Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Surgery Guide

By Dashvanth Healthcare Medical Team · Reviewed by Dr. Shahrukh Khan, MS Ortho, DNB Ortho (MAMC/NBE) · East Delhi

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel — a narrow passageway in the wrist. It causes tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers, particularly the thumb, index, and middle fingers.

Causes & Risk Factors

• Repetitive hand movements (typing, assembly work)
• Wrist anatomy — smaller carpal tunnels run in families
• Diabetes, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis
• Pregnancy (fluid retention)
• Wrist fractures

Symptoms

• Tingling or "electric shock" in thumb and first 3 fingers
• Symptoms worse at night and on waking
• Shaking hands for relief (classic sign)
• Weakness — dropping objects, difficulty gripping
• In severe cases: permanent numbness and wasting of thumb muscles

Diagnosis

Clinical tests (Tinel's sign, Phalen's test) combined with nerve conduction study (NCS/EMG) confirm diagnosis and severity.

Treatment

Non-Surgical

• Night splints (neutral wrist position)
• Corticosteroid injections — effective temporary relief
• Activity modification and ergonomic adjustments

Surgical: Carpal Tunnel Release

Dividing the transverse carpal ligament decompresses the median nerve. It is a 20-minute procedure under local anaesthesia — day care, rapid recovery. >90% success rate for eliminating tingling.