Carpal tunnel syndrome

What it is

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve is squeezed as it passes through a tight tunnel at the wrist. It causes numbness, tingling, and sometimes pain in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, often worse at night.

Common symptoms

• Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
• Symptoms that wake you at night, eased by shaking the hand
• Clumsiness or weakness, dropping things
• Aching that can spread up the forearm

What can help

• A night wrist splint, which is often the first step
• Adjusting activities and workstation setup
• Treating contributing conditions such as thyroid problems or diabetes

Where an injection fits

A corticosteroid injection at the wrist can relieve symptoms, often for several months, and can help milder cases or support the diagnosis. It is usually a temporary measure. For symptoms that persist, or if there is constant numbness or wasting of the muscle at the base of the thumb, a small surgical release is the definitive and reliable treatment.

Home exercise program after your injection