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Carpal tunnel syndrome
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Condition

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition characterized by pain, numbness, and tingling in the wrist and hand caused by compression of the median nerve.

Overview

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disorder caused by disturbances in nerve function (neuropathy), leading to pain and numbness or tingling (paresthesia) primarily in the wrist and hand. It most often affects people between the ages of 40 and 60. While it can affect one hand, in more than half of cases, both hands are involved.

Symptoms

  • Pain or paresthesia in the wrist, palm, and the first four fingers.
  • Symptoms often develop during sleep and are noticeable upon waking.
  • The flick sign: A characteristic movement of shaking the hand to relieve pain and numbness.
  • Difficulty performing manual tasks such as typing, driving, or fastening buttons.
  • Muscle and nerve wasting (atrophy) in the affected hand over time.

Causes & Risk Factors

The condition occurs when the median nerve is pinched within the carpal tunnel, a narrow canal at the wrist. Factors contributing to this compression include:

  • Inflammation of connective tissues.
  • Accumulation of fluids (edema), particularly during pregnancy.
  • Hormonal changes or metabolic conditions.
  • Physical stress or trauma to the wrist.
  • Anatomical variations, such as a naturally narrower carpal tunnel.

While often idiopathic (unknown cause), the condition can be associated with obesity, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and hypothyroidism.

Inheritance

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a complex condition and is usually not inherited. However, having a close relative with the condition may increase an individual's risk. When it occurs as part of a larger genetic syndrome, it follows the inheritance pattern of that specific syndrome.

Frequently Asked Questions

First‑line options include wrist splinting in neutral position, especially at night; activity modification (breaks during repetitive tasks, ergonomic keyboards/mouse); anti‑inflammatory measures such as NSAIDs; and a short course of corticosteroid injection into the carpal tunnel for moderate inflammation. Physical therapy focusing on nerve gliding exercises can also provide relief.
Seek evaluation if symptoms persist beyond a few weeks, worsen at night, cause weakness (e.g., dropping objects), or are accompanied by muscle wasting in the thenar eminence. Sudden loss of sensation, severe pain, or signs of infection/trauma require urgent assessment.
Recurrence occurs in 5‑10 % of cases, often due to scar tissue, incomplete release, or ongoing risk factors (obesity, diabetes, repetitive strain). Post‑operative hand therapy, maintaining ergonomic work habits, weight control, and managing underlying conditions (e.g., glucose control) reduce the chance of repeat compression.
Severity is gauged by symptom duration, nerve conduction study results (prolonged distal latency, reduced amplitude), and functional impact. Persistent symptoms despite 6‑12 weeks of optimal conservative therapy, evidence of median‑nerve denervation on EMG, or thenar muscle atrophy typically prompt referral for carpal tunnel release surgery.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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