Inside your wrist is a small passage called the carpal tunnel. It contains the median nerve, which provides feeling to your thumb, index finger, middle finger and part of your ring finger. It also helps control some of the muscles that move your thumb. Alongside the nerve are several tendons that help bend your fingers.
Imagine the carpal tunnel as a motorway tunnel during peak hour traffic. Now this tunnel doesn’t have much spare capacity as it’s surrounded by a thick ligament and bone. Hence, if the contents inside this tunnel increase in volume something will get squeezed. And that something is the median nerve.When this happens, the nerve cannot work well, leading to symptoms such as tingling, numbness and weakness.
What Causes It?
Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when pressure builds up around the median nerve. There isn’t always one single cause, but certain factors can increase your risk, including:
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Being overweight
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Thyroid problems
- Hormonal changes during menopause
- Previous wrist injuries
Many people believe that using a computer is the main cause of CTS. While long periods of repetitive hand use may aggravate carpal tunnel symptoms, evidence for computer use alone causing CTS is actually inconclusive!
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms often begin gradually and may come and go before becoming more frequent. You may notice:
- Tingling or pins and needles in the thumb, index and middle fingers
- Numbness in your hand
- Pain that may travel into the forearm
- Symptoms that wake you during the night
- Feeling like you need to shake your hand to relieve the tingling
- Difficulty opening jars or gripping objects
- Dropping things more often than usual
If the condition becomes more severe, the muscles at the base of the thumb can become weaker, making everyday tasks more difficult.
When Should You Seek Help?
You should speak to a healthcare professional if:
- Your symptoms continue for several weeks
- Night pain that affects your sleep
- You notice increasing weakness in your hand
- Numbness becomes constant rather than coming and going
Early assessment and treatment can help prevent long-term nerve damage.
How can a Physiotherapist help you?
- Help reduce the pressure and irritation on the median nerve.
- Improve movement of the wrist and hand.
- Restore grip strength and function.
- Modify activities to help you return to your work and daily activities while reducing symptom recurrence.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is much more than a “pinched nerve.” It is a condition influenced by the way the nerve, surrounding tissues and the body interact. If you’re experiencing persistent numbness, tingling or weakness in your hand, speak to your physiotherapist or healthcare provider. A comprehensive assessment can help identify the cause of your symptoms and guide the treatment that’s right for you.
