Numbness, tingling or pain in your hand that wakes you at night, often in the thumb and first few fingers, is a classic sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. It is the most common nerve-compression problem of the hand.
The good news is that many people with mild to moderate symptoms improve with simple conservative steps. Here is what carpal tunnel syndrome is, why it happens, what helps, and when to seek further care.
- What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
- What does carpal tunnel feel like?
- Who tends to get it?
- What actually helps carpal tunnel?
- Does a night splint really help?
- When should you see a physio or doctor?
- Helping You Perform at Your Best
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through a narrow tunnel at the wrist. It is the most common nerve-entrapment problem of the hand and is fairly common in the general population, affecting an estimated 5% of people, and it is more common in women.
What does carpal tunnel feel like?
Typical symptoms include numbness, tingling, pins and needles or pain in the thumb, index, middle and part of the ring finger. A hallmark is being woken at night, and many people find themselves shaking the hand to relieve it. Symptoms can also flare with activities like driving, holding a phone or gripping.
Who tends to get it?
Carpal tunnel is more common in women and can be associated with repetitive hand use, pregnancy and certain health conditions. Often it is a combination of factors rather than a single cause.
What actually helps carpal tunnel?
Many people with mild to moderate symptoms improve with conservative care. A typical approach may include:
- A wrist splint, especially worn at night
- Advice on activity, posture and hand use
- Gentle exercises where appropriate
- Reviewing contributing factors
If symptoms are more severe or do not respond, your health professional can discuss further options.
Does a night splint really help?
For night-time symptoms, yes, it is a recommended first step. A wrist splint that keeps the wrist in a neutral position reduces pressure on the median nerve while you sleep, which is when symptoms often bite. Splinting at night for a period is a common and reasonable starting point for mild to moderate carpal tunnel.
When should you see a physio or doctor?
See a physio or doctor if your symptoms are persistent, disturbing your sleep, or affecting your hand use. Seek prompt assessment if you have constant numbness, noticeable weakness or wasting of the muscles at the base of the thumb, or rapidly worsening symptoms, as these may need further investigation.
Helping You Perform at Your Best
Carpal tunnel symptoms can be wearing, especially when they disturb your sleep and affect your grip and daily tasks.
At Ace Sports Medicine in Upper Mount Gravatt, our physiotherapists provide personalised care for carpal tunnel and wrist and hand symptoms across Brisbane's southside. Your first appointment includes an assessment and a starter plan.
Need support for hand numbness or wrist pain? Book an appointment with the Ace Sports Medicine team today.
