Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral nerve compression condition. It occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the wrist formed by the carpal bones and the transverse carpal ligament.
The median nerve supplies sensation to the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger. It functions to provide motor control to various muscles in the forearm and hand. Median nerve compression, at carpal tunnel level, produces characteristic symptoms of numbness, tingling and pain in the hand. Specialist Hand Therapy is the first-line non-operative treatment for mild to moderate CTS. Hand Therapy rehabilitation is also essential for optimising outcomes following surgical decompression.
What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
- Repetitive hand and wrist movements, particularly sustained gripping, pinching or keyboard use
- Prolonged wrist flexion or extension: common in cyclists, desk workers and manual labourers
- Pregnancy and fluid retention causing swelling within the carpal tunnel
- Hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus and rheumatoid arthritis: systemic conditions associated with CTS
- Wrist fractures and post-traumatic changes narrowing the carpal tunnel
- Idiopathic: no specific identifiable cause in many cases
Signs & symptoms
- Numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers - often worse at night
- Pain in the hand, wrist and forearm, sometimes radiating to the elbow and shoulder
- Waking at night with the need to shake or hang the hand to relieve symptoms
- Weakness and clumsiness of the hand: dropping objects, difficulty with fine-motor tasks
- Wasting (atrophy) of the thenar muscles at the thumb base in severe or long-standing cases
How Hand Therapy can help
Ms Razo provides specialist assessment and evidence-based treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Following a thorough initial assessment, a personalised treatment plan will be developed to address your specific needs and goals.
Ms Razo fits orthoses that aim to relieve pressure on the median nerve, reducing nocturnal symptoms and allowing nerve recovery.
Detailed assessment of provocative activities at work and at home, with practical advice to reduce sustained nerve compression during daily tasks.
Targeted exercises are prescribed to improving symptoms and hand function. The exercises are carefully progressed to avoid overstretching the median nerve, which can worsen symptoms.
Following carpal tunnel decompression surgery, Ms Razo provides specialist rehabilitation addressing wound care, scar management and restoration of hand function.
Frequently asked questions
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Mild to moderate CTS often responds well to Hand Therapy treatment. Studies show that around 50–60% of patients with mild to moderate CTS achieve lasting improvement via non-operative measures.
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Following carpal tunnel decompression, most patients experience relief of nocturnal symptoms almost immediately. Full recovery of sensation and strength can take several weeks to months, particularly if the nerve was significantly compressed before surgery. Specialist Hand Therapy addresses and promotes an efficient return to all home, work and leasure activities of daily living.
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Certain occupational activities, including prolonged vibrating tool use, sustained forceful gripping and repetitive wrist flexion, are recognised risk factors for CTS. If your symptoms are work-related, Ms Razo can provide ergonomic assessment and advice and prepare reports to support occupational health or medico-legal requirements.
Ready to take
the first step?
Book a consultation with Ms Razo and receive a thorough assessment, precise diagnosis and a personal treatment plan.