and middle fingers tingle and go numb, classically waking you in the small hours.
How it usually presents
- Night-time tingling relieved by shaking the hand
- Numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers
- Dropping small objects, weak pinch grip
How it is assessed
Examination with nerve tests, and nerve conduction studies to confirm the diagnosis and severity.
Treatment options
- Night splints and activity modification
- Steroid injection
- Carpal tunnel decompression, a short day-case procedure
Non-surgical treatment is considered first wherever it is reasonable. Which option suits you depends on your symptoms, your goals and what you want from treatment, which is exactly what we discuss in clinic.
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