Carpal tunnel syndrome
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common nerve condition that affects how your hand works. It happens when the median nerve is squeezed as it passes through a narrow opening in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. This tunnel also holds the tendons that curl your fingers. Because this tunnel is narrow, any swelling can pinch the nerve and cause pain. Without treatment, the nerve can be damaged over time. This damage can cause permanent weakness, numbness, and tingling in your hand.
At Penn Medicine, you'll find expert care for carpal tunnel syndrome from our peripheral nerve care specialists and hand and wrist pain experts. Our teams offer a full range of nonsurgical options, including physical therapy and occupational therapy services, and work closely across specialties to guide your care. If surgery is needed, orthopaedic surgeons provide minimally invasive and advanced reconstructive options. This collaborative approach connects you to complete care and helps create a plan that’s right for you.
How carpal tunnel syndrome can affect your hand
Symptoms often start slowly and may affect one or both hands.
Common symptoms include:
- Numbness or tingling in your palm, thumb, and first few fingers
- Pain in your hand or wrist that may travel up to your elbow
- Feeling clumsy when you try to grip objects
- Trouble with fine movements, like buttoning a shirt
- Weakness in your grip or trouble carrying bags
- Loss of muscle under the thumb in advanced cases
Tests used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome
If carpal tunnel syndrome is suspected, your provider will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. They’ll check your grip strength and look for signs of weakness. During the visit, they may tap on your wrist or ask you to bend it forward for 60 seconds to see if it triggers tingling or numbness (Phalen test). Imaging or nerve tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions, like arthritis, and to evaluate how well the nerves and muscles are working.
Care for carpal tunnel syndrome
Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome often starts with nonsurgical options. Your care team might suggest wearing wrist splints, taking anti-inflammatory medicines, or making changes to your workplace setup. Exercises, stretches, and corticosteroid injections may also help ease symptoms. If these steps don’t help, or if nerve pressure is causing muscle loss or increasing weakness, surgery may be recommended.