Your care path
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on the median nerve as it passes through a narrow tunnel in the wrist. It causes numbness, tingling, and sometimes weakness in the thumb and first fingers, and it is one of the most common nerve compression problems in adults. Symptoms often start at night and gradually appear during daily activities.
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Recognize it
Common signs of carpal tunnel syndrome:
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger
- Symptoms that wake you at night or appear when driving or holding a phone
- Shaking the hand to "wake it up"
- Weak grip or dropping objects
- In advanced cases, visible thinning of the muscle at the base of the thumb
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Know when to act
Mild or recent symptoms are typically treated first with a night splint, activity adjustments, and sometimes a steroid injection. See a physician sooner if numbness becomes constant, grip weakens, or thumb muscle bulk shrinks, long-standing nerve compression recovers less completely. A hand surgeon can confirm the diagnosis, often with a nerve study, and advise whether release surgery makes sense.
Sudden numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or inability to bear weight can be an emergency. Call 911.
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See the right specialist
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is treated by a hand surgeon. Describe your symptoms and we'll match you to the best-fit surgeons near you.
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Understand your options
Treatments a surgeon may discuss:
Many people improve without surgery. Your surgeon will start there when it's an option.
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Prepare & book
Bring the right questions and records so your visit counts. Our free tool builds you a personalized visit-prep sheet, then helps you book.
This is general guidance, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician. In an emergency, call 911.