Numbness and tingling in the hand, worst at night — and what can be done before surgery is on the table.
What Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Is
The median nerve passes through a narrow tunnel at the wrist, bounded by bone and a tough ligament. When pressure rises in that space, the nerve is compressed and symptoms follow a characteristic pattern: numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger — but not the little finger, which is supplied by a different nerve.
The most recognisable feature is night symptoms. People wake with a numb, tingling hand and shake it out to relieve it. That happens because we tend to sleep with wrists flexed, which raises pressure in the tunnel.
As it progresses, symptoms appear during the day with gripping, driving or holding a phone, and grip strength or thumb pad muscle bulk can be affected.
What Conservative Treatment Involves
Night splinting
The single most effective conservative measure. A neutral wrist splint at night keeps pressure in the tunnel low. See therapeutic bracing.
Nerve gliding
Specific movements that help the median nerve move freely through the tunnel and along its course.
Activity and load review
Grip force, wrist position, vibration exposure and hours — see ergonomic assessment.
Neck screening
Median nerve symptoms can be referred from the neck. Assessment checks this rather than assuming the wrist.
Soft tissue work
Forearm muscle tension often accompanies it and responds to treatment.
Hand therapy
Where function and strength need rebuilding — see occupational therapy.
When to Escalate
Conservative treatment works well for mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome, particularly when it is caught early. There are situations where waiting is not the right choice.
See a physician promptly if you have constant numbness rather than intermittent, visible wasting of the muscle at the base of the thumb, or progressive weakness. Prolonged severe compression can cause permanent change, and surgical release has good outcomes when it is indicated.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is also associated with pregnancy, diabetes, thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis. If it appeared alongside other symptoms, that is worth mentioning to your physician.
Coverage & Direct Billing
We direct bill Alberta Blue Cross, Great-West Life, Sun Life Financial, Cowan Insurance Group, Manulife Financial, Maximum Benefit, Desjardins, Johnson Insurance and Green Shield Canada. We also handle WCB claims and motor vehicle accident claims directly.
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Book an Appointment in Camrose
Waking with a numb hand? Book an assessment — early treatment is considerably more effective.
Central Physiotherapy & Massage · 6028 48 Avenue, Camrose, AB · (780) 673-0573
Monday to Thursday 8:30am–7:00pm · Friday 8:30am–5:00pm