Carpal Tunnel: What You Need to Know

Waking at night with tingling or numb fingers. Dropping things without warning. A hand that won't grip properly. These are classic signs of carpal tunnel, one of the most common conditions we treat at Hands On Rehabilitation. Many people with mild to moderate symptoms recover well without surgery.

What Is It?

Carpal tunnel happens when the median nerve, one of the main nerves in your hand, gets compressed at the wrist. It passes through a narrow space called the carpal tunnel, alongside nine tendons. When swelling builds up inside that space, due to injury, repetitive movement, fluid retention (like in pregnancy), or certain health conditions, it puts pressure on the nerve.

What Does It Feel Like?

Common signs include:

·        Tingling or numbness in your thumb, index, middle, or ring fingers

·        Pain that wakes you at night or flares up when using your hands (driving, reading, using a phone)

·        Weak grip, clumsiness, or dropping things more often

·        Difficulty with fine tasks like buttons or writing

·        In more advanced cases, muscle shrinkage at the base of the thumb

What Causes It?

Carpal tunnel can be triggered by:

·        Repetitive hand movements (gripping tools, vibrating equipment, repetitive assembly work)

·        Holding the wrist bent for long periods

·        Fluid retention or tendon inflammation

·        Conditions like arthritis or diabetes

·        Pregnancy (often temporary, resolves after delivery)

Often it's a combination of factors rather than one single cause.

How Can We Treat It?

Our approach is tailored to you: your job, your lifestyle, your goals. Non-surgical options include:

Activity adjustments

Small changes to how you hold and use your hands can make a real difference. Avoiding prolonged wrist bending, taking regular breaks, and switching to ergonomic tools all reduce pressure on the nerve.

Splinting

A wrist splint worn at night reduces pressure on the nerve and lets it settle. Some people need to wear one during the day too, particularly during aggravating tasks.

Exercises

Nerve and tendon gliding exercises improve movement and reduce irritation.

Medication or injections

Your GP or medical doctor can prescribe anti-inflammatory medication or arrange a corticosteroid injection to reduce swelling and ease symptoms.

What If Symptoms Don't Improve?

If symptoms persist or worsen, we may refer you to an orthopaedic or plastic surgeon to discuss surgery. Surgery has high success rates, but recovery takes time and support, and that's where we come in.

How We Can Help?

At Hands On Rehabilitation, hand and upper limb injuries are what we do. Our therapists are the experts at managing these injuries and are used to being your first point of contact. You don't need a referral. We can:

·        Assess your symptoms and confirm the diagnosis

·        Make a custom wrist splint

·        Guide you through exercises and activity modifications

·        Refer for nerve conduction studies if needed

·        Refer you to an orthopaedic or plastic surgeon if surgery is the right option

Come in as soon as you can. The earlier we see you, the more we can do.

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