Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when pressure from one of the ligaments in the wrist creates enough pressure to affect the blood supply to the nerve for the thumb, index and middle fingers (median nerve). This can result in the sensation of pain, tingling or numbness in these fingers. Symptoms can be worse in the evening or certain activities such as driving, cycling or reading, and may vary between individuals.
Diagnosis is through our consultants taking your medical history, discussing your current symptoms and how they developed and physical examination of your hand and wrist, your elbow and neck may be examined too as these can also be a cause of CTS symptoms. If there is uncertainty you may have an ultrasound scan and you may be asked to have a nerve conduction study (this is a test carried out at a separate time to your consultation by a neurophysiologist).
Treatment options available for the CTS are: