Main content Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Topic Overview

The bones of the elbow

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is numbness, tingling, weakness, and other problems in your hand because of pressure on the Reference median nerve Opens New Window in your wrist.

The median nerve and several Reference tendons Opens New Window run from your forearm to your hand through a Reference small space in your wrist called the carpal tunnel Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window. The median nerve controls movement and Reference feeling Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window in your thumb and first three fingers (not your little finger).

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Pressure on the median nerve causes carpal tunnel syndrome. This pressure can come from swelling or anything that makes the carpal tunnel smaller. Many things can cause this swelling, including:

Illnesses such as Reference hypothyroidism Opens New Window, Reference rheumatoid arthritis Opens New Window, and Reference diabetes Opens New Window.
Making the same hand movements over and over, especially if the wrist is bent down (your hands lower than your wrists), or making the same wrist movements over and over.
Pregnancy.

What are the symptoms?

Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in the fingers or hand. Some people may have pain in their arm between their hand and their elbow.

Symptoms most often occur in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. If you have problems with your other fingers but your little finger is fine, this may be a sign that you have carpal tunnel syndrome. A different nerve gives feeling to the little finger.

You may first notice symptoms at night. You may be able to get relief by shaking your hand.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask if you have any health problems—such as arthritis, hypothyroidism, or diabetes—or if you are pregnant. He or she will ask if you recently hurt your wrist, arm, or neck. Your doctor will want to know about your daily routine and any recent activities that could have hurt your wrist.

During the exam, your doctor will check the feeling, strength, and appearance of your neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, and hands. Your doctor may suggest tests, such as blood tests or nerve tests.

How is it treated?

Mild symptoms usually can be treated with home care. You can:

Stop activities that cause numbness and pain. Rest your wrist longer between activities.
Ice your wrist for 10 to 15 minutes 1 or 2 times an hour.
Try taking Reference nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Opens New Window to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
Wear a wrist splint at night. This takes pressure off your median nerve.

The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of stopping symptoms and preventing long-term damage to the nerve.

You also may need medicine for carpal tunnel syndrome or for a health problem that made you likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome.

Surgery is an option. But it's usually used only when symptoms are so bad that you can't work or do other things even after several weeks to months of other treatment.

How can you keep carpal tunnel syndrome from coming back?

To keep carpal tunnel syndrome from coming back, take care of your basic health. Stay at a healthy weight. Don't smoke. Exercise to stay strong and flexible. If you have a long-term health problem, such as arthritis or diabetes, follow your doctor's advice for keeping your condition under control.

You can also try to take good care of your wrists and hands:

Try to keep your wrist in a neutral position.
Use your whole hand—not just your fingers—to hold objects.
When you type, keep your wrists straight, with your hands a little higher than your wrists. Relax your shoulders when your arms are at your sides.
If you can, switch hands often when you repeat movements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learning about carpal tunnel syndrome:	Reference What is carpal tunnel syndrome? Opens New Window Reference What causes it? Reference What are the symptoms? Reference How does it progress? Reference What increases my risk of carpal tunnel syndrome? Reference Can I prevent it?
Being diagnosed:	Reference When do I need to see my doctor? Reference How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
Getting treatment:	Reference How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated? Reference How can I take care of my symptoms at home? Reference Are there medicines I can use to treat it? Reference Are there alternative and complementary medical treatments I can try? Reference Are there surgical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome? Opens New Window Should I have surgery? Opens New Window
Ongoing concerns:	Reference How can I prevent carpal tunnel symptoms from coming back?

By:	Reference Healthwise Staff	Last Revised: Reference October 2, 2012
Medical Review:	Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Reference Herbert von Schroeder, MD, MSc, FRCSC - Hand and Microvascular Surgery

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.