What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist. Causes characteristic numbness, tingling, and sometimes weakness in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger.
Common in repetitive hand-use occupations, pregnancy, diabetes, hypothyroidism. Many cases respond to conservative treatment. Surgery is highly effective for refractory cases.
Do I have carpal tunnel syndrome? Common signs
If most of these describe what you're experiencing, telehealth may be a good next step:
What causes it
Compression of median nerve in the carpal tunnel. Caused by inflammation, fluid retention (pregnancy), repetitive wrist motion, wrist arthritis, diabetes, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis.
Is it contagious?
No.
A simple wrist splint at night fixes more cases than people expect — try it for 4 weeks before considering anything more invasive.
Can it be treated online?
Carpal tunnel evaluation and conservative management are well-suited to telehealth. Severe progressive weakness, thumb muscle atrophy, or symptoms not responding to conservative care benefit from in-person hand surgery or neurology evaluation.
How carpal tunnel syndrome is treated
Wrist splints worn at night (and during repetitive tasks) — first-line, often effective. NSAIDs for inflammation. Activity modification — ergonomics, avoid repetitive flexion. Corticosteroid injection into carpal tunnel for moderate cases (done in office). Carpal tunnel release surgery for severe or refractory cases — highly effective.
Self-care while you wait
- Wear wrist splint at night (and during triggers)
- Ergonomic keyboard/mouse
- Take breaks during repetitive tasks
- Stretch fingers and wrists
- Avoid sleeping on flexed wrist
- Address underlying conditions (thyroid, diabetes)
- Wrist exercises — fist clench/release, finger spreads
- Lose excess weight
How long does it last?
Conservative treatment works for many cases within weeks. Untreated severe cases can lead to permanent nerve damage.
Frequently asked questions
Will a splint really help?
Yes — especially night splints. Many cases significantly improve with 4–6 weeks of consistent use.
Do I need surgery?
Most don't, especially if you start conservative treatment early. Severe cases with weakness benefit from surgery.
How fast does recovery from surgery take?
Endoscopic release: back to most activities in 1–2 weeks. Open release: 4–6 weeks. Numbness/tingling improves quickly; strength takes months.
Can I prevent it?
Ergonomics help. Address risk factors (diabetes, thyroid, weight). Genetic predisposition matters.
Will it come back after surgery?
Recurrence is uncommon (<5%). If symptoms return, re-evaluation needed.
