KR
1
1
Mild severity
· Neurology
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Pinched median nerve at the wrist
The median nerve is compressed at the wrist by swollen tendons, causing thumb and finger tingling, especially at night.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Common in typists, post-menopause
- Typical age
- 30–60 years
- Outlook
- Often curable
- System
- Brain
Reviewed by a verified Neurology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Repetitive wrist use
- Pregnancy, hypothyroidism
- Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis
- Obesity
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Tingling in thumb, index, middle finger
- Worse at night, wakes from sleep
- Weak grip, dropping objects
- Pain shooting up the arm
- Thumb base muscle wasting (late)
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Night wrist splints
- Ergonomic adjustments
- Steroid injection at wrist
- Carpal tunnel release surgery
- Treat underlying cause
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Ergonomic keyboard and mouse
- Break every 30 min
- Manage weight, treat diabetes / thyroid
- Avoid sleeping on wrist
Do’s
- Wear night splint
- Stretch wrists and fingers
- Treat hypothyroidism
- Surgery if numbness persists
Don’ts
- Push through severe night pain
- Ignore thumb muscle wasting
- Use vibrating tools long-term
- Self-treat with steroid creams
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all neurology doctors Top 4 doctors for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.