Do you feel tingling, numbness, or weakness in your hand especially at night or while using your phone? These could be early signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) — a common condition caused by pressure on a nerve in the wrist. Thankfully, it’s treatable when caught early.

Let’s understand what carpal tunnel syndrome is, how it shows up, and what you can do about it.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Your wrist has a narrow tunnel made of bones and ligaments called the carpal tunnel. Inside this tunnel runs the median nerve, which controls movement and feeling in your thumb and fingers (except the little finger). When this nerve gets compressed, it leads to pain, numbness, and other symptoms.

Common Symptoms of CTS

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome usually develops slowly and gets worse with time if not treated. Here’s what people typically feel:

• 
  Tingling or “pins and needles” in the fingers
• 
  Numbness, especially at night or after using the hand for long
• 
  Pain that may travel up the arm
• 
  Weak grip difficulty holding objects or dropping things often
• 
  Burning sensation in the thumb or palm

These symptoms often start gradually and may seem harmless at first, but they can interfere with work, sleep, and daily tasks if ignored.

Who Is at Risk?

CTS can affect anyone, but certain activities and conditions increase your risk:

• Typing for long hours
• Repetitive hand motions (e.g., knitting, driving, tools)
• Pregnancy (due to swelling)
• Diabetes, thyroid issues, or arthritis
• Previous wrist injuries or fractures

If you experience wrist pain frequently, it’s best to consult a wrist pain doctor in Mumbai or a hand and wrist specialist.

Diagnosis and Treatment

As a hand and wrist specialist in Mumbai, I often begin with a physical examination. We check your hand strength, feeling in the fingers, and any swelling or signs of nerve compression. In some cases, nerve testing or imaging may be advised.

Treatment depends on how severe the condition is.

1. Non-Surgical Options

• Wrist Splints:Wearing a splint at night can reduce pressure on the nerve and improve symptoms.
• Lifestyle Changes:Reducing repetitive motion, taking breaks from typing, and using ergonomic tools help prevent worsening.
• Medication:Anti-inflammatory medicines may be prescribed to reduce swelling.
• Physiotherapy:Certain stretches and strengthening exercises can relieve symptoms.

2. Surgical Option

If symptoms don’t improve with non-surgical care, a small surgery may be needed to release the pressure on the nerve. This is called carpal tunnel release. It’s a short procedure with a high success rate, especially when done early.

As one of the best orthopedic doctors for wrist pain in Mumbai, I use advanced techniques to ensure faster healing and minimal downtime.

When to See a Doctor

If symptoms persist for more than a few weeks or interfere with sleep and daily work, don’t delay seeking help. Early diagnosis means easier treatment and faster relief. As a trusted carpal tunnel treatment specialist in Mumbai, I believe in finding the least invasive yet effective approach for every patient.

Final Word

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is treatable. Listen to your body and don’t ignore wrist pain. With the right care and guidance from a qualified wrist pain doctor in Mumbai, you can get back to living pain-free.

FAQs

Q1: What are early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Early signs include numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, especially at night or while holding objects like a phone or steering wheel.

Q2: Are wrist splints effective for mild CTS?
Yes, wrist splints worn at night are very effective for early-stage CTS. They help keep your wrist straight, reducing pressure on the median nerve.