Carpal tunnel syndrome
pressure on a nerve in your wrist
A common condition that causes a tingling sensation, numbness and possibly pain in the hand and fingers
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Need to know
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What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome? icon plus
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may include:
- numbness in the hand and fingers
- pins and needles
- thumb weakness
- clumsiness with fiddly things
- a dull ache in the hand or arm
These sensations develop gradually and tend to be worse at night.
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How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed? icon plus
Your consultant will assess your ability to use your hand, wrist or arm, and look for signs of weakness in the muscles surrounding your thumb. Holding your wrist elevated or flexing it completely are commonly performed simple tests for carpal tunnel syndrome.
These tests tend to induce the pain, numbness or tingling in your hand associated with the condition. A blood test may also be carried out if your consultant suspects a condition related to carpal tunnel syndrome, such as diabetes, thyroid problems or arthritis. -
Potential treatment options icon plus
In some cases, carpal tunnel syndrome disappears without treatment, or the symptoms reduce by introducing simple prevention measures.
If the problem persists, your treatment may be non-surgical, such as using a wrist splint or steroid (corticosteroid) injections. Alternatively, your consultant may recommend minor surgery on the tight ligament (called the flexor retinaculum) that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel. This stops the nerve from being compressed.
Our carpel tunnel specialists
Our locations
From complex hand and wrist surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional orthopaedic care including hand therapy across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
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HCA UK at The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 1NY
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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Platinum Medical Centre
15 - 17 Lodge Road
London
NW8 7JA
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
Request a hand and wrist appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced hand and wrist consultants. We can also make imaging and outpatient hand therapist appointments for you.