How is carpal tunnel syndrome treated?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through a narrow space at the wrist. This can cause hand numbness, tingling, wrist discomfort or a weak grip, often during sleep or repetitive hand use. Treatment depends on symptom pattern, examination findings and whether the nerve shows signs of ongoing impairment.

A neutral-position wrist splint, particularly during sleep, can limit positions that narrow the tunnel. Adjusting keyboard, tool or gripping tasks may reduce repeated wrist bending; regular pauses and a relaxed grip can help. Physiotherapy may address wrist movement, tendon and nerve mobility, forearm loading and practical work changes. A cortisone injection can offer short-term symptom relief for selected people, but it does not always provide lasting control. If numbness, weakness or nerve findings continue, carpal tunnel release can create more space for the nerve. The choice should follow a clinical assessment.

Arrange assessment if numbness keeps waking you, affects driving or work, or makes you drop objects. Seek earlier review for constant numbness, increasing weakness, visible wasting at the base of the thumb, or symptoms that are spreading or not responding to a wrist splint. Sudden weakness of the whole arm, facial changes or speech trouble requires emergency care because it may not be carpal tunnel syndrome.

Ask whether your symptoms fit median nerve compression or another condition, whether nerve testing is useful, and how long to try a splint or therapy. Discuss injection benefits and limits, and what recovery from release surgery would involve for your work and hand use.